CANALSCAPE-BCN & NARROWBOAT "BARNET"

Another "inspection" cruise was done on 21st June, again we were accompanied by BW

waterway manager Dean Davies. Our trip through the Daw End clearly indicated

that some dredging is needed between Longwood and Aldridge, also tree cutting

and towpath tidying would help. The masive weed growth seen last year is not so

great but still needs attention. The Anglesey branch was cruised much without

incident, there is a obstruction near the aqueduct which requires removing but

that is the only thing of note. We then returned to the Cannock Extension, here

overhanging trees need attention and so does a large submerged object near the

dead bridgehole next to Grove basins.

Barnet then went from Norton Canes to Broad St depot with no incident. Next cruise took us from Broad st to Tipton, then through Netherton, winding at Parkhead, the Dudley No2 needs some attention, we grounded in many spots, even in the middle of the channel, on silt. Return via Netherton and the Brades / Gower branch to Tividale quays. What a site, so many fish!, we dropped Dean at tipton and returned to Broad st.

Returning to Ogley on the 29th to visit millfields school wharfage. On the way we were amazed to see an Asian woman using the canal as the river Ganges - see picture!! I informed her that the canal was not a dumping ground for household waste, what ever its meaning! A good pint btw at the United Kingdom pub was enjoyed.

Millfield school is situated on the offside just after the former junction of

the Sandhills Branch in Catshill. A Primary school, they have approx 400ft of

well established concrete piled frontage at the rear of the school. The Head

mistress Michelle Sheehy is very keen to establish use of this frontage for

nature study, ecology etc and really would like a boat for the school to use.

Approaches made on BW so far have borne no fruit, so has anyone any ideas on

helping the school to obtain a boat. It doesnt have to be powered and had it

been 30 years ago a BCN Joey boat would have been fine. Anyone with any ideas of

serious help can contact the school on 01543 452513. Getting young people

interested in canals is really important to help with future waterways use.