Trust Policies

Supporters' meetings

Health and safety

1st March 2009

Grantham Canal Society visit

Seth Ellis co-ordinator Pete Ramsell recently had contact from the Grantham Canal Society following reports they had received about the "excellence" of the trip boat operation in Retford. The Society was interested in expanding their canal activities and a trip boat was high on their agenda, but they wanted first hand knowledge of a successful venture and approached Pete to give the Seth Ellis the once over to help them decide on how to proceed.

Accompanied by Steve Thompson, who had also been in on the Seth Ellis project right from the start, Pete met with GCS chair Mike Stone and vice-chairman John Brydon at Retford Mariner's Club to show them over the SE and talk about the build and operation of the boat. Pete emphasised how much it was a team operation and the importantance of acquiring a good crew and also explained how we went about building the business through advertising, word of mouth and news articles.

Both Mike and John were highly impressed with what they saw and the variety of trips we are able to make. Food for thought for the Grantham Canal Society; we wish them every success in the project.

28th February 2009

Memorial to John Varley

The Rt. Hon. Kevin Barron, MP for Rother Valley, unveiled a plaque dedicated to John Varley on Saturday 28th February in the presence of the Mayor and Mayoress of Rotherham. The plaque is on the wall of The Old School House at Harthill near Rotherham. In a short speech, Mr. Barron praised the work of the Chesterfield Canal Trust and urged support for the final few miles of restoration.

John Varley was the chief on-site engineer for the building of the Chesterfield Canal from 1769 to 1778. He is one of the forgotten heroes of the early Industrial Revolution.

The canal runs between Chesterfield and the River Trent at West Stockwith. During construction, John Varley would have been constantly riding on horseback up and down the 46 miles of canal supervising the works. The most difficult part would have been the Norwood Tunnel. This was more than one and a half miles long. It took four years to dig. At the time it was the longest canal tunnel in the country.

John Varley later worked on canals in the Nottingham, Leicester and Huddersfield areas. He died exactly 200 years ago in February 1809 and is buried at All Saints Church, Harthill.

The ceremony is part of the build up to the Chesterfield Canal Festival, incorporating the I.W.A. Campaign Rally, that will take place at Kiveton Park from May 23rd to 25th.

25th February 2009

The Chesterfield Canal Festival - Kiveton Park 2009

The 2009 I.W.A. National Campaign Rally is to be held at Kiveton Park, near Worksop, over the Spring Bank Holiday, 23rd to 25th May. Between 10,000 and 15,000 visitors are expected to enjoy a large range of activities both on the water and along the towpath. There will be entertainment for children and adults plus food and drink. Many boaters have already booked, but there is still time for more. Any waterways organisations or traders who have not yet reserved space for a stall should email Dr. Geraint Coles at geraint.coles@derbyshire.gov.uk or write to Rod Auton at The Parish Rooms, Church Street, Eckington, S21 4BH.

The rally is hosted by the Chesterfield Canal Trust and Chesterfield Canal Partnership with the support of the Inlands Waterways Association, British Waterways, the Land Reclamation Trust and the local community.

January 3, 2009

The cruising season for the Trust's two trip boats has been extended for a number of years now since the introduction of the Santa Special trips for young and not-so-young passengers. The work involved in putting on the trips is fairly intensive with promotion and publicity matters to be arranged, Santa to be booked, launches to be organised, gifts to be bought and wrapped, mulled wine mixed, mince pies produced and crews press-ganged. But it all gets done and another successful season is enjoyed by the many visitors to the two boats.

A hearty thanks then to all who helped in any way to make the 2008 Santa Specials so successful for the Trust. Slightly in excess of 1100 passengers were carried, mainly over the four weekends and many favourable comments were received expressing satisfaction for a most enjoyable pre-Christmas experience.

Let's hope for a repeat later this year.

December 24, 2008

Site work underway for the proposed Chesterfield Waterside development

Photo 006 shows preliminary site work underway for the proposed Chesterfield Waterside development, where eventually a new section of canal and terminus basin will appear. The "crooked spire" indicates just how close the restoration work will take the canal towards Chesterfield town centre. Click on all photos to enlarge.

Photo 0031 shows that major bridge construction work at Hartington, near Staveley. The work is part of the new link road to Junction 29a of the M1 motorway and a new section of canal can be seen; this will extend the canal in Derbyshire beyond its existing terminus at Mill Green. Unfortunately next major obstacle is immediately beyond the new bridge, where locks will be needed to get under the railway line.

Photo 037 shows work well advanced at Renishaw, where approaching a mile of canal should be ready by summer 09; this will be an isolated section of water for the time being.

November 17, 2008

Christmas trips start on 29th November

The rain managed to hold off for just about long enough for Santa and the crew of the Seth Ellis at Retford to publicise the forthcoming Santa specials. A specially invited group of local dignitaries, children and grandchildren were guests on board the boat and the younger members received some pre-Christmas goodies from the generous bearded man in red.

Seasonal musical accompaniment was provided by Seth Ellis skipper David Morris and his son Daniel on cornet and euphonium respectively.

Christmas trips proper start on 29th November and run up to 21st December. Advanced booking is essential. Phone Pete or Vicki on 01246 280660 for more information or to reserve your places.

2008 bookings now being taken for Seth Ellis and John Varley.

July 27, 2008

SATURDAY 4th OCTOBER 2008
" Following The Pilgrim Fathers !"

New walk added. More...

July 22, 2008

Photos from the Canal Camp at Renishaw in June online

These are weekend digs with WRGNW / LondonWRG at Renishaw.

• Chesterfield Canal 21st June 2008 to 28th June 2008
  Building of bridge narrows at Miner's Crossing, Renishaw, in preparation for construction of footbridge to allow restoration of canal to progress.

Older photos can be found here:

• London WRG - Chesterfield Canal - Renishaw 31st May 2008 to 1st June 2008
  Work carried out by London WRG , WRGNW and members of the Chesterfield Canal Trust at Miners Crossing south of Renishaw. Work involved forming the concrete footings for building of block walls (started on the Sunday) during subsequent weekends, and upcoming WRG Canal Camp later in June. Additional tasks were fishing rubbish by Barlborough Road Bridge, and painting the container.
  
  
• WRGNW - Chesterfield Canal - Renishaw 3rd May 2008 to 4th May 2008
  Work carried out by WRG NW and members of the Chesterfield Canal Trust at Miners Crossing south of Renishaw. Work involved setting up the site compound and boundary fence around the excavations for foundations for new footbridge over canal. Removal of roots from offside of channel (from January) also completed.
  
  
• WRGNW - Chesterfield Canal - Renishaw 12th January 2008 to 13th January 2008
  Work carried out by WRG NW and members of the Chesterfield Canal Trust on the wet section of the canal south from the gauging chamber at Renishaw. Work involved the clearance of trees (including roots) from the offside of the canal channel, and final demolition of the spill-weir wall commenced during the summer WRG camp

July 15, 2008

Heritage weekend special offer

To coincide with the annual Heritage event in September 2008, the crew of the Seth Ellis would like to invite you to join them on a series of special cruises along our own heritage trail, the Chesterfield Canal.

More...

June 25, 2008

Retford Ride 'n Ramble

THURSDAY 14 AUGUST. Please see our forthcoming events page.

June 16, 2008

Seth Ellis new format public trips

Starting late June 2008, we'll be changing our public trips. Instead of just staying 'on the flat', we'll be doing trips with locks...

Because people want to experience what it's like to go up and down locks as well as having a cruise on the 'level', our Saturday public trips will now depart from outside the Bay Tree on Carolgate in Retford and go up through Retford Town and West Retford locks before returning. This not only makes the trips that bit longer, but you'll also get to go up and down two locks.

These trips are available most Saturdays from 1pm, 3.50 adults, 3.00 children, starting 28th June lasting 45 minutes. Santa Specials and Charter Day trips will continue to be the shorter 30 minute trips out to Leverton Road bridge and back to enable us to cope with the high demand we experience.

June 13, 2008

Seth Ellis navigates whole of connected section of Chesterfield canal

The Seth Ellis has now navigated the whole of the connected section of the Chesterfield canal. On Monday 9th June, a crew consisting of Pete Ramsell, Peter Piper, Richard and Janet Russell and David Morris took the Seth Ellis together with a group of passengers from a cruising club, from the base at Retford all the way to West Stockwith. Peter Piper had the honour of navigating Seth Ellis under the road and into West Stockwith basin. The return trip was made with a the same passengers and a different crew the following day.

In July the crew will be taking Seth Ellis back up to Kiveton for Boats and Boots in conjunction with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council. So, apart from the short stretch between Kiveton and the Norwood tunnel eastern portal, Seth Ellis will cover the complete connected canal this year. Where to next year, we wonder?!

April 17, 2008

Meetings at Wales Jubilee Social Club

A meeting was held on 9th April at Wales Jubilee Social Club for members and friends from Kiveton and surrounding areas.

About 40 people attended and enjoyed a presentation with slides by Geraint Coles re the latest development plans for the restoration of the remaining 9 miles.

A further meeting has been arranged at the same venue on Thursday 8th May at 8pm when John Lower will present a slide show.

April 11, 2008

Restoration at Renishaw

Restoration is actually starting on another mile of canal at Renishaw.

More...

January 30, 2008

PROMOTIONS AND EXHIBITIONS GROUP EVENTS 2008

• MONDAY MAY 5^TH RETFORD CHARTER DAY ALL DAY
• SAT/SUN MAY 10^TH/11^TH TAPTON LOCK EXHIBITION SITE ALL DAY
• WED/THU JUNE 4^TH/5^TH IWAC COUNCIL MEETING 2HRS ON 1 DAY
• SAT JULY 5^TH WALES/KIVETON CARNIVAL ALL DAY
• SUN JULY 6^TH KILLAMARSH ANNUAL GALA ALL DAY
• FRI/SAT JULY 11^TH/12^TH "BOATS & BOOTS" KIVETON ALL DAY
• SUN JULY 13^TH HARTHILL CARNIVAL ALL DAY
• SUN JUL 27^TH TAPTON LOCK CANAL CAPERS ALL DAY
• TBA SHIREOAKS CARNIVAL ALL DAY
• TBA MISTERTON CARNIVAL ALL DAY
• SAT-MON AUG 23^RD-25^TH IWA NATIONAL, WOLVERHAMPTON ALL DAY
• 3 DAYS
• SAT/SUN SEPT 6^TH/7^TH ROTHERHAM SHOW ALL DAY
• THU SAT OCT 30^TH CHESTERFIELD MARKET ALL DAY
• NOV 1^ST FESTIVAL 3 DAYS

ALL DAY USUALLY MEANS FROM ABOUT 10.00AM 4 OR 5PM PLUS SETUP/TAKE DOWN TIME.

YOUR "VOLUNTEER TIME" CAN BE ALL OR PART OF ANY DAY/DAYS

YOU ARE WELCOME TO DO AS MANY OR AS FEW EVENTS AS YOU WISH REMEMBER, YOUR "VOLUNTEER TIME" STARTS FROM WHEN YOU LEAVE HOME IT IS ALL VALUABLE TO US!!

OTHER EVENTS TBA AS THEY OCCUR.

January 29/30, 2008

Events page updates

The Events page has been updated with new walks for 2008.

More...

January 12, 2008

Meeting to bring together Trust members and interested residents

A meeting was held on January 10 at the Rum Runner, Wharf Lane, Retford to bring together members of the Trust, and other interested people resident in the area.

It was attended by 29 people, mostly members and chaired by Pete Ramsell. After the initial welcome, Trust Chairman Keith Ayling spoke briefly on behalf of the Trust.

Various topics relating to the Seth Ellis trip boat were discussed and Steve Thompson explained the plans for using the new Trust Trailer for promotions and exhibitions.

The next topic related to the problems of rubbish constantly found floating in the canal and thus spoiling an otherwise excellent amenity enjoyed by so many. A clean-up campaign is being arranged.

The last main subject was the idea of a Retford Boats and Boots event, that is, a guided walk in one direction returning by boat. This was greeted with enthusiasm. The meeting closed at 9.35pm after agreeing to continue holding these meetings in their present format for the time being. Those attending expressed their appreciation of the opportunity to get together.

The next meeting will be held on 31.1.08 at 7.30pm in the same venue. Dr. Geraint Coles will be guest speaker.

January 11, 2008

Web site for the Seth Ellis

David Morris has set up a web site for the Seth Ellis which will primarily be used to hold crew- related information (procedures etc) but will feature a little bit of history and information about the boatand hopefully it will be expanded to hold more information about our cruising area around Retford.

December 13, 2007

WE Win!

Sustrans Connect2 50m bid, which includes extensive footpath improvements and linkages to and around the Chesterfield Canal, has emerged as the winner after the closure of the national phoneline voting on December 10th.

Up against strong competition from three other schemes (two of which also included canal elements) the Sustrans bid will encourage more people to enjoy the freedom of the countryside around the Chesterfield Canal in Sheffield, Derbyshire and Rotherham by foot, cycle and on horseback.

The scheme includes a new safe walking link from the terminus of Sheffield's Supertram at Halfway to the Chesterfield Canal and Trans - Pennine Trail at Killamarsh, which will link into the new Killamarsh Greenway which follows the towpath of the canal through the village.

December 7th 2007

VOLUNTARY RESTORATION UPDATE

Mill Green Restoration project latest

As we are now well into our second year of works on the south side of Mill Green Bridge were a section of canal walling had become unstable and eventually collapsed into the canal works have now almost being completed...

More on the Volunteer Restoration Project page

November 29, 2007

New photos on Volunteer Restoration Project page

We have three new photos from Mick Hodgetts on our Volunteer Restoration Project page

November 26, 2007

Chesterfield Canal challenges for dog walkies award!

The Chesterfield Canal is in line for top spot in a nationwide trawl for the favourite dog walk! Already in the top 40 nationwide, you can make us tops by voting on www.21topdogwalks.co.uk

Votes must be in by November 30th.

November 20, 2007

Canal Trust / Partnerships new Promotions Trailer

Making its debut at the IWA 2007 National Boat Festival was the Canal Trust/Partnerships Promotions Trailer. It had been hoped to have the X25 available much earlier in the season but production delays meant the promotions team had to wait until August to try out the latest acquisition.

The trailer is 2.5m long with side-opening doors but the Trust has taken the option to extend the doors to give more than 5 metres exterior fullheight display area. A major feature is the incorporation of a multi-media unit offering video/digital presentations and exterior large format body graphics promoting the Canal as a Waterway For All. An awning extends the working area and disabled access is via a portable ramp. The X25 is a most impressive unit with lighting, storage, leaflet distribution and exhibition facilities which are readily set up by one or two people in a matter of minutes.

The X25 ready for the road after hitching (Photo J. Lower)

Externally the trailers graphic work depicts various aspects of the Chesterfield Canal as a Waterway For All whilst the panels display information about the Trust and Partnership, restoration progress to date, work remaining to complete the Staveley to Kiveton section of canal and how visitors can become involved. Inside the X25 is a route map of the Canals 46 miles. The map runs along two walls showing features along the navigation.

The unit is towed by a medium-sized vehicle and represents a tremendous advance on any promotional/display facility previously used by the Trust.

The Trust is currently looking at naming suggestions for the Promotions Trailer. Presently there is the John Varley crew, the Seth Ellis crew, the work party etc. The trailer purchase has meant the need to describe similarly the volunteer group working with the X25. It has been decided, therefore, the trailer requires a name to be attached to the exterior. Suitable suggestions are being requested to the Editor of Cuckoo so please join in and send your thoughts in time for the next Cuckoo due early spring 2008.

Norwood Awake October 2007. (Photo A. James)

November 19, 2007

Canal Trust Santa Publicity Trip 2007

Saturday, 17th November and Santa makes a special appearance in Retford on board the Seth Ellis trip boat for the Chesterfield Canal Trust to publicise the forthcoming Santa trips which start in December.

2007 bookings now being taken for Seth Ellis and John Varley.

Santa, Santa, give us a wave on board the Seth Ellis (David Morris)

Local VIPs, related children and tripboat skipper Tony Winfrow on board of the Seth Ellis (David Morris)

November 4, 2007

Volunteers from the Chesterfield sub-aqua club assist CCT restoration working party by installing stop planks at Hollingwood Lock prior to pumping out the lock for work on the bottom gates.

October 23, 2007

Page updates:

Chairman's message 2008

Along The Towpath

And Sales Co-ordinator Situation vacant

October 23, 2007

Light at the end of the Tunnel? October 13th 2007

Since the re-opening of Rotherham’s part of the Chesterfield Canal in 2003, attention has been drawn to the next big obstacle - the collapsed Norwood Tunnel. This 2880yd tunnel (opened in 1775) took the canal east - west from Wales in Rotherham into Derbyshire above the village of Killamarsh. Exactly a hundred years ago, on October 18th 1907, the tunnel finally collapsed and has lain undisturbed since then.

Using 85k granted by Regional Development Agency Yorkshire Forward, the Chesterfield Canal Partnership has commissioned consultant engineers Arup to answer the question ‘How can we forge the missing link on the canal to join Rotherham with Derbyshire once again?’. The emerging solution was spelt out at a ceremony attended by members of the Chesterfield Canal Partnership at the eastern portal of the closed Norwood Tunnel near Kiveton Park on Saturday October 13th. The chairs of Wales, Harthill, Anston and Killamarsh Parish Councils attended, along with the chair of the Kiveton Park and Wales Community Development Trust.

Partnership members celebrate the Arup report above the eastern portal of Norwood Tunnel.

Although an official draft of the study for local debate will not be available until later this year, consultants Arup’s work so far suggests a radical solution - forget about a tunnel - let’s go up and over the hill on the surface! This is close to the 18th century canal engineer , James Brindley’s original solution, which involved a very much shorter tunnel at 630 yards, than the one finally constructed.

Under the new proposals about 500 yards of the tunnel at the eastern end will remain underground, before being lifted by two canal locks to ground level. The canal will cross the former Kiveton Park Colliery site, then rise by a series of locks to the summit. Although today the M1 motorway crosses the summit level above the former tunnel, a farm access and footpath which can be adapted to include the canal will allow a way under. More new locks will allow the descent through Norwood to join the top of the existing, although derelict, Norwood flight of locks, then on to Killamarsh following a new route through the Rother Valley Country Park.

We must wait for the publication of the report for more details, but the prospect of a completely new canal for south Rotherham is an exciting development, as well as solving the most difficult engineering problem the whole restoration project faces - the long collapsed Norwood Tunnel.

Canal Trust members provided boat trips on the summit pound 12-14 October.

October 1, 2007

Canal reopens at Chesterfield

Following the successful repair to the canal breach at Tinkersick the canal has been refilled and is now completely open between Chesterfield and Staveley.

August 16, 2007

New link added:

Progress at Renishaw Some more photos from Michael Chase showing further work by the Waterways Recovery Group during their work camp 4th to 11th August 2007.

15 July 2007.

Rotherham Walking Festival 2007. Photos by David Morris, one of the Trust tripboat skippers. See more links on our links page....

Seth Ellis (David Morris)

Seth Ellis (David Morris)

12 July 2007.

Supporters' Meeting chairman Jim Walker with distinguished long-service award

CCT chairman Keith Ayling presents Supporters' Meeting chairman Jim Walker with his distinguished long-service award at the July Supporters' meeting.

Jim came to national prominence with his legendary 'Bobbin' Robin' - a marinised Robin Reliant which took to the canals and provided the Society ( as we then were) with a great deal of useful publicity.

Jim's practical professional mechanical skills with the internal combustion engine earned Jim the privilege (?) of spending countless hours of his time over the years dealing with the mechanical unpredictability of our former trip boat, the Norwood Packet, and more recently the John Varley.

Jim has also been a stalwart in crewing our tripboats, and has many times responded promptly to emergency callouts.

Jim's present role as chairman of the Supporters' Meeting has seen a significant growth in attendance and renewed enthusiasm of active members, and is in fact his second term in that role. As a trustee Jim has always has sound advice and a considered view to offer in our deliberations.

A real 'all-rounder', Jim joins the small number of members to receive this award, which all agree has been hard earned and well merited.

8 July 2007.

'Boots and Boats' journey for clients of the Addison Day Centre Maltby

Clients of the Addison Day Centre Maltby enjoy the cruise leg of their 'Boots and Boats' journey on the canal on the Seth Ellis in Rotherham as part of the Rotherham Walking Festival on July 6th. All of the programme was fully booked and the Trust will extend the programme next year.

4 July 2007.

Proposals for the Killamarsh Greenway project

CCT's Steve Thompson explains proposals for the Killamarsh Greenway project at the Killamarsh Festival on July 1st to (l to r) Councillor Alan Charles (DCC and Killamarsh PC), Councillor Harold Laws (NE Derbyshire DC), and local MP Natascha Engel. Young Malek obviously approves!

New Dawn, update June 16, 2007

Fresh Lincolnshire oak and boat-skin larc

Chesterfield Canal Trusts project to construct a unique Cuckoo narrowboat took a major step forward on January 25th when members of the Trust took delivery of the bulk of the timber to build the boat.

More...

10 May 2007.

Chairman's message 2007.

By Keith Ayling

A Model Restoration Project - thats official!

At the AGM on March 26th I was able to announce, at last, the good news from the Inland Waterways Amenity Advisory Councils (IWAAC) third review of Inland Waterway Restoration and Development Projects in England Wales and Scotland, just published from data collected in 2005.

More...

10 May 2007.

What goes around

By Geraint Coles

2006 proved to be a significant year for the Chesterfield Canal Partnership 2007 is shaping up to follow suit. Of particular importance in our search for significant funding is the huge boost which we have received from the IWAAC Report on Waterway Restoration and Development Projects and our success in the BURA Awards.

More...

10 May 2007.

Latest additions to Along The Towpath

More...

10 May 2007.

Mick Wilson retires

After almost a quarter of a century with British Waterways, Mick Wilson, the Chesterfields popular Waterway Supervisor, retired on March 31st, a youthful 63. Moving to BW from a previous job with Ruston Bucyrus in 1983, Mick had spells with BW at Newark as section foreman and then Lincoln before taking on the Chesterfield in 1993.

Mick has been at the cutting edge of significant work on the Chesterfield throughout his long spell with us. Starting at West Stockwith with the task of bringing the basin up to standard, one of Micks early memories was the locating of milestone 46, placed in the basin as a memorial to our late chairman, Doug Platts. At the other end of the canal in BW ownership, Mick and his team worked under John Nuttall to help achieve the magnificent restoration of the heritage-rich section in Rotherham. We now have there one of the most beautiful sections navigation in the country. What a legacy! Less spectacular, but vitally important for the smooth working of the canal, there are only a handful of locks whose gates have not been renewed by Mick and his team.

Mick pays generous tribute to his dedicated team whose hard work keeps the canal in good working order, and it will be the team spirit and good working relationships that he has enjoyed that he will miss most in retirement. Mick takes with him warm memories of his time with the teams at Lincoln, Newark and Worksop, and also recalls occasions when prompt action by members of his team out on site may literally have saved a life - including a potentially fatal wasp sting suffered by one of his team! Computers however will not be missed - Mick sees them as a necessary evil!

The most noticeable change Mick recalls in his time with BW is the Health and Safety legislation which now dominates all worksites, and the time, training and equipment it takes to satisfy the requirements. Mick has no problems with H&S, seeing it as essential, and his teams have always worked safely both before and after the legislation, and have an excellent health and safety record.

Talking about the future of the canal, Mick sees two main needs. One is to get the canal into the former Kiveton Park Colliery site with facilities for boaters. This will motivate boaters to make the extra journey through the heavily-locked section above Shireoaks. At present some boaters choose to moor at Shireoaks Marina and walk up to the tunnel A second priority Mick identifies is to establish the Rother Valley Link as a non-tidal access to the Chesterfield via Rotherham. Many boaters are put off accessing the Chesterfield because of the tidal Trent. The link will improve the number of boaters who wish to visit the Chesterfield.

Mick now plans to take on a part-time job to ease the transition to full retirement, but expects his eight grandchildren to keep him busy! Not one for canalboat holidays, Mick and his wife are anticipating exploring Europe and looking forward to quieter moments with outdoor bowls. As Mick lives east of Lincoln the chances of seeing him on our volunteer restoration working party are remote!

British Waterways share our high opinion of Mick. BW Waterway Manager Caroline Killeavy writes: "Mick has been an exceptional employee, supervisor, colleague and friend. His professionalism and commitment is second to none, as is his sense of fun and humour! I have known Mick for 10 years and have dreaded this moment - what are we going to do without him?"

We all wish Mick a long and healthy retirement. Im sure I speak for everyone when I say we have always found him approachable and willing to listen, and we would always get a straight answer! We can all be grateful for his professional contribution to the Chesterfield Canal which has left us with more canal than when he started! Not many waterway supervisors can claim that!

Keith Ayling

10 May 2007.

Then and Now

Notes on Pride

by Christine Richardson

Pride was a typical working boat of the Chesterfield Canal. The boat registers show that the year of construction was 1903, probably at West Stockwith. The original owner was the Steetley Lime Company, and the picture shows the boat alongside the companys quarry at Cinderhill.

We have been sent this postcard of the Chesterfield Canal taken sometime in the past! Please help with details.

More...

6 May 2007.

Statement of intent!

Work starts to define the new line of the canal at Hall Lane Staveley. Here the original line of the canal will be slightly diverted to the east to allow sufficient height to get under Hall Lane, and will link to the existing head of navigation at Mill Green Staveley.

The canal scheme is part of the Staveley Northern Loop Road, which will take up to two years to complete, and includes an Eckington Road crossing also.

6 May 2007.

Plaque for Andy Oxley

Andy Oxley (centre) from Killamarsh, who has completed ten years of voluntary work helping to restore the Chesterfield Canal, was presented with a plaque to honour his efforts on Sunday April 29th.

More...

23 April 2007.

Towpath closure at Stavely

The towpath from the end of the restored section of canal at Mil Green, Staveley, to the vicinity of Bellhouse Lane ,Staveley will be closed from 23 April 2007.

More...

4th April 2007.

On the night of Tuesday April 3rd vandals opened the paddles on Manton Lock at Worksop, and emptied the canal as far as Bracebridge Lock Worksop (picture). The canal is slowly refilling and should be working again on Thursday afternoon 5th April'.

Manton Lock showing low water level, which should be up to the runoff on the right of the picture.

4th April 2007.

30th Anniversary 2006 photographic competition - the results

The results of the 30th Anniversary Photographic Competition can be found on the competition page.

Many congratulations to the winners and the runners-up!

Winner: "Thorpe Salvin Woods", by Val Unwin

29th March 2007.

The Waterways Renaissance Awards 2007

The following is another account of the Waterways Renaissance Awards 2007

"At a prestigious evening held in March at the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester, the Chesterfield Canal Partnership received what, hopefully, will be the first of many future awards. CCP won the Partnership Category of The Waterways Trust and British Urban Regeneration Association Waterways Renaissance Awards 2007 presented to Councillor Harold Laws, Chair of the Chesterfield Canal Partnership Executive Steering Group, by Morrison Construction, sponsors of the Partnership Category.

The presentation was undoubtedly the highlight of a memorable evening spent in the company of some of the foremost names in the waterway restoration movement. It was extremely gratifying to receive congratulatory messages from several respected individuals who were attending. Their good wishes demonstrated the high regard in which the work of the Partnership and the Trust is widely held."

More... (PDF file)

24th March 2007.

Chesterfield Canal partnership wins national award

The happy Partnership recipients of the BURA/TWT award pictured by John Lower at the Imperial War Museum North- left to right: Cllr Michael Storey (Deputy Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council and Vice-Chair of the Chesterfield Canal Partnership); Geraint Coles (Canal Development Officer); Cllr Harold Laws (North East Derbyshire District Council, Chair of the Canal Partnership); Cathy Cooke (Derbyshire County Council, IWAC board member); Cllr Sheila Place (Notts County Council), John Nuttall (British Waterways) and David Trickett (Vice-Chair of Chesterfield Canal Trust).

"The group behind the restoration of Chesterfield Canal have won the Partnership category of the 2007 Waterways Renaissance Awards.

John Craven OBE, presenter of BBC1s Countryfile and Vice-President of The Waterways Trust, presented the award to Chesterfield Canal Partnership at a gala dinner on Wednesday 21 March 2007. "

More... (PDF file)

17th March 2007.

RETFORDS CANAL GETS SET FOR A SPRING CLEAN

Waterway users of all types and sizes who enjoy the Chesterfield Canal are being asked to spare a couple of hours to help spring clean their local waterway on Thursday 29 March The event will bring important wildlife benefits as well as improving the appearance of the Chesterfield Canal and is part of a week long national Towpath Tidy campaign being led by British Waterways and voluntary groups.

Rubbish and litter left behind by the 300 million visitors each year to British Waterways canals and rivers is harmful to a wonderful array of waterway wildlife. During Towpath Tidy, volunteers join forces with British Waterways staff to clear litter and remove shopping trolleys, prams, traffic cones and other unusual objects that are sometimes left in the waterways.

More... (PDF file)

17th March 2007.

Go Cuckoo over Connect2

Press Release Reference: PR2786 Date: 13 March, 2007

Walkers and cyclists are being asked to add their support to a proposed National Lottery bid geared to improving access to one of the most beautiful canal towpaths in Britain.

Rotherham Borough Councils award winning Rights of Way team is asking for local support for the Connect2 bid by Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity, which if successful, will fund 1.4 million improved access works for walkers and cyclists to the Cuckoo Way that takes in the beautiful Chesterfield Canal.

The Rights of Way team has joined in partnership with Sheffield City Council to submit the proposal to Sustrans, which would provide better access for walkers and cyclists to the Canal from the Halfway Tram Stop in Sheffield via Rother Valley Country Park. The money would also improve all the rights of way around the Chesterfield Canal.

More... (PDF file)

16th March 2007.

We have been sent this postcard of the Chesterfield Canal taken sometime in the past! Please help with details.

More...

1st March 2007.

Canal facility lost

Another canal facility lost - the site of the demolished Riverside Inn in central Worksop.

The inn is being replaced by a two storey car park to serve the Priory Shopping Centre, which will form a barrier between the town and the canal.

Another reason for boaters not to stop in Worksop?

February 20, 2007

Retford Angling Association reborn

The Retford Canal Anglers Society has taken over from the defunct Retford AA's rights on the Chesterfield Canal. They control two lengths, one in Retford by the cemetery, and the other at Ranby, about 100 pegs in all.

More...

February 17, 2007

MAPS GEOprojects

• 'Chesterfield Canal and the River Trent' GEOprojects. Published 2006. Scale 1:60,000 (approx 1inch to a mile). Available from the Canal Trust at 4.50

More...

February 17, 2007

Bassetlaw planning decision fails to promote canal - a lost opportunity

In a dramatic reversal of Bassetlaw Council’s policy to promote and develop the Chesterfield Canal, Bassetlaw’s Planning Committee has agreed to marginalise the canal by hiding it behind the proposed car park in a revamped Priory Centre in the heart of Worksop. The canal, which is on the north side of this key town centre site, was previously promoted by the council as forming a major strand in Worksop Renaissance, (the Town Centre Masterplan). From potentially being the focus of this new development, it is now sadly consigned to become little more than a hidden ditch overlooked by a car park. The proposals agreed make the canal no more than a largely hidden site boundary, rather than utilising the waterspace boldly to fully realise the economic, social and recreational gains that the canal could offer.

More...

February 13, 2007

Restoration 2006

Chesterfield. Plans for a 100m mixed development on the site of the former Lavers timberyard and other land between the A61 and the River Rother... more...

January 27, 2007

Chesterfield Canal Reinstatement and Surface Mine Site

UK Coal held a public exhibition as part of their draft proposals for Chesterfield Canal Reinstatement and Surface Mine Site near Mastin Moor, Staveley at Mastin Moor Community Centre on Wednesday 24th January. This relates to a proposed planning application to reinstate the canal formation between Staveley and The Hague at Renishaw.

The Trustees and Supporters have decided to support this application. When the planning application is actually made to the local authority, we shall publish details of how you can write in to support this proposal. It will solve a very expensive restoration problem by doing about one million pounds worth of work which otherwise we would have to pay contractors to do. Watch this space!

Please, click on thumbnails below for scans of the leaflet.

January 15, 2007

New walks added on Events page:

A Canal For All Seasons- Walks By The Chesterfield Canal In 2007

Explore different parts of the canal, at contrasting times of the year, on these walks led by members and friends of the Chesterfield Canal Trust.

January 10, 2007

New link added:

Restoration starts at Renishaw

Volunteers from the Waterway Recovery Group kicked off the restoration project at Renishaw with a work camp running from Christmas 2006 to the New Year. The project was to clear the heavy growth of trees and bushes from the infilled canal between Renishaw and Spinkhill. They were assisted by locals and CCT volunteers. It is hoped that full-scale restoration and re-watering of a mile of canl here will commence shortly. To see progress photos taken by Michael Chase "click here"

January 10, 2007

New link added on links page:

Chesterfield Canal related activities:

Retford & Worksop Boat Club - The largest and longest established boat club on the Chesterfield Canal.

January 8, 2007

Canal & towpath stoppages, updated January 8, 2007.

October 23, 2006

New page: Health and Safety

October 16, 2006

We have a complete update of the tripboats page

July 26, 2006

Added to links page: Yorkshire Swan Rescue Hospital

July 17, 2006

Update article Norwood tunnel

June 23, 2006

Chesterfield Canal Supporters' Meetings

Supporters' Meetings are intended as the vehicle for passing ideas and information in both directions between the Chesterfield Canal Trust Officers and Members/public to the furtherance of restoration objectives.

More...

May 16, 2006

The New Dawn Project

Working to create a full-sized working boat of the type unique to the Chesterfield Canal. Supported by the Chesterfield Canal Trust and the Chesterfield Canal Partnership.

NEW DAWN - HELP HER SET SAIL (Yes, she will have a mast and sail for use on the Trent).

Chairman's message. 2006. Our Project's 30th Anniversary. Help us to make it a memorable year.

More...

Eighth Annual Report of The Chesterfield Canal Trust Ltd.

Year to 30 September 2005.

More...

30^TH ANNIVERSARY 2006 PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION

As part of the 30^th Anniversary celebrations the Trust is pleased to announce its first photo competition for members and their families to enter and it’s free.

More...

November 14, 2005

Rotherham Council continues support for the Partnership.

Rotherham's proposal to cut their annual contribution towards our Canal Partnership Development Manager's salary was confirmed at the meeting of their Economic and Development Services meeting on October 8th, despite representations at the meeting by CCT chair Keith Ayling, and a mass of objections from local residents in South Yorkshire and other Canal Trust supporters throughout the region.

In a compromise move, instead of making a agreed annual financial contribution, Rotherham will reimburse the partnership for the direct activities of the Development Manager where these activities are associated with grant - funded projects, subject to prior agreement of the Borough Council. Hopefully this will just be a long-winded and unnecessarily bureaucratic means of achieving the same end product. A meeting is planned to flesh this out.

Other issues, relating to the revised partnership constitution and our 20/20 vision document, were amicably resolved between senior partnership reps and Rotherham. Karl Battersby, Head of Planning and Transportation for RMBC, stated "The Council wishes to stress that it remains supportive of the aims of the partnership towards full restoration. It will also work with its partners to continue to seek and harness funding sources for further canal restoration, as and when they arise".

The Canal Trust wishes to thank all those who made representations to Rotherham on this issue. Councillor Gerald Smith, chair of the meeting and a former chair of the partnership, acknowledged receiving a 'sackful' of letters, and numerous phone calls. The planning department received 21 letters of complaint. Clearly there is continuing strong support for the restoration scheme in the borough, and pressure needs to be maintained to ensure that Rotherham's revised offer contains substance.

The issue was raised again at the Rother Valley South Area Assembly meeting at Harthill on November 7th, where the Trust had requested that the canal be an agenda item. Wholehearted local support for the canal restoration was evident from the floor of the meeting, and local councillors present committed to making sure that the request for funding the Development Manager's salary would be actively considered for the next financial year.

Tapton Lock
visitor centre

September 25, 2005

Rotherham propose to withdraw funding for Chesterfield Canal Partnership Development Officer

Dr Geraint Coles has been employed by the Chesterfield Canal Partnership (including Rotherham) since December 2003. His work has enabled many schemes for restoration and development on the canal to be identified and progressed, including recently the important Rother Valley Link. Much ‘behind the scenes’ progress has also been made which will bear fruition in the coming years.

Rotherham’s Economic and Development Services Committee is meeting on Monday October 3rd to consider a recommendation that Rotherham’s contribution to the Development Manager’s salary be terminated. This will save the Borough between seven and twelve thousand pounds a year, but will bring the canal’s development within Rotherham to a halt. Progress in future will only be made by, effectively, paying someone else to do the work that the Canal Development Manager would do anyway as part of his agreed work schedule, should Rotherham continue to part-fund his post.

This comes against a background of solid support in the borough, and particularly in the south, where surveys carried out in Kiveton Park and Wales show overwhelming support for the restoration of the canal. This is best achieved through retaining the services of our full-time Canal Development Manager.

Failure of Rotherham to continue their financial contribution will merely pass the financial contribution to other partners, who will then benefit from their increased contribution. More importantly, failure of one partner to contribute damages the unity and balance of the partnership, leaving it with five contributing ‘full’ partners, and one, non-contributing ‘lame-duck’ partner. This will neither serve the best interests of the partnership as a whole or of Rotherham council.

Rotherham’s central geographical position makes progress through Rotherham crucial to the completion of the restoration of the canal in Derbyshire, and of the important Rother Valley Link. It is vital that Rotherham continue their financial commitment to the partnership not only to complete the Rotherham section, but to allow the completion of the remainder of the presently disconnected canal in Derbyshire. We feel that to prejudice the whole scheme for such a small annual saving is short-sighted.

While the Canal Trust and the Partnership will do everything in our power to encourage Rotherham to continue their financial input, local members are probably best positioned to exert pressure by making your feelings known.

Please write now to Councillor Gerald Smith, (chair of the Economic and Development Services Committee), at the Town Hall, Moorgate Street, Rotherham S60 2TH, expressing your support for the restoration of the Chesterfield Canal, and asking him to continue the borough’s financial support for the Chesterfield Canal Development Officer’s salary. You can also ring him at home on 0114 2879599 to make your contribution.

If you have time, it would be helpful to copy your letter to Karl Battersby, Head of Planning and Transportation, Bailey House, Rawmarsh Road, Rotherham S60 1TD or email karl.battersbyNO@SPAMrotherham.gov.uk (remove NO and SPAM around @), or phone him (office hours) on 01709 823815.

It is vital that your letter or call is sent to arrive before the meeting on Monday October 3rd. Please take the time to respond. Every letter counts, as the decision on Monday could have a profound long - term effect on the canal’s restoration and development, not only in Rotherham but for the whole canal.

If there is any further information you need, please contact me. Please pass this letter to friend or neighbour. Anyone can make their views known. You do not have to be a Canal Trust member, or Rotherham resident to have your say.

The full report to committee can be viewed on www.rotherham.gov.uk then choose Your Council, Local Democracy, Committee agendas etc, Calendar, October 3rd 9am agenda item 12

Also the members of the committee are Gerald Smith (you have his contact), Councillor David Hall, whose ward is Wales (Colliery site/Norwood Tunnel etc) phone 01909 771607 RING HIM - he must be concerned at the effect this vote will have in his ward.

Councillor Patrick Burke 01709 851190 and Councillor Sheila Walker 01709 552543.

Only FOUR on the committee. Ring them all or write to them at the Town Hall.

March 14, 2005

Construction new trip boat well under way

Construction of the new trip boat for use in Bassetlaw is now well under way. Steelwork has been made by Soar Valley Steel Boats of Chesterfield (see links). Work commenced in January 2005 and the completed shell was handed over to the Chesterfield Canal Trust on February 12th.

Trust volunteers are now busy fitting out - they aim to complete the boat in time to be launched at the IWA National Trailboat Festival to be held in Chesterfield over the Spring Bank Holiday Weekend, May 28th - 30th. The boat will then be transferred to Bassetlaw and will initially operate in Retford.

The base plate, floor bearers, knees and stringers Hull sides positioned on the frames, ready to pull the bow to shape

The swim is pulled into place Welding the keel cooling tank - this is thin with a large area to give superior cooling.

Lowering the roof into position Lifting the cabin side into position

Plasma cutting the window opening - plasma cutting is quicker and cleaner than gas cutting and causes less distortion to the steel plate. The finished hull

The painted hull is moved outside for completion by the CCT volunteers. Handing over, February 12th 2005

By March 9th 2005, Trust volunteers have fitted roof vents, windows, ballast and flooring and a multitude of other tasks. A picture of the new trip boat, named "Seth Ellis", seen at Retford. (image edited in Photoshop by John Lower, March 2005)

February 28, 2005

British Waterways are back on board! Still supporting our restoration!

Following representations to the Minister for Waterways through our representative at the Parliamentary Waterways Group in Westminster, BW has confirmed that it will, after all, continue to support the full restoration of the Chesterfield Canal.

Customer Relations Manager Eugene Baston, in a letter to CCT chairman keith Ayling, asserted

"I want to assure you that the full restoration of the Chesterfield Canal is still supported by British Waterways, and while it is not contained in Waterways 2025 this does not mean we have withdrawn our support."

We are pleased to report that once again British Waterways, in the form of evergreen stalwart John Nuttall, have once again resumed regular attendance at the Chesterfield Canal Partnership Technical Officers' meetings, and may write the brief for the proposed Killamarsh to Norwood Tunnel (east portal) engineering study. BW remain in consultation with Rotherham MBC and Yorkshire Forward about the Kiveton Colliery site, and in the search for funding for the Norwood to Killamarsh study.

We welcome BW's clarification of their position, and look forward to benefitting from their extensive expertise as the canal restoration proceeds.

NORWOOD PACKET

1988 – 2004

Norwood Packet sails into the sunset

Since 1988 the "Norwood Packet" has brought the pleasures of the Chesterfield Canal to the residents of Bassetlaw and, more recently, to Rotherham. Originally plying from Drakeholes the Packet’s "beat" has moved over the years to different locations including Worksop, Ranby and latterly the restored section between Shireoaks and Norwood Tunnel extending an invitation to local people to enjoy their canal.

The Past

Originally part-financed by Bassetlaw District Council, for a decade or so the boat failed to justify its existence financially, but the canal society as we were then retained its commitment to Bassetlaw by subsidising the boat’s operating costs from its own meagre funds. In the past few years, largely under the enthusiastic skippering of the indefatigable Ken Clark, the boat witnessed a new lease of life and the introduction of the Santa Specials in Worksop became a much-loved feature of the local calendar.

The Present

The boat was beginning to look a little shabby, however, and today’s visitors demand a better standard of comfort than the boat was able to provide. When we subjected the boat to the new (albeit so far voluntary) standards set for such passenger craft as the Packet we realised with reluctance it was time to lay the boat up. We had already determined to replace the boat as soon as funds allowed and had accumulated over 9,000 towards a replacement.

At a time when the Trust and the Chesterfield Canal’s restoration are experiencing new levels of achievement and expectation losing the "Norwood Packet" for whatever period is a set-back. We are of course disappointed but also proud of the service we have provided to the people of Bassetlaw over the last sixteen years. How many thousand volunteer hours have gone into this service we can only speculate but it has been an excellent advertisement for the Canal Society and Trust. A big "Thank you" to all who have been involved in the running of the boat over the years. You have done us proud.

We must also acknowledge in particular British Waterways’ commitment to our enterprise in assisting financially through subsidising our moorings and licence and also the various canalside residents who, over the years, have allowed us to moor at the bottom of their gardens.

The Future

An order has therefore been placed with Soar Valley Steel Boats, Chesterfield, for a 34 foot hull to include some internal fitments at a cost of approximately 11,000 with the engine priced at a further 2,800. Fitting-out the boat will be completed by members of the Action Group at an estimated cost of 6,000. This will be done on Soar Valley’s premises. At a cost of around 20,000 replacing the Packet is a huge commitment by the Trust but was a decision which was never in doubt given the huge popularity of the boat in Bassetlaw. Equally it is crucial for the continuing success of the Trust’s aims for the Canal’s restoration that the Trust maintains its presence in both Rotherham and Bassetlaw. The Norwood Packet has been a wonderful ambassador for the Trust over the years; to lose this was never really an option.

Currently a funding shortfall exists if the Trust is to complete the purchase of the replacement boat. Efforts will be made over the next few months to secure additional funding to ensure a service in 2005. At the same time the Trust is appealing to its members for help in this venture. Can you help in any way by offering MONEY towards the cost of the purchase, MATERIALS for the boat or the SKILLS and TIME needed when the boat is fitted out in the New Year?

The aim is to have Norwood Packet 2 cruising the canal at next year’s Spring Bank Holiday IWA Trail Boat Festival. In the meantime Ken Froggatt with Pete Ramsell and the Action Group are planning several fund-raising events towards the cost of the new boat. Their efforts combined with your generous support can surely prevail?

Please contact Dave Trickett on 01246 568880 or via e-mail at dhtrickettNO@SPAMaol.com if you can help or for further information.

NORWOOD PACKET

The Trust is currently considering a number of options concerning the future of the boat. The "Norwood Packet" is a 26-foot Springer and would make an interesting project to convert to a two- or three-berth boat. Possibly members may be interested in purchasing the boat themselves or know of someone else who would be. To date one offer has been received for the boat. Anyone interested in finding out more please contact Pete Ramsell on 01246 280660.

IWA NATIONAL TRAIL BOAT FESTIVAL 2005

Along with our 3 Valleys colleagues the Trust is heavily involved in hosting next year’s event at Tapton Lock. Preparations are already under way for this prestigious event and have been boosted by the welcome news that Awards For All has granted the Trust 4,450 towards the costs involved in setting up the Festival. The money will be spent on marquee hire, entertainment fees, publicity, toilet hire, site security and waste removal. The grant is an indication of the importance which Awards For All considers the event to be for the local area and it puts the three-day Festival on a secure financial footing.

Hes got a little list,
Hes got a little list,
And they never will be missed,
They never will be missed

(Gilbert and Sullivan, The Mikado)

Its list time again in the waterways world!

This time its British Waterways who are making lists of the canals worth, in their opinion, restoring. And the Chesterfield isnt on the list, at least not this side of 2025. This comes as something of a surprise to us all, as only last summer, Robin Evans, BWs chief executive, at the opening ceremony of the Rotherham section gave assurances of BWs continued support as the restoration progressed through Kiveton Park to Chesterfield. Even the Rother Valley Link got a nod. So what happened?

Two things. Firstly, the Chesterfield Canal restoration is complete already! According to BWs recently-published Vision for the Future Waterways 2025

During 2001 and 2002 we completed the physical build of eight restoration and new build projects, listed below......

Chesterfield Canal - opened December 2002.

Well - thats alright then. We can all go home and think of some other way of spending our time.

Secondly, circumstances in BW have changed since last summer. Unexpected budgetry cuts have resulted in redundancies throughout British Waterways and the national reorganisation has produced a period of uncertainty. Resources are a serious problem - certainly weve only seen BW at our partnership meetings once since January 2003. But our own waterway managers return from maternity leave presages, we hope, stronger leadership and determined support for the partnership. Maybe now things can stabilise. We look forward to a more sympathetic local interpretation of BWs national decision-making.

Whatever the reasons, the Canal Trust was disappointed to read the news of the completion of our restoration in the national waterways press rather than having it directly from BW. After all, partners have obligations to their fellow partners. No-one in our partnership knew of the existence of this listing until it was published. But this seems to have been nothing personal, more a genuinely national example of BWs maladroitness. Both the Inland Waterways Association at national level and the Inland Waterways Amenity Advisory Council (IWAAC) shared our surprise at the lack of consultation. And BW was warned by Defra and IWAAC about the sensitive nature of their task before their listing was published.

While appreciating that no prioritisation is going to suit everyone, there are ways of managing such difficult exercises that can to some extent mitigate against the expected reaction. Consultation with partners is one. Maybe BWs sensitivity has been one of the casualties of their redundancy programme.

But even accepting BWs understandable strategic listing of a limited number of schemes which are calculated to contribute the most to their own waterways, there are still uncertainties that need resolving. The Norwood Tunnel is one. This is the only remaining part of the unrestored canal in British Waterways ownership. It is theirs, our rather ours, as BW are the custodians of this part of our national heritage. In the short term there is a need to develop a temporary terminus for the restored canal within the former Kiveton Park Colliery site through bringing the canal to the surface. BWs excellent Kiveton Park Colliery site masterplan explains how this can happen. The preliminary phase of work is now going ahead on the former Kiveton Park colliery site, including identifying the line of the canal. We trust that this will still be pursued as funds allow to its logical conclusion of access by boat into the former colliery site.

In the longer term also there is the Rother Valley Link. The Chesterfield restoration scheme was upgraded from regional to national importance in the last IWAAC survey in 2001. The proposed Rother Valley Link was a major constituent of this reappraisal. It achieves a strategic link between two navigations, the Chesterfield and the Sheffield and South Yorkshire, that has never previously existed. The latter is an under-used BW navigation. Are BW not wanting this link to stimulate the SSYN and bring forward business and development opportunities on their navigations in South Yorkshire? Not even by 2025?

To make matters still more complicated, another list is in the offing as we anticipate with relish the IWAAC update of their 2001 Review of Waterway Restoration and Development Priorities. By the time that happens we should be better placed for promotion through the rankings, based on the completion of the preliminary work upon which bids for restoration funding can be based. Just about the only area lacking an engineering study and costings is the Norwood Tunnel. Assistance from BW and Yorkshire Forward here is crucial.

We hope that, for funders and promoters alike, any confusion brought about from two listings from different sources can be minimised. Both seek to achieve the same outcome, but we hope that the IWAAC listing will not be so narrowly focussed as BWs. After all, not all of the canals worth restoring are entirely owned by British Waterways.

The last IWAAC study carried out in 2001 makes interesting reading and, taken together with BWs listings, raises some important issues about the usefulness of such prioritisations. In 2001 the Chesterfield project was in the third (next to bottom) category and we were suitably disappointed.

However, close examination of the IWAAC 2001 listing reveals that the Chesterfield Canal has made far more significant on-the-ground restoration progress than the combined efforts of every scheme in the top category.

Many of these have made no noticeable progress despite their elevated status.

But for some there has been a rags-to-riches elevation. For instance the Manchester Bolton and Bury Canal, who were in the bottom IWAAC category in 2001 are now in BWs first division list of eleven national high fliers whose restoration they are prioritising.

Read what you like into that. I guess at the end of the day its down to the viability of the scheme and the vigour and professionalism of the team driving it. We have an excellent partnership, with or without BW. But wed very much like BWs invaluable staff and expertise to remain part of the team. And I suspect they need us as much as we need them. After all a winning team getting results and working to a proven formula is a hard one to turn your back on.

Whatever the outcome the partnership is well placed to progress the rest of the project to Chesterfield, and the Rother Valley Link. The next year promises major advances on several fronts. Whatever our rankings the job will get done.

And a good deal sooner than 2025.

BWs Waterways 2025 may be had from BWs Customer Service Centre (tel 01923 201120) or can be down-loaded from www.britishwaterways.co.uk/waterways2025

Chesterfield scheme sweeps the board at IWA National Festival
September 2004

The Chesterfield Canal gained three major national awards at the Inland Waterways Association national Festival at Burton-on-Trent over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

The restoration of the Rotherham section of the canal was awarded the prestigious Volvo-Penta award for the quality of the restoration work. The picture shows (left to right) the recipients Chris Drage (formerly from Rotherham MBC), John Nuttall, British Waterways, and Christine Richardson, waterways historian and CCT activist, with the award outside the Canal Trust tent.

The excellent Canal Trust magazine Cuckoo won the Tom Rolt award for the best mag nationwide (for the second year running). We have been forbidden to enter next year in order to share the award around! Keith Ayling accepted the award in the absence of editor John Lower. The award was presented by Hugh Potter editor of Waterways World, who sponsor the award.

Finally, although not officially part of the Canal Partnership, Sea Otter Boats from Staveley, won the Beardsmore award for outstanding quality in construction of broad beam canal craft. Cindy Shepherd partner in Sea Otter Boats is seen with the award on one of their company's boats at the festival.

IWA announces Site for the National Trailboat Festival 2005

The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) announced that next year’s National Trailboat Festival will be held over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend 27th to 29th May in Chesterfield.

The site will be Tapton Lock, the same as in 2002. The festival will be organised under the Chesterfield Canal Partnership banner by IWA Festivals, the Chesterfield Canal Trust Ltd and the Three Valleys Project, which is based at Tapton Lock House.

Ian West, chairman of IWA Festivals committee, said, "We are pleased to announce that the site for the 2005 Trailboat Rally will be at Chesterfield.  This was a very popular site in 2002 and well attended by local people.  During this year improvements are planned by the Three Valleys Project to the site and to the slipway, these will add greatly to the facilities and opportunities for trailboats and make the site more viable for other public uses."

John Fletcher, IWA's national chairman, added, "The campaigning opportunity offered at this site was also taken into consideration.  The eastern half of the canal is now fully navigable up to Norwood Tunnel and the first five miles and five locks are navigable from Chesterfield. This festival should raise local awareness of the possibilities to fully restore the canal through Killamarsh and to create a navigable link along the River Rother to join up with the Sheffield & South Yorkshire Navigation in Rotherham.  The latter would mean that the Chesterfield Canal would be reached from Yorkshire without going on tidal waters."

The aims of the IWA Trailboat Festival 2005 are:-

• To promote the Chesterfield Canal regionally
• To campaign for restoration of the remaining nine miles to Kiveton Park
• To campaign for the connection from Killamarsh to Rotherham (The Rother Link).
• To promote the distinctiveness of this part of Derbyshire by involving local communities and companies.

An organising is being set up to plan and run the event. Any CCT members who would like to help are invited to get in touch with Dave Fox on 01246 224068.

Killamarsh Route decision comes closer

Killamarsh has long been, after the Norwood Tunnel, the most complex and costly obstacle to the full restoration of the Chesterfield Canal. When British Waterways sold off the Derbyshire part of the canal as surplus to requirements and unrestorable some thirty five years ago, developers purchased much of the Killamarsh section and built over it. Thirty houses now stand blocking the original line of the Chesterfield Canal in the village. Following the considerable restoration successes in recent years it was determined to begin the process of addressing the Killamarsh challenge. Meetings over the last two years of a sub-group of the Chesterfield Canal Partnership finalised a process to resolve the issue, and as a first crucial stage have employed a firm of consultants to review the existing evidence and come up with one recommended route.

A packed meeting in Killamarsh on July 14th saw consultants Babtie, employed by the Chesterfield Canal Partnership, outline six potential routes available to take the restored canal round, or through, Killamarsh. The six are basically the five surveyed ten years ago by former CCS chairman, the late Doug Platts, plus an additional route which is a modification of one of Doug's originals. Nicole Roche from Babtie briefly described each route in turn, and the meeting was given the opportunity to study the displays showing the routes, together with what the consultants see as the Key Issues relating to each alternative.

There was, disappointingly, little new for CCT regulars in the consultant's report, being basically a reworking of CCS's survey, and the 'Additional Engineering Alternatives' described failed to excite the reader, with a photo of a derelict inclined plane (why not choose a modern European example?) and no mention of the Falkirk Wheel. Some technical errors could have been avoided if the text had been proof-read by someone with canal savvy. The possibility of a 950m aqueduct about 16 metres above ground across the Rother Valley Country Park for one option was the one interesting, if unlikely, novelty. Cost of the various options was judged to be 'broadly similar' at an estimate of between 6m and 9m, excluding land acquisition.

The meeting was overwhelmingly positive about the prospect of the canal returning to Killamarsh, with predictable concerns from one resident whose house is built on Route 1, the original line. DCC Councillor Alan Charles, chairing the meeting, ventured the opinion that restoring the canal on its original route was an unlikely choice, involving the destruction of about thirty houses and the loss of twenty gardens. Several residents expressed the view however, that they would like as much of the canal as possible to come through, rather than bypass, the village.

Concern was expressed by several members of the audience that the period for consultation and response to the proposals was too short, and as a result a further week was added to the response opportunity, taking it to July 23rd. For any local members reading this, the exhibition and response forms are available in the Killamarsh Sports Centre next to the Library off Sheffield Road, which is open in the evenings.

The results of the public consultation will be analysed and included in a Cost and Benefit Study, alongside consideration of the environmental, social and economic costs and benefits of each route. All of this information will be used to recommend the optimal route for the Killamarsh community and the wider sub area. This process is hoped to be completed by the consultants by early September. The recommendation will then be considered by the full meeting of the Chesterfield Canal Partnership, and if adopted, will then go in due course to a Planning application and adoption in the local plan. This will at last resolve a long-standing issue, and will serve to protect the chosen route from future harmful development.

The completion of this stage of the complex process will then allow funding applications to be made to do the necessary works. These will need to be co-ordinated with progress on either side of Killamarsh, as at present this section is isolated, with no water connection in either direction.

Much credit is due to all concerned for bringing the Killamarsh challenge to the fore, and funding this study. It is another act of faith by the Partnership in their long quest for the restoration of the Chesterfield Canal. In a press release, DCC Councillor Brian Lucas, presently chair of the Canal Partnership, suggested that Killamarsh might develop as the waterways gateway to North East Derbyshire and that the restoration would bring great economic, social, and environmental benefits to the area.

Nearby, exciting prospects, not yet available for publication, are under active discussion in the Norwood direction. As they say, watch this space!

Volunteers ( l to r) Andy Oxley, Terry Berridge and Arnie Chapman beside the section at Mill Green Staveley that was rewatered on May 21st, 2004.

More Mill Green photos on our volunteer page

The new 'stretched' John Varley cruising below Tapton Lock Chesterfield 23 May 2004.

The Chesterfield Canal Trust invites you to enjoy a cruise on the Chesterfield Canal from Chesterfield on the John Varley or in Nottinghamshire on the Norwood Packet. More...

John Varley hung, drawn and quartered

On January 27^th, the John Varley trip boat was hung on a crane below Tapton Lock and lifted on to the back of a lorry. It was drawn to the Workshops of Cuttwater Boats on Storforth Lane trading estate at nearby Hasland and by next morning was cut in half!

Subsequently she (can you say she for a boat called John?) was extended by eight feet which will not only allow the fitting of a toilet compartment but also the eventual provision of more comfortable fixed seating.

John Varley was originally built by Peakland Boats in 1992 at Hartington Industrial Estate, Staveley, close to Eckington Road Bridge. She was built 26 feet long to enable her to turn between the stone walls at Brimington Wharf, the then limit of navigation. Now that regular excursions run as far as Staveley, an on-board toilet is essential but because of the hydraulic wheelchair lift, there was insufficient room to fit one in.

Whilst out of the water the opportunity has been taken to fit new anodes and black the hull. She returned to the water on February 9^th. Brian Drury wrote the following in early March:

"Thanks for the appeal for help in the "Cuckoo".  Unfortunately it didn't bring any re-fit volunteers forward, but it did produce contact from three potential crew members.  Meanwhile, the re-fit is going ahead slowly with the usual small band of stalwart volunteers.  The floor and wallboards have been fitted, the cabin ceiling is almost complete as are the electrics.  Woodwork is still to be done around the windows and final interior staining.  Seating still to be finally decided on.  This may have to be deferred for the time being".

Cut in half at Cuttwater Boats pic John Lower Middle section being added to the John Varley. Tripboat skipper Brian Drury (second from right) keeps his fingers crossed!

Fitting out of John Varley following stretching. Des (foreground) and Geoff Drury put in the finishing touches, part of the 700 hours of volunteer time put in in the refitting this spring. At Tapton Lock extended and ready to be craned back in pic DCC/Helena Stenton

Since lengthening the boat handles very well, in fact probably better than ever. It keeps a better line, and turns where intended.  Overall quite a satisfying result. 

Plans are in hand to obtain a full Engineer's report (as insisted on by the Borough Environmental Health Officer) which will probably mean the boat will not be ready for Easter.

Yorkshire Forward give way to public pressure at Kiveton and agree to safeguard the canal.
September 25, 2003

The massive public protest - over one hundred objections - against Yorkshire Forward's plans for their Kiveton Colliery site, which completely ignored the Chesterfield Canal, has finally yielded a satisfactory outcome. The canal's future has been assured. Yorkshire Forward's third attempt, guided by determined Rotherham MBC planners, looks likely to meet the approval of Rotherham's planning committee. The Canal Trust feels that it is the best outcome we could wish for at this stage.

• What our representations have achieved for the canal.
  
  
• A fifty metre corridor for the canal is defined and protected through the site
  
  
• The proposed car park has been moved so that it no longer blocks the canal
  
  
• No hard development or substantial tree planting will now take place over the line of the canal
  
  
• Problems of water supply for the canal have been resolved
  
  
• Joint funding arrangements to extend the canal into the site are being explored

While this presently stills leaves unresolved any timescale for eventually accessing the canal onto the site, owing to lack of funding, it meets all of our concerns at this stage. Thanks to each and every one of you who took the trouble to send in your objection, which resulted in the reversal of Yorkshire Forward's perverse intentions.

We look forward to a more constructive attitude from Yorkshire Forward, and welcome them back to the project on which they for so long turned their back. We trust the project can now move forward, guided by a proper spirit of partnership and clear demonstration of the valuing of community participation.

New money for Canal!
July 25, 2003

The news reached us this week that Derbyshire County Council's 0.25m Next Navigation bid has been successful. This will, among other things, provide for a half time Project Manager for the canal restoration. The partnership members have agreed to contribute sufficient funds to make this a full-time post, with someone, hopefully, in post this autumn. Initially the position will be for two years, hopefully to be extended as funds allow. This is a major initiative for the canal restoration and development, and will enable the person appointed to draw together the many strands of work across six local authorities.

The successful bid also allows for funding to appoint consultants to disentangle the complexities of the various options for routes through or around Killamarsh, paving the way for the partnership to make a definitive decision and adopt one agreed route for the canal.

Canal Opens to Norwood Tunnel
June 26, 2003

The canal is now fully open to walkers and boaters up to Norwood Tunnel.

Although the official opening took place on June 26^th, the padlocks came off on the previous Monday and a trickle of boats headed up the locks.

The canal is very beautiful, the towpath easy walking and the locks all work well: all those involved in the restoration must be congratulated.

The opening ceremony was a big disappointment however. Held on a Thursday, canal enthusiasts and local people were unable to attend. And there was little advance publicity other than that put about by the Canal Trust. The unveiling took place on the side of Thorpe Low Treble Lock, the suits on one side with a marquee and buffet while the public were restricted to the towpath. Perhaps the biggest snub was when all the suits disappeared into the marquee for the speeches and presentations, leaving the crowd on the towpath just to listen to the events!

British Waterways’ chief executive Robin Evans made much mention of the Canal Society and now Trust’s doggedness in campaigning for restoration of the canal. He also spoke of the need to continue the restoration into Norwood Tunnel where a combination of shorter tunnel and cutting could form a link with the already restored section in Chesterfield. Mention was made of the Rother Link, a longer term ambition that would connect the Chesterfield Canal via the river Rother through to the Sheffield & South Yorkshire Navigation, thus creating a new cruising ring and encouraging boats to visit the Chesterfield Canal.

Terry Hodgkinson of the Heritage Lottery Fund unveiled a plaque on the lockside, though it is not known if this will be a permanent feature as it had disappeared later in the day. It was noted that Canal Partnership members Yorkshire Forward failed to attend.

The John Varley tripboat was transported to Shireoaks for the day and Norwood Packet was on the summit pound. Unfortunately neither did much business due to the lack of advance publicity.

Nevertheless, this was a very important day for the Chesterfield Canal and many Trust members could be seen walking around with a big smile on their faces. After all, this was the fulfilment of the original 1976 aim of the Chesterfield Canal Society to restore the canal to Norwood Tunnel. But now we intend to continue to Chesterfield.

As late CCS Chairmen Doug Platts said: "Forward the forty-six".

Approaching Turnerwood	Turnerwood Basin now sports 2hr visitor moorings.

The first of the staircase locks, Turnerwood Double	Turnerwood Low Treble, site of the opening ceremony.

Thorpe Top Treble, oldest locks on the canal.	Norwood Packet Trip Boat at the Tunnel with "Next Stop Kiveton Park" banner.

The opening ceremony at Thorpe Low Treble on June 26th 2003. Members of the public (mostly CCT and Retford & Worksop Boat Club members) listen from the towpath while the speeches and presentations take place in the marquee.	The marquee for the "VIPs". Note the turf and beautifully manicured compound.

The celebratory plaque unveiled on the lock island. Both it and the structure on which it was mounted had disappeared later in the day!

First boats making their way up the newly restored Thorpe and Turnerwood Locks

On Thursday May 15th, the first boats made there way up the newly restored Thorpe and Turnerwood Locks.

They were on a test run on behalf of British Waterways. There were no problems and so the canal and towpath will open in the near future.

The boats went to Norwood Tunnel. As there is no turning point, they towed each other in and out.	Turning at the reservoir feeder at Kiveton Park

The picturesque Summit Pound	Nearing the top of the Thorpe Flight

Turnerwood Double Staircase

Yorkshire Forward buries canal hopes at Kiveton Park

Over seven years after Kiveton Park Colliery closed, Yorkshire Forward, the site owners, have finally submitted their plans for the site reclamation to Rotherham Council - and no mention is made of the Chesterfield Canal.

"It is as if the years of discussions, meetings, surveys, presentations and public consultations about the site had simply not taken place" said Chesterfield Canal Trust chair Keith Ayling. "Over the years the Canal Trust has had the full support of the both Wales and Harthill Parish Councils, the local Community Development Trust, and local people - nearly 90% of local residents in a survey carried out by Yorkshire Forward agreed that the canal should be opened up through the colliery site. There is clearly strong local feeling that a restored Chesterfield Canal should be the centrepiece of the site reclamation, but it is not mentioned in the proposal, not even as a future possibility.

Rotherham Council has invested considerable officer time and resources on the canal's restoration, and British Waterways drew up a detailed Masterplan for the site to accommodate the canal, by raising its level and opening out the collapsed Norwood tunnel, which passes across the site just below the surface. But none of this is referred to in the application. We simply do not know if the Yorkshire Forward's proposals accommodate the future restoration of the canal, or whether the site will have to be re-excavated in future when funding allows, with the attendant massive disruption to an established facility that this will involve.

There is no mention even of protecting a line for the canal in the future when finances allow for its restoration. The proposals are essentially little more than a grassing over with a pond and landscaping. While this is clearly preferable to the desolation at present, it is a standard reclamation lacking in imagination - an opportunity sadly missed. While other development agencies across the country are enthusiastic and supportive of government policies encouraging canal restoration, Yorkshire Forward are ignoring the potential of the canal under this site, whose incorporation would create a genuinely unique environment for Kiveton, as well as marking another important step forward in the restoration of the Chesterfield Canal"

The Chesterfield Canal Trust has asked for a meeting with interested bodies to allow Yorkshire Forward to explain their plans in more detail. Hopefully there will be some good news, not only for local supporters, but for the Chesterfield Canal Partnership, which is overseeing the restoration of the entire canal. To date over 10m has been spent on the restoration scheme, with over 4m invested in Rotherhams section, taking the restored canal up to the eastern portal of the closed Norwood Tunnel at Kiveton Park later this year.

Everyone interested in the outcome of this important application is urged to visit Rotherham Planning Department in Bailey House, Rawmarsh Road, Rotherham, where the plans can be inspected. Responses are required by the end of January, citing in your response the reference number RB 2002/1912. State plainly your views about the plan, and whether, in its present form, you wish to be recorded as objecting to it. Please send your letter to the Head of Regeneration and Planning, Bailey House, Rawmarsh Road, Rotherham S60 1TD.
You can email to bronwen.peaceNO@SPAMrotherham.gov.uk

The Chesterfield Canal Trust will certainly be objecting to this application until such time as we can be assured that the canal, or its future restoration, is in fact accommodated by these proposals.

Along the towpath, July 2002.

Chesterfield Waterside

Our planning expert, Edwin Tomlinson, has submitted proposals to Chesterfield Borough Council based on the article in the last edition of Cuckoo for the waterside site now occupied by Lavers timber yard, and adjacent areas. The Trust believes that this area, bordered by the canal, River Rother and A61, would be improved by a prestigious waterside in place of the motley assortment of uses that presently makes the borough look like a glorified builders yard from the busy A61. Later in the year a Draft Plan will be published as Chesterfield revises its Local Plan.

On Friday July 19th, the John Varley trip boat made a trial run up the River Rother section of the navigation in Chesterfield through the Arnold Laver site. Development of this site could be enhanced by incorporating the restored navigation. Part of the original canal basin lies buried beneath the timber yard.

The John Varley passing through the floodgate at Tapton Mill Bridge.	The Arnold Laver site. On the left is the car park and DIY store, on the right the timber yard. In the background can be seen Chesterfield's famous Crooked Spire Church.

The DIY store.	Looking from the DIY store to the timber yard offices and timber sheds in the background.

Chesterfield restoration is of National importance - official!

The second IWAAC Review of Waterway Restoration Priorities has recently been published. The good news is that our scheme has been re-graded as of National importance (rather than merely local or regional). This is undoubtedly due to the crucial contribution of the Rother Link (first promoted by the Canal Society to the then National Rivers Authority), which, by linking Killamarsh to Rotherham via the River Rother, transforms the scheme from a there- and-back canal to a ring of navigations. The slightly less good news is that the scheme still remains in the third Intermediate category. This is described as ...a project being developed within an overall strategy but where there is considerable preliminary work outstanding. (These outstanding works were described in Cuckoo Summer 2001 p9). The partnership however is energetically continuing to address these preliminary works, with at this time Heritage, Wildlife and Water Resources studies under way, and the Economic Assessment Study already published (see Cuckoo Autumn 2001 pp 16-18)

Copies of the report are available from IWAAC on 020 7253 1745.

Milestone replacement project

Many of the canal’s original mileposts have been lost and Chesterfield Canal Trust has a project to replace the missing ones. The mileposts were required by the Canal Company’s Act of Parliament so that the appropriate tolls could be charged to the boatmen. Tolls were charged by the distance travelled (measured by the mileposts), the weight carried (by measuring the displacement of the boat in the water using a gauging-stick) and at the appropriate rate according to the goods carried.

The posts were sited on the opposite bank from the towpath. With the cessation of carrying, they became redundant and many have been lost either in the undergrowth or by subsiding into the canal. At least two are now known to have been liberated to people’s gardens.

First Boat to Turnerwood
December 2002

On a foggy Monday November 18th morning, the dredger "Hare" became the first boat to reach Turnerwood in nearly seventy years. British Waterways held a secret trial to test the seven newly restored locks but spies from Chesterfield Canal Trust were soon on the case! "Hare" had little trouble navigating the canal and the new paddle gear appeared to work very easily. The residents of Turnerwood appeared on masse to record its safe arrival.

A further trial run took place on Tuesday December 3rd when two narrowboats from Retford & Worksop Boat Club made a journey up to Turnerwood. Significantly, the first was RWBC chairman Sid White on "Albion Mills". This boat had got stuck at the infamously narrow Stret Lock above Worksop at Easter, but experienced no difficulty passing through this time.

The towpath between Shireoaks, Cinderhill and Turnerwood is now open, though it is closed up the Thorpe Flight above. Water had to be pumped up into Turnerwood Basin from the Brancliffe Feeder as work on the locks above Turnerwood prevented a supply from the reservoirs.

Official opening of the canal to Kiveton Park is expected in May 2003.

John Lower.

Two years ago, milestone 46 was placed alongside West Stockwith Lock in memory of the late Doug Platts, a former chairman and founder of Chesterfield Canal Society. Building on the success of this, ten further new posts have been sponsored by individual members and parish councils. The new stones are replicas of the originals: a rectangular stone block from Cadeby Quarry which is in the same geological mass as the Anston stone of the originals. They have a round cut top with the mileage (distance from Chesterfield) cut in the front face. Four are for Derbyshire, one for Rotherham and five for Nottinghamshire. They were collected by British Waterways and stored at their Sandy Lane depot on the newly restored canal above Worksop.

The replica milepost at West Stockwith dedicated to Doug Platts.

The Three Valleys Countryside Team install milepost 1 near Tapton Lock Visitor Centre in Chesterfield. This post will be dedicated to the memory of Allan Slack, a long serving and devoted captain of the Chesterfield Canal Trust trip boat John Varley which continues to ply the canal past this spot.	On the same day, the Three Valleys Team also planted milepost 2 in Bluebank Woods.

Loading milepost 25 onto Madeley Wood at Sandy Lane Wharf.	Madeley Wood in Worksop Town Lock. The stone Chesterfield Canal milepost can be seen alongside the two cast-iron ones destined for the Montgomery Canal.

The position of the milestone, on the tortuous bends near Ranby winding-hole, was located using a measuring wheel. On Thursday June 13^th it was concreted into place at the back of the towpath and a small protective surround of brick block-pavers laid.

Concreteing the milepost at Ranby – it is wrapped in clingfilm to prevent concrete splashes.	The completed milepost 25 on the tortuous bends at Ranby.

Milepost 38 was discovered behind a tree stump when felling took place along the canal bank. This picture was taken in 1987 but the milepost could not be found earlier this year. It was probably lost when the tree stump was grubbed out. This demonstrates why the Canal Trust has decided to position the replacement mileposts on the towpath side where they will easier to maintain and are less likely to be lost.

Milestones 1 and 2 were installed in Chesterfield by the Three Valleys Countryside Team on June 2^nd in time for the IWA National Trailboat Festival.

Milestone 22 was found face down in the canal near Manton Colliery. On December 10^th 2002, it was dragged from the canal by a small work party consisting Terry Berridge, Dave Trickett and John Lower. The plan was to move it from the offside bank on to the towpath. This involved dragging it across a field onto the road, pushing it a quarter of a mile to the nearest bridge and then back along the towpath. It was concreted in opposite its original position.

The milestones manufactured by July 2002 are 1, 2, 15, 17, 20, 21, 24, 25, 28, 44 and 46. Original mileposts are still visible at 8, 16, 18, 27, 31, 37, 40 and 42 and others are known to have existed in the not too distant past.

But as you can see, there are still plenty of gaps to fill. If you would like to be part of our exciting restoration project, please consider sponsoring one of the next batch to be made. You do not have to install it yourself (though arrangements can be made if you want to do so). The cost is 250, complete with your own dedication plaque. Details from David Trickett (01246 568880).

It is hoped that a complete list of mileposts, their location and sponsors etc will be posted on this site during 2002.

Killamarsh discussions continue

What is the best solution to the problems at Killamarsh? At present, no one knows, so discussions are continuing within the partnership, prompted by the Canal Trust and the Killamarsh Canal Study Group, to identify a solution which is informed by up-to-date data. Proposals are being discussed to generate a suitable brief to be put out to tender, when finances allow, to answer questions about the preferred route around or through Killamarsh. With more than twenty houses having been constructed on the original route, discussion has always centred upon alternatives which essentially bypass the village, but this will do little to either improve the village environment or stimulate economic growth based on the canal for Killamarsh. Meanwhile Killamarsh Parish Council is pondering its own policy for the canal in the village.

The declared policy of the canal partnership is to restore the canal along its original route ..where practical and desirable...

Trouble at tlocks

British Waterways attempts to clear derelict vehicles dumped on their land at Thorpe Locks figured in the local press in February when local farmer Mr Stiff prostrated himself under the lifting plant. Mr Stiff claims that he owns the land adjacent to the canal and has for years resisted BWs attempts to access the canalside to start restoration on this top section. Despite the vociferousness of his claims, Mr Stiff has been unable to present legal evidence to support them. The police presence no doubt prevented further developments as BW went about their task. No doubt there will be further incidents in this long-running and distasteful saga, which continues to delay this massive public project. Everyones patience, including BWs, is close to exhaustion.

A few yards down the canal, the sawn-off beams of the restored locks have yet to be replaced. No one has yet been charged with this expensive piece of mindless vandalism.

40 years of Retford & Worksop Boat Club

Congratulations to Retford & Worksop Boat Club who have been in existence on the Chesterfield Canal for more than forty years and are now based at Clayworth. But try as your editor might, he cannot unearth the exact date when the club came into being. All I can discover is that it was a short time after November 1961, when notice was given that the entire canal would close the following April. This is a period of the canals history that is not properly recorded in published form. (JL).

Rotherham Museum canal exhibition mooted

The Trust has approached Clifton Park Museum in Rotherham about the possibility of mounting a temporary exhibition in Spring 2003 to give the public details of the canal restoration in Rotherham, presently underway. Extensive archaeological information about early canal construction is being gathered as the canal is restored to full working order.

New bridge at Bilby Lane, Brimington opened
by John Lower, June 2002

On Wednesday 29th May, the new bridge at Bilby Lane, Brimington was opened, the last blockage to be removed on the five-mile section of canal. Boats can now navigate from the River Rother in Chesterfield through to Staveley.

It was a bright sunny day as I walked down the towpath from Newbridge Lane. DCC landrovers were carrying VIPs down to Bluebank along the bridlepath: below the lock the CCT "John Varley" trip boat was waiting to ferry them onwards but most choose to walk down to the bridge site.

It was splendid to see the smart new brick arch bridge lined with gongoozlers. Beyond, a red ribbon was stretched across the canal. Soon the "John Varley" appeared and nosed up to the ribbon alongside the newly created Dixon's Wharf. To take pictures became a problem, because the official photcall was set up looking directly into the bright sun, with the bridge appearing as a silhouette in the background. I decided my priority was to get a picture of boat and bridge for this august journal and I would leave the dignitaries to the local papers!

I crossed over the hump of the new bridge - from the top, splendid new views have been opened up looking either way along the canal. I got down to the opposite bank and whilst I couldn't properly hear the speeches, the sun obliged and my camera clicked. Wind blowing strongly through the bridge made Cllr. Walter Burrows job of unveiling the plaque difficult - the wind kept blowing open the curtains before he was ready!

Then came the moment we were waiting for - the cutting of the ribbon. Suddenly there was a there was a short but tremendously heavy downpour of rain. From my position on the far bank, I was ideally situated to dive into the small hospitality tent located in the old plague grave field. I can verify the quality of the very nice sandwiches provided.

Soon it was over. The "John Varley" loaded with official guests and sailed off into the new sunshine as far as Dixon's Lock. I waited for it to return so I could take some pictures on the sunny side of the bridge.

But as a postscript, from what I heard of the speeches, Chesterfield Canal Trust was regularly mentioned in the "credits", but there was no mention of the Trust in the following newspaper articles.

Public funding for the bridge has come from Derbyshire County Council, Chesterfield Borough Council, East Midlands Development Agency, European Regional Development Fund and Waste Recycling Environmental. A further 5,000 has been gifted from the voluntary sector from the Inland Waterways Association.

The construction of the new bridge at Bilby Lane, Whittington (between Bluebank Lock at Dixon's Lock). photos © Jerry Payne, Saint-Gobain Pipes, Staveley.

The new Bilby Lane bridge was completed shortly after Easter (2002). This was the last remaining blockage between Chesterfield and Staveley and opens up five miles of canal and five locks in time for the 2002 IWA National Trailboat Festival which was held here on July 13th/14th. Photos ©

Killamarsh Canal Study Group

A group has formed in Killamarsh who consider it important that local people are involved in determining the best route for the passage of a restored canal through the town.

They have set themselves the following objectives:

To obtain all information relating to the various options of the link in Killamarsh between the three proposed routes from Staveley, Worksop and Rotherham. To ensure an independent, authoritative, comprehensive assessment is best to regenerate Killamarsh. To actively pursue the implementation of the best option for Killamarsh. To enable the group to achieve these objectives:

It will affiliate itself with the Chesterfield Canal Trust and other relevant bodies It will consider raising funds to finance its activity by membership subsciption and other fund-raising activities. It will communicate by regular press releases and news letters, its progress to its members and Killamarsh residents. The group are asking for support and assistance. Anyone interested is asked to contact Errol de Noronha on 0114 248 2207.

The newly painted 'John Varley' navigates from the new Station Road Bridge	The 'John Varley' continues along from Brimington and through Wheeldon Mill

This is probably the first narrowboat to navigate this section of the Chesterfield Canal for more than 70 years.

Navigation is now possible for approximately 3.5 miles, from the junction of the River Rother to Bilby Lane at New Whittington. The blockage at Bilby Lane is a low bridge which we are hoping to remove over the coming months. Once this final obsticle has been overcome the Chesterfield Canal will be navigable from Tapton to Mill Green Staveley, a distance of over 5 miles and will provide the impetus for connecting the western length of the canal with the eastern half of the Chesterfield at Kiveton providing upon completion 46 miles of a truly fascinating waterway.

Photos are courtesy of