AGM

As mentioned in my last piece in Boundary Post, there were to be some changes in the management council. Colin Cartwright has stood down as publicity officer, and thanks go to Colin for his help over a number of years. His place has been taken by Kevin Maslin who of course has been involved with the running the Society in the past. I would also like to welcome Tony Jones who had been previously co-opted to look after the sales side and also to John Edmonds who is taking over as work party organiser. I should mention that Tony is currently awaiting a major operation and wish him a speedy recovery when it takes place.

The revised subscriptions were also agreed at the meeting; also if you have standing orders please make sure that you update them. Also if you haven’t yet completed a gift aid declaration now would be a good time to complete one.

At the first council meeting after the AGM the various council posts were allotted, as you can see from the details inside the front and covers of BP. Apart from the changes detailed above, everyone is still in their original post.

Work Boat and Work Parties.

We have had the offer of the loan of an ex ‘Bannock’s’ day boat for use by work parties. This is currently at Hawne Basin awaiting a survey, having been towed there from the Black Country Museum by Phoenix. Our thanks to the group who organised the move and especially Jeff Barley who has been cleaning the hold out prior to it being taken out of the water. Jeff also took the opportunity of blacking Phoenix’s hull whilst it is at Hawne Basin.

Don’t forget that this year’s cleanup is on the 22nd and 23rd March around Salford Junction.

Flora and Fauna.

We had much discussion just prior to Christmas regarding habitat mitigation works that have been carried out on the Engine Arm at Smethwick. This is to provide additional habitat for water voles who will be disturbed by the work on the moorings and winding hole at the end of the Engine Arm. Reeds beds are being placed along a section of the towpath near to the Galton Valley Centre.

The water voles have statutory protection so it was essential that if the moorings were to be established, then the habitat creation would have to take place. However there seems to be little protection for the industrial buildings that surround the canal and are an integral part of the character of the BCN. It would appear that the latter are more endangered than the voles. Perhaps those drafting legislation should ensure that the powers they create do not destroy that we all seek to preserve!

What all this did show was that BW still have some way to go before they get their public consultation process working satisfactorily.

Rallies.

The Bonfire boat gathering at Smethwick was a resounding success, and the boater’s entertainment on the Friday and Saturday evenings drew appreciative audiences, indeed both evenings had more people taking part than I can ever remember.

Even the VIP trip drew larger numbers than previous years, despite the appalling weather. Fortunately the weather did not dampen the bonfire and fireworks nor the duck race. As ever a loyal group of volunteers ensured that it happened – well done everyone!

Plans are afoot for the events at the Pumphouse in the summer and at Galton Valley for bonfire night.

Society Archive

We have recently transferred the archival material which has been in the care of society archivist John Roberts to the Pumphouse. This consists principally of the complete set of BCN gauging registers ( plus some duplicates ), but also contains BCNS material, minute books together with a complete set of Waterways World which was donated to us recently.

It is intended that this material will be available for inspection by members; however we are still sorting out shelving and desks in the room at the Pumphouse so await a further announcement in BP regarding access arrangements. It may be that these are deposited in a proper archive in the future to ensure their long term preservation.

John has looked after the books and files for many years and his help in this regard is much appreciated, especially when it should be borne in mind that the complete set of registers consist of 68 books. John has of course been able to answer many questions on boats from the gauging registers from all over the world. John still keeps his own records of family names connected with the waterways and will be happy to provide information from these in return for a small donation.

If information is required about boats from the gauging registers this can still be provided but it would be helpful if these are made by letter or e-mail to Martin O’Keeffe. The appropriate register can then be accessed and the details can be extracted.

Birchills Canal Museum

It has recently been announced by Walsall Museum Service that Birchills canal museum will close from the end of march. The museum is situated in the former Boatman’s Rest, a grade II listed building which is owned by British Waterways, and contains displays regarding the canal around Walsall.

Hopefully this closure may not be permanent as plans are afoot to set up an independent trust to administer the museum and provide volunteers to open it on a regular basis. Obviously I am sure that they would welcome help from BCNS members. No doubt further information will be available soon regarding these plans.

In the mean time arrangements have been made for the museum to be open on the 16th March from 1pm to 4pm so that we can have a look at the museum prior to the official, but hopefully not permanent, closure. If anyone would like to have a look around the museum, which is situated adjacent to Walsall top lock in Old Birchills ( A to Z page 23 5F ), you will be most welcome to join us.