Sharpness Arrival
on Christmas Day For only the third time in twenty years
a ship entered Sharpness on Christmas Day. MV Independent,
carrying a cargo of cement from Dordrecht, was allowed in even though
the port was officially closed.
Viking Longship Comes to Gloucester The replica Viking
longship Hugin was delivered to Tommi Nielsen's yard on 9
December for an overhaul. (Photo)
Built in Denmark, in 1949 she was rowed and sailed across the North
Sea to Broadstairs on Thanet to commemorate the landing of Hengest
and Horsa 1,500 years earlier. After touring local ports, she was
set up on the cliff-top at Cliffsend as a memorial to that famous
landing.
New Cement Silo at Sharpness The third ring of a new
silo for Dragon Alfa cement was lowered into place at Sharpness
on 7 December. The completed silo will be the same as the one next
to it, built two years ago, and will serve a recently-built bagging
plant. (Photo:
Mike Nash)
Demolition of Sack Works Demolition contractors L
A Moore Ltd started taking down the former Gloucester Sack Works
building on 6 December. The site to the east of the Barge Arm is
being cleared in preparation for building a multi-storey car park.
(Photo)
Tramroad Stones Uncovered Contractors Cowlin Construction
started preparing the site for the apartments to be built to the
north of the Barge Arm at Gloucester on 1 December, and they soon
uncovered some stone sleeper blocks laid in the 1820s for a horse
operated tramroad between Gloucester and Cheltenham. For more background
and photos, see Tramroad page.
Two Rescued From Canal Early in December, emergency
services were called to two separate incidents involving a person
jumping into the canal - one at Sellars Bridge and the other at
Rea Bridge. In both cases the individuals were rescued.
Warehouse Demolition Appeal Withdrawn At the end of
November, Sharpness Dock Ltd withdrew its appeal against Stroud
District Council's refusal to grant Listed Building Consent for
the demolition of the North Warehouse at Sharpness.
Clearing Silt From Sharpness Tidal Basin During the
last week in November, the tug Tioga B from Harwich used
a plough suspended behind her stern to help clear mud from the tidal
basin and entrance at Sharpness. The plough loosened compacted mud
and moved it to where it could be flushed away by opening sluices
or by the action of the tide. (Photo
Mike Nash)
Hotel Boats Change Hands The hotel boats Oliver
Cromwell and Edward Elgar, based at Bakers Quay, Gloucester,
have been bought by Richard Clements and his family. The new owners
do not claim to be boat people, but they have a background in providing
hospitality and that is what they intend to concentrate on. (Citizen
25 Nov 04)
Gloucester Quays Scheme Approved Outline plans for
the redevelopment of canalside land to the south of the main docks
area were approved by Gloucester City Council on 23 November, subject
to certain conditions. This £200 million project by Peel Developments
and British Waterways will include completion of the Inner Relief
Road across the canal and construction of a 90-bed hotel, a food
superstore, a designer factory outlet shopping centre, office and
business units and 1000 homes. For more details, see Gloucester
Quays page.
Sharpness Rail Plan Discussed A plan to restore the
rail link between Sharpness Docks and the main line at Berkeley
Road is being backed by Gloucestershire County Council. The matter
was discussed at a conference featuring the Atlantic Arc initiative,
a project which aims to promote trading links between Scotland,
Wales and the West Country with France, Spain and Portugal. (Citizen
12 Nov 2004)
Sharpness Investment Discussed in Commons Stroud MP
David Drew expressed concern in the House of Commons about the poor
state of repair of parts of the docks at Sharpness and called for
a new financial package to safeguard their long-term future. Transport
Minister Charlotte Atkins replied that British Waterways is committed
to keeping the port open and, with the on-going investment programme,
it hopes to encourage a continuing increase in freight traffic.
(Citizen 6 Nov 2004)
Narrow Boat Craned In at Monk Meadow The iron narrow
boat butty Lyra was launched by crane into Monk Meadow Dock
on 5 November, having come from Tardebigge on a low-loader. She
was built at Northwich in 1935 for the Grand Union Canal Carrying
Co and still has a traditional back cabin. Lyra is now moored
at Saul Junction and will become a floating workshop where Ben Selfe
will demonstrate fender making and other ropework. (Photo)
Heavy Lifts for Cadiz Two heavy pieces of equipment
made at Wickwar were loaded on to BBC Bornholm at Sharpness
on 2 November, one being a gas flow meter and the other an oil flow
meter. The ship sailed to load further cargo at Swansea and Hartlepool
before going on to the discharge port of Cadiz. (Photo: Mike Nash)
New Minister for the Mariner's Church Michael Swain
was formally installed by the Bishop of Gloucester as the new part-time
minister of the Mariners' Church, Gloucester, during a service at
the church on 1 November. Mr Swain has recently been assisting the
vicar at St Saviour's church, Coalpit Heath.
Appeal Over Warehouse Demolition Sharpness Dock Ltd
has appealed against Stroud District Council's refusal to grant
Listed Building Consent for the demolition of the North Warehouse
at Sharpness. The appeal will be considered by an Inspector from
the Planning Inspectorate, Temple Quay, Bristol, who will take account
of views expressed within six weeks from 28 October.
TV Star Urges More Funding for Waterways Museums David
Suchet visited the National Waterways Museum on 26 October to help
publicise a campaign to obtain Government funding for the three
museums run by the Waterways Trust. The Trust is seeking financial
support similar to that given to other national museums in order
to pay for conservation work and to allow free admission.
Residents Move Into Warehouse The refurbishment of
Vinings Warehouse has been finished, and purchase agreements have
been completed on most of the apartments, many of which are being
offered for rent. Work on neighbouring Reynolds Warehouse is due
for completion early in 2005.
Surprise for Willow Trust Guests A group from the
Newent Association for the Disabled taking a cruise on the Willow
Trust's boat Leonard Matchan were surprised to be joined
by three stars from Gloucester Rugby Football Club. The Trust is
one of three charities being supported this year by the rugby club.
(Citizen 20 Oct 2004)
New Vindicatrix Association Branch A new branch of
the Association for former merchant navy men who trained on the
Vindicatrix at Sharpness is being set up in the Gloucester area.
For more information, contact Keith Osbourn on 01452 380850.
One-legged Canoeist Arrives at Frampton A canoeist
with an artificial leg arrived at Frampton after paddling for 75
miles from Bridgenorth, Shropshire. Christopher Jones, who lost
his leg while serving with the Royal Corps of Signals in 1966, said
he wanted to promote canoeing to as many disabled people as possible.
(Citizen 15 Oct 2004)
Lock Gates Repaired The inner lock gates at Sharpness
have been returned to service following the repair of a failed anchor
which had necessitated the temporary use of the tidal basin as a
lock.
Barge Arm Apartments Approved Plans for two large
new buildings by the Barge Arm at Gloucester were approved by Gloucester
city planning committee on 5 October. A five-storey block on the
north side of the Barge Arm (seen left in the picture) will provide
67 one and two-bedroom apartments with two retail units on the ground
floor. A long building to the east of the Barge Arm (seen right
in the picture) will have 17 apartments and four commercial units
with a 256-space four-level car park behind. The designs by Edward
Cullinan Architects make use of natural, sustainably resourced materials
and energy-saving technology, including water-conserving plumbing,
effective insulation and home-working facilities. For a picture,
see Developments
page.
Tidal Basin Serving as Lock One of the anchors holding
the top of one of the inner lock gates at Sharpness failed on 20
September, and so the tidal basin is being used as a lock until
a repair can be effected.
GLOSCAT Campus Plans Approved Plans for a new campus
at Llanthony for the GLOSCAT further education college were approved
by Gloucester city planning committee on 7 September. British Waterways
has agreed to release the land, and contractors Sir Robert McAlpine
are due to start work early in October. (Citizen 8 &
16 Sep 2004) (For picture, see Developments
page.)
Wreath Laid at Vindicatrix Memorial
A service was held at Sharpness on 3 September to mark Merchant
Navy Day. During the service a wreath was laid at the foot of the
Vindicatrix Memorial in memory of all the merchant seamen
who lost their lives in the course of their duties.
A Sad End for Coral Star After sinking
twice in the canal, the 1940s former mine-sweeper and passenger
boat Coral Star is being broken up in the dry dock at the
Junction. On 3 September, a gang on the bank used a rope to rock
the wooden bow section back and forth until it was eventually separated
from the rest of the hull.
Metal Plates Improve Safety Work started on 1 September
to fit metal plates along the top of the piling north of the Junction
to eliminate the risk of boaters stepping into the gap between the
piling and the bank. The men from Holtham Canal Contractors of Worcester
are also fitting a rubber strip on the front of the piling.
Twin Ship Arrives for Overhaul A second Russian-built
topsail schooner arrived at Gloucester on 31 August and tied up
alongside her twin Elena Maria
Barbara which arrived a month earlier.
Frame of West Quay Apartments Under Construction Work
has started on erecting the steel frame of the apartments being
built on the West Quay at Gloucester. This is a significant step
as it is the first new-build in the current phase of re-development,
and it is due to be followed by much further investment in the docks
area.
New Car Park at Gloucester
in Operation The new car park between Southgate St and the
Victoria Dock was open to the public on 11 August. This new facility
will allow the existing car parks near the Mariner's Church to be
closed when the space is needed for further developments.
Llanthony Bridge Bearing Failure The raising of Llanthony
Bridge was banned on 3 August due to the failure of a bearing at
the bottom end of one of the bridge's vertical tie rods. A new pin
was fitted during the evening of 4 August, allowing the bridge to
lift again at a limited number of advertised times, but a proper
repair will have to await the manufacture of a replacement housing.
Design Style for Public Realm Approved Design proposals
for paving and street furniture for the public spaces around Albert,
Vinings and Reynolds Warehouses were approved by Gloucester City
Council Planning Committee on 3 August. The quaysides will be surfaced
with warm-toned resin bound gravel, and the central area with granite
paving and two types of limestone. The central area will have benches
that can be moved along rails to suit different activities. Lighting
will be provided by wall mounted fittings and by underground lights
pointing upwards. (For picture, see Developments
page)
Setback for Proposed GLOSCAT Campus at Llanthony Plans
for a new GLOSCAT campus on Llanthony Quay were withdrawn shortly
before they were due to be considered by Gloucester City Council
Planning Committee on 3 August. Frogeye Estates, the company which
owns the adjoining 125 Business Park, claimed that vehicular access
was inadequate for the scale of the development, that there are
no public rights of way over the two main pedestrian accesses shown
on the plans and that there are material errors in the plans regarding
land ownership and the position and extent of the access road.
Sea Cadets See Royal Navy Ships Two fast patrol vessels
of the Royal Navy visited Gloucester on 2 and 3 August, and local
sea cadets were welcomed on board. Cadets from Gloucester and Ross
on Wye were shown around HMS Trumpeter, and cadets from Stroud
and Tewkesbury climbed aboard HMS Charger. Both vessels are
used for training university students in navigation, operation and
seamanship. (Citizen 6 Aug 2004)
Bid to Demolish Warehouse Turned Down In July, Stroud
District Council turned down an application for Listed Building
Consent to demolish the North Warehouse at Sharpness, the last of
the big brick warehouses. Sharpness Dock Ltd, the private company
that leases the land around the dock from British Waterways, claimed
that there is no viable use for the building and that its presence
is limiting their operational capability. The Company may appeal
to the Secretary of State.
Crowds Witness Arrival of Nelson
Tribute Ship Crowds attending the Gloucester on Water event
on 25 July witnessed the arrival at Gloucester of the Russian-built
topsail schooner Elena Maria Barbara. Although built in 1995/96
as a sail training ship, her design is in the style of a mid 18th
century vessel. She has come to Gloucester to be fitted out as a
replica of HMS Pickle which brought the news of Nelson's
victory at Trafalgar back to Britain. In 2005, the bi-centenary
of the historic battle, she will tour British ports with a troupe
of performers who will re-enact the story of Lord Nelson's death
and how the news was carried to England. On her voyages between
ports, she will be crewed by groups of young people under the flag
of the Ocean Youth Trust East.
Explosion and Fire on a Hire Boat A family outing
was cut short by an explosion and fire on a hire boat moored to
the north of Saul Junction on 22 July. A family group had just returned
to their boat after enjoying a picnic on the bank when, on starting
the engine, the accident occurred. The owner of a nearby boat rushed
to the scene with a fire extinguisher and put out the flames, but
a woman in the party suffered a broken ankle and two children received
minor burns.
Pumphouse Demolished The pumphouse at the southern
end of the West Quay at Gloucester is being demolished. It was built
in 1963 to pump water from the River Severn into the canal so that
water could be extracted at Purton to supply Bristol. Its role has
been superceded by new pumps in a nearby chamber under the West
Quay.
Dowser Finds Buried Railway Lines A dowser and a metal
detector have been used to pin-point the positions of former railway
lines at Gloucester docks that have been covered over. The SW Regional
Development Agency want some of the lines to be featured in the
walkways now being planned as part of the redevelopment of the area.
(Citizen 19 Jul 04)
Grant Approved for GLOSCAT Move to Llanthony Quay
The Learning and Skills Council has approved a £15 million
grant towards the cost of GLOSCAT further education college establishing
a new campus on Llanthony Quay. Additional money will come from
the sale of their existing premises in Brunswick Road, from cash
reserves and from loans. If planning permission is granted in August,
it is expected that the new campus will be open to students in September
2006. (Citizen 9 Jul 2004)
Antiques Centre Under New Management The operation
of the Antiques Centre beside Gloucester Lock has been taken over
by Antiques Centre Gloucester Ltd which is run by stamp dealer Mick
Cant. The new company plans to arrange a valuation weekend in September.
(Citizen 7 Jul 2004)
Saul Canal Festival Draws the Crowds Record numbers
of boats, campers and day visitors attended the annual Saul Canal
Festival and Folk on the Water Weekend on 3 & 4 July. Visitors
could see a wide variety of boats, browse the trade and charity
stands and enjoy a range of musical and theatrical entertainments.
The event was organised by the volunteers of the Cotswold Canals
Trust to raise money and support for the restoration of the canal
link to the Thames at Lechlade.
Two Boat Accidents at Saul A pleasure boat moored
half a mile north of Saul Junction was badly damaged by a fire during
the night of 3 July, but no one was injured. The Festival organisers
put into action their pre-arranged plan for such an eventuality,
and the emergency services dealt with the incident. Around the same
time, a large wooden boat awaiting renovation at Davis's boatyard
sank at its moorings.
Sabrina Barge Taken to Saul Canal Festival Two historic
craft from the National Waterways Museum passed down the canal on
29 June to take part in the Saul Canal Festival. The barge Sabrina
5 is having access ways fitted so that her hold can become a
performance venue at the festival. She was towed by the diesel tug
Severn Progress which will take part in the parade of boats at the
festival.
First Coaster Up the Canal for Seven Years
The German coaster Kormoran passed up the canal on 25 June
to collect oil rig plant from the Axsia Serck Baker wharf near Two
Mile Bend. At each of the bridges, she was welcomed by interested
spectators who had gathered to see what has become a rare event.
She loaded on 28 June and passed down the canal the following day.
(Photos)
Work Starts on New Car Park at Gloucester
Contractors moved on to the rough ground between Southgate St and
the Victoria Dock on 21 June to start preparing a temporary car
park. When ready, this will allow the present car park near the
Mariner's Church to be developed as a public square.
Conference Commemorates Historic Legal Case
A conference was held in Gloucester on 7 & 8 June to commemorate
the 150th anniversary of an important
legal case connected with the City Flour Mills. Nineteen academic
papers on aspects of the common law of contracts were presented
by tutors from university law schools in America, Britain and Australia.
Car Rolled into the Victoria Dock A motorist
parked his Citroen C3 convertible near to the Albert Warehouse on
4 June, and while he was getting a parking ticket, his car rolled
down the slope and into the Victoria Dock. It floated for a few
minutes, but there was nothing the owner could do except watch it
slowly sink under the water. The car was lifted out the following
day. (Citizen 5, 7 Jun 2004)
New Public Square Proposed Plans are
being finalised for a new public square near the Mariner's Church
at Gloucester docks. The area will be paved with high quality stone,
including some from the Forest of Dean, and will be defined by a
number of low walls which will double as seating. To accommodate
the cars that currently park in this area, a temporary car park
with 170 spaces will be formed alongside Southgate St. (Glo HURCo
28 May 2004)
Deer Rescued from the Canal Two fire
engines and a rescue boat were called to Parkend Bridge on 27 May
to help a deer that had become stuck in the canal. It took the crews
nearly an hour to free the animal, which escaped unharmed. (Citizen
29 May 2004)
Mechanical Problems with Llanthony Bridge
On 27 May, British Waterways announced restricted opening times
for Llanthony Bridge due to mechanical problems. Until further notice,
the bridge will only lift at the following times: 8.15 am, 10.30
am, 12.00 noon, 12.45 pm, 13.30 pm, 14.15 pm, 14.30 pm, 15.15 pm,
17.30 pm and 18.45 pm.
Queen Galadriel Departure Ketch Queen
Galadriel has left Gloucester on 14 May after an eleven month
overhaul by Tommi Nielsen and his craftsmen. She moored overnight
at Sharpness and left on the following morning's tide.
Trip Boat Operating from Saul Junction
Volunteers from the Cotswold Canals Trust started operating their
boat Perseverance from Saul Junction on 2 May. Trips will
run from the Trust's Heritage Centre to Walk Bridge on the Stroudwater
Canal and back on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays until
late September. (Photo)
Realignment of Severn Road Started Work
has started on clearing the ground between Severn Road and the River
Severn in preparation for realigning the road nearer to the river.
This will make way for constructing two new blocks of apartments
along the West Quay of the Main Basin.
Cornish Young Farmers on Sponsored Cycle Ride
Members of the Cornwall Young Farmers Club cycled along the canal
towpath from Sharpness to Hempsted Bridge on Saturday 24 April.
This was the first stage of a long-distance cycle ride and walk
along several waterways in aid of the Cornwall Air Ambulance charity.
The next stage was due to be a walk along the Severn Way and then
more cycling to end up in Lancashire on Friday 30 April.
Queen Galadriel Re-launched After a ten
month refit by T Nielsen & Co in the large dry dock at Gloucester,
the ketch Queen Galadriel was officially re-launched in the Main
Basin on 19 April. Tory shadow minister for young people, Charles
Hendry, cut a ribbon, and a group of invited guests went on board
to look around. The ketch is used by the Cirdan Sailing Trust to
give mentally and physically disabled youngsters a taste of life
at sea.
Pilot Cutters' Centenary Members of the
Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter Owners Association gathered at Gloucester
on 4 April to celebrate the centenary of several surviving cutters
launched in 1904, particularly Mascotte and Alpha
which have spent the winter at Gloucester.
Missing Mileposts Replaced British Waterways
maintenance staff have installed three new mileposts cast by the
Cannop Foundry, Cinderford. These replace those missing from positions
one, nine and eleven miles from Gloucester. All fifteen mileposts
along the canal, including the three recently replaced posts, were
repainted at the end of March. (Photos)
Horse Rescued from Canal A horse and
rider went into the canal near Splatt Bridge on 11 March. The rider
was helped ashore by a nearby boater, but the horse was unable to
get out because of the height of the banks. Fire and rescue appliances
attended, and heavy lifting equipment was used to lift the horse
back on to dry land. (Citizen 12 Mar 2004)
Gloucester Quays Document Delivered, Feb 2004
An environmental impact assessment of the proposed Gloucester Quays
development to the south of Llanthony Bridge has been delivered
to Gloucester City Council by developers Peel Holdings and British
Waterways. The 130-page document took more than two years to prepare
as it includes several studies that had to be undertaken over a
full one-year period. (Citizen 1 Mar 04)
Hedge Laying British Waterways staff
are once again laying hedges in the traditional way. Following a
trial length at Purton last winter, work is currently in progress
on a length near Sellars Bridge. This practice not only improves
the visual appearance of the hedge, but it also makes the hedge
better for wildlife.
Former Lifeboat for Sale A 70-year-old
former RNLI lifeboat is for sale near Parkend Bridge. She was originally
based at Rundswick near Whitby and later used for survey work around
South Wales. Then she was bought by the Gloucester pilots for use
at Portishead pilot station and named Alaska 1 after a former
sailing pilot cutter built at Saul in 1886. When she was no longer
needed by the pilots, she was converted for pleasure use.
Stop Gates Closed at Gloucester Lock
As the River Severn was rising following heavy rain in the Welsh
mountains, the stop gates at the river end of Gloucester Lock were
closed on Wednesday 4 February to avoid any risk of the river flooding
into the Main Basin. In the event, the peak river level was only
comparable with the Basin level and there was no serious risk to
property.
Sharpness Lock Gates Removed On 27 January,
the middle gates at Sharpness between the lock and the tidal basin
were taken out for refurbishment. To move each gate, water from
inside was pumped out so that it floated off its bearing and could
be towed to the dry dock. While the gates are being refurbished,
the whole tidal basin will be used as a lock. |