N E W S L E T T E R
No 30 Winter 2004/5

Contents
By Narrow boat to the scillies
The "Ark Angel"
Rolle Canal Visit
Sherry & Mincepie Walk
"Emma's Life on the Bude Canal"
In the Olden Days
Virworthy View
Bude Canal Regeneration Project
Tub Boat Production Upgrade
Bude Canal Day
Membership Report
Membership Renewal
BCHS Website

 


***** It is with great relief we welcome home, in safety, our committee member and trustee, Stan Noakes, his wife Deidre and son Daniel from their recent holiday in Penang, Malaysia. We are sure they will have quite a tale to tell.

 

"By Narrow boat to the Scillies"

On Tuesday 12th October 2004 more than 30 members and friends enjoyed a fascinating illustrated talk by James Griffin on his trip from Linslade by canal and river to the Isle of Sheppey and round the coast of Kent, down the English Channel to Falmouth, the Scillies and back via Bude and Bristol to Wyvern Shipping's base near Leighton Buzzard.
He began by saying that "Ocean Princess" was purpose-built for sea-going and demonstrated on a beautiful model of the boat points such as the waterproofed stern, wheel steering from inside the cabin, a flared bow and raised boards to protect the front windows in rough weather, mast, sailing lights and VHF, etc.
He went on to describe the way "Ocean Princess" rode on two or three waves so that her length helped to keep her very stable even in force 6 winds and that, even with a beam sea, she rolled very little and her centre of gravity was so low that she was in no danger of overturning.
She called in at Newhaven where some alterations and additions were made to conform to Coastal Marine requirements. Then sailed on to Yarmouth IoW, and then to Falmouth where he took his mother and friends for trips round the harbour. Then on to St. Mary's after some roughish weather in the Atlantic which made them (her crew of four, a navigator and two of James' sons) appreciate the calmness of the waters round the islands. Finally, on to Bude for a brief visit via the sea lock and on to Bristol and the calm waters of the canals.
They aroused great interest from other seafarers. One cruise ship held them up while it stopped to allow its passengers to photograph the oceangoing narrow boat.
The evening lasted from about 7.45 to 10pm with a welcome break for tea and coffee served by Betty Moore, Audrey Wheatley and Anne Longley - plus some tea-pouring by your editor! James has a delightful manner and held his audience's attention throughout so that the passage of time was hardly noticed.

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The "Ark Angel"


Some readers may remember this narrow boat which was the subject of an article by Hugh Compton in the November issue of the Journal of the Railway and Canal Historical Society.

 


The boat started as a day boat (No. 50) owned by Stewarts & Lloyds for work in the Birmingham area. When the firm ceased trading it was converted into a twelve berth camping boat and named Mountain Venturer. It was used by the Social services to take young people from 'deprived' backgrounds around the Midland canals. In 1980 it was laid up at Hockley Port where it sank, but the next year was renovated and continued in service. In July 1985 it was purchased by the newly-formed Ark Angel Trust and renamed Ark Angel. Following a refit into a Christian bookshop it was taken by road in October 1985 and placed into the Bude Canal in North Cornwall where it opened for business on 26th May 1986. We believe it was here for some five years but perhaps someone knows when it left Bude. It is now owned by Simcoe at Wilton Marina who have removed the original wooden boatman's cabin and replaced it with a steel-backed one and renamed the craft "Arc Angel No.1".
The Christian Bookshop moved to premises in Lansdowne Mews, Bude.
Bryan Dudley Stamp

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Rolle Canal Visit


Seven of us met on Saturday 30th October in Bideford car park by the river to drive to Annery and meet Adrian Wills, who lives there. He took us to see the Lime Kiln which is listed and the largest in the area. By the time we had seen the kiln and were walking to the tidal lock, our group had grown to fourteen and we were walking through a gaggle of geese and learning about Lime Porters and boats delivering lime in the 1800s.
Adrian had numerous photos showing how the canal looked when he first lived here and how it was gradually dug out.
Before reaching the tidal lock, we paused by the wharf to look at the barge "Advance" brought from Bideford in 1992.
Farther on we stood by the lock and were reminded that James Green built the Rolle Canal, as indeed the Bude Canal, in the 19th Century and that shipbuilding took place on this large site. The last year a ship was built here being 1868.
On returning to our cars, seven of us went for lunch to the "Black Horse" at Torrington before moving on to Rosemoor at 2.30 p.m. where Mike Lord and others met us and our numbers increased to 12.
A short walk along the edge of the gardens took us to the river, the weir, and the beginning of the Rolle Canal feeder arm.
One intrepid member of our party tried to take photos of the inscription on the side of the weir by lying full length on the grass with his camera held over the water - the results of his endeavours may yet be seen in these pages! Walking back to Rosemoor we visited four lime kilns amid the autumn colours. For those interested - calcium carbonate (white insoluble solid) is heated in the kiln (by coal) and forms calcium hydroxide (slaked lime) a white crystalline powder used in cement and mortar.
There followed a short walk through the gardens to the restaurant where at 4.15p.m. we sat down for refreshments before visiting the Rolle Canal Waterways Society's presentation of their plans and viewing of their archive.
Thanks to Chris Jewell for arranging this very interesting and educational day.
Jill White

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Sherry & Mincepie Walk

Despite the damage caused by the extensive flooding at Helebridge on August 16th this year, the Annual Sherry & Mincepie walk took place on Sunday 19th December as planned. A party of ten met at the sea lock at 11.00a.m. and, after the usual short historical spiel set out to walk along the canal towpath to Helebridge led by Lawrence Wheatley. The weather was cold but sunny and the walkers (and two dogs) arrived at the Barge Workshop at 12.00 noon for sherry and warm mincepies where they met others who went directly to the Barge Workshop. After the first three tickets had been drawn to two committee members who already had copies, Michael Westall won the raffle prize which was Bill Young’s latest book “Emma’s Life on the Bude Canal”.
Our thanks to Bude-Stratton Town Council for organising the clean up operation at the Barge Workshop and to the Environment Agency for allowing access through their work site to enable this event to go ahead.
Betty Moore

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"Emma's Life on the Bude Canal" by Bill Young and Jennifer Carter


The book takes the form of a diary of the life of a girl living at North Tamerton on the Bude Canal in 1862. She is fictitious but the detail of the canal is real and comes to life in her delight in her narrative of events on the canal as she visited them, culminating in a thrilling account of the wreck of the Bencoolen (unfortunately, the entry for 21st October has been printed within it). The book is admirably illustrated by Patricia Greenwell in drawings and paintings of events on and around the canal. The detail of the working and breakdowns on the canal are accurate and come to life in Emma's - sometimes inaccurately punctuated - narrative. I was a little puzzled by her reference to a geography lesson and then regret at leaving school. Forster's Education Act did not come in until 1870 and schooling was not made compulsory until six years later. Of course there were National and other religious schools but schooling was confined to reading writing and arithmetic and even after 1876 part-timers could leave at 10 and the rest at eleven. I hardly think Emma would have gone to a public school because she lived at home and seemed to have a lot of spare time to explore the canal. However, this is only a quibble and I found the book an entertaining and informative read. It is obtainable from local bookshops and the Tourist Centre for £5.99, or from Chris Jewell, 4A The Crescent, Bude, Cornwall EX23 8LE, or Bill at £6.50 inc. p & p.
Editor

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In Olden Days

In 1798 this advert for the Villa appeared under the following heading: Sea Bathing - To be SOLD or to be LET for feven years, or for the feafon, at Bude, near Stratton in Cornwall, A Neat and Convenient DWELLING-HOUSE, confifting of a parlour 20 feet by 16, a room over it of the fame dimenfions; a kitchen, fervant's hall, with other offices, and five lodging rooms; a coach-houfe, a ftable with four ftalls, and every accommodation fit for a fmall genteel family. (I shall give up the effs which are esses as some are effs and at the ends of words they are esses. It is all too confusing or confufing! Ed.)
The House stands on a gentle eminence at the end of a grass plot of about half an acre. From the windows there is a view of the romantic harbour of Bude, with the shipping; and beyond it, of the Western Ocean - the few sloops which in the summer frequent Bude harbour, are sufficient to enliven the prospect, without producing the disagreeable consequences of larger sea-ports (or fea-ports). The sea at the harbour's mouth is within a short quarter of a mile; the road to it either on the sands, or over a dry and almost level down. The sands on the beach are firm, and when the tide is out, afford a charming ride of considerable extent. The situation was chosen and the house erected, by the late John Arscot, Esq. of Tetcot, Stratton, a market and post town, is about one mile and half distant. The purchaser or taker may be accommodated with several Meadows and Closes, containing about fourteen acres, contiguous to the premises.
For viewing the house, application may be made to the innkeeper at Bude; and for further particulars, to the Rev. Charles Dayman, Poundstock Vicarage, near Stratton, Cornwall.
The above extract from an unknown source was supplied by Bryan Dudley Stamp. He also supplied the following from Lyson's "Cornwall" of 1814 which follows a paragraph about Stratton:
(I shall try again with the effs as esses. See how you get on after the brief practice above. Ed)
The principal village in this parifh is the fmall fea-port of Bude, containing a few cottages, which furnish lodgings for such families as frequent the coaft in the fummer feafon for fea-air and bathing. The trade of this place has confiderably increafed of late years: the chief exports are; timber, bark, and oats; the imports, coal and limeftone from Wales, and groceries, &c from Briftol.
The harbour, on account of its fands, is beft fuited to veffels from 50 to 60 tons burthen; but, occafionally, veffels of 80 and 90 tons enter it; one of upwards of 90 tons was built at Bude in 1813 for the trade of this port. Great quantities of fea-fand are carried from Bude for manure, not only into the neighbouring parifhes, but into the north of Devon, at the distance of 20 miles and upwards. (This must have been by horse and cart since the canal was not opened until July 1823.)

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Virworthy View

Christmas Day and the first snow of the winter. A virgin white covering over everything transforms the countryside and gives it a magical look. Unfortunately, it doesn’t last and was soon back to rain and mud.
The abundance of acorns this year under the oak trees has attracted a squirrel. For some reason squirrels and rabbits do not seem to like the area around the Wharf but I suppose the chance of a free meal cannot be passed up.
Sadly we have lost two dogs in the space of two weeks. Bess, our 14 year old, became very ill and had to be put to sleep. Then Betsy, our neighbours' retired sheep dog, that had decided to live with us for over a year, had a sarcoma and also was sadly put to sleep. I think Emma, the surviving dog, is in need of counselling! She is sticking to Yvonne or me like glue.
I spend a bit more time with Emma and enjoy our daily walks along the towpath to the lake. This also gives me a chance to check on the state of the path and the wildlife. Pheasants are numerous just now in spite of the local shoots. One day we encountered a group of nine females and five males. Emma was very good and didn’t chase them.
In late November the weather was so quiet that for several days the lake was like a mirror reflecting the opposite bank with great clarity.
It was on one such morning that I observed two kingfishers near the spillway. Both were bright electric blue so I am not sure if they were a breeding pair or just two males.
Because the level of the water in the aqueduct cannot be maintained due to erosion of the spillway at the Wharf, the water rushing down the centre of the canal has gouged a channel and removed the silt to a depth that has uncovered hundreds of mussel shells. This must have been the bed of the canal at a time when there was clean fresh water to allow growth of mussels.
Geoff Lowe

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Bude Canal Regeneration Project

I had hoped to be the bearer of good news in relation to this project. The Heritage Lottery Fund was due to give its decision on its support for the canal project. The feeling had been that it would be positive, allowing the scheme to proeed. However, 9 objectors wrote directly to HLF before it met to consider its decision on 30th November 2004. The result being that HLF has deferred its decision until March 2005 and has directed NCDC, the project leader, to i) Hold a public meeting in February 2005 and ii) Answer a range of specific queries.
Obviously, NCDC and the Bude Canal Partnership will do all that is required to satisfy HLF that the product of 6 year's work and effort is worthy of their support. Without it the project will be dead, as all other funding support from SW Regional Development Agency and Objective 1 Fund will evaporate.
NCDC has quite rightly made it clear that this is a serious state of affairs as without the funding the future of Bude Canal as a viable feature is in doubt. NCDC does not have the funds or resources to do much needed work to secure the canal for the future. Likewise it will be difficult to convince the whole Council, whose area covers almost 1/3rd of the County of Cornwall, that resources should be put to the canal when it may have been wrecked by nine letters, mainly from local people. The public meeting at Bude is the time that supporters of the canal can ensure that NCDC knows how important the canal and this project are for everyone.
If you wish to be more direct, any letters of support would be welcomed. Please send such letters to: Mr T. Brewer, Acting Senior Grants Officer, Heritage Lottery Fund, Trinity Court, Southernhay East, EXETER, Devon EX1 1PG, with a copy to: Mr C David, Countryside Officer, NCDC, 3-5 Barn Lane, BODMIN, Cornwall PL31 1LZ.
It should be noted that this project is not only about Bude but the areas adjacent to the canal corridor of 35½ miles and includes Marhamchurch, Holsworthy, and Launceston as well as the surrounding parishes. This project would rejuvenate and bring opportunity to this, often forgotten, corner of North Cornwall and West Devon. It deserves our, and your, support.
Chris Jewell

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Tub Boat Production upgrade


The Trustees have decided that from 2005 "The Tub Boat" will have a coloured cover, being a colour photograph printed on card. When appropriate the centre pages may have one or more colour pictures. This will result in an increase of the production costs but the Trustees believe the "The Tub Boat" should be a quality newsletter, as it is an important tool for keeping the membership informed.
A review of the number of 'freebies' to various groups and individuals has also been carried out and rationalised to a lower level of circulation. This will have some saving on production costs and postage.
The Editor would welcome your comments when the revised updated "The Tub Boat" comes into circulation

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Bude Canal Day

The Trustees are looking to hold Canal Day in July (date to be fixed). They have carried out necessary appraisals of risk assessments and insurance requirements. A pro forma letter is being sent to previous participants for them to register interest and provide certain information. Assuming a reasonable level of support the event will take place and Bude Stratton Town Council is seeking to hold its 'Gurney Day' on the same day as in previous years. Further details in the next issue of this newsletter.
Chris Jewell


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Membership Report

We welcome the following new members who have joined since September: Mrs J Adams, Eaglescliffe, Cleveland and Mr J Fryer, Northallerton, N. Yorks. Dr David Knight, Twickenham, Middlesex has upgraded his annual membership to become a Life Member.

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Membership Renewal

Many thanks to those members who have already renewed their subscription for 2004/2005 and particularly to those who have given additional donations. However, some members have still not renewed. Will they please complete the enclosed renewal form by return to maintain their support for the Bude Canal & Harbour Society and receive future newsletters. Remember that only fully paid up members can vote at the AGM in February.
You can help us reduce costs by using the Standing Order Mandate attached to the renewal form.
Mike Moore



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BCHS Website

www.bude-canal.co.uk is the web address of the official website for this Society. It has been operational for 12 months and has been developing during that period. It has links to: Bude Stratton Town Council, Bude Visitor Centre and the Inland Waterways Association's website. At least 4 issues of "The Tub Boat" are available to read. Prospective new members can print off an application form to join the Society through the Membership Section.
New websites take time to become popular but our site does get looked at and from December 2003 to November 2004 had a total of 2089 'visits'. A 'visit' is a person who logs on to the website through the web address. This is an average of 174 per month or 5.7 per day, which for a small society, I think, is quite good.

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