News and Updates
Along the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation
Essex Waterways Ltd a whole owned subsidiary of the Inland Waterways Association took over the running of the canal in November 2005. Licensing and Mooring enquires should be should be addressed Hugh Turner on 07910 558465.[Moorings Manager]. This arrangement is subject to review and may change in the future.
Since The Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation Company went into administration all the lock keepers except the one at Haybridge have gone.
Undoubtedly the biggest concern along the canal is the presence of the alian pennywort weed. Volunteer work parties are being held on the 1st Saturday of each month, and gradually the weed is being removed, but a lot of work remains. See Chelmer Canal Trust work party web page for further information.
A renewed imitative has been made to extend navigation from the Chelmer canal to the Museum of Power at Langford along the river Blackwater. The nearby Langford cut was under investigation for some time, but the difficulties of relocating a main foul water pipe which crossed the canal has led to the idea being abandoned. The task and cost involved are not significant, and will be discussed at a meeting with the Maldon District Conservation Group soon.
The Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation Company went into voluntary liquidation during 2003. Founded in 1793, the General manager resigned just prior to the announcement. The administrators moved into the companies offices at Paper Mill. Debts were reported at around £500,000, but with assets estimated at around £3mil, the company is likely to come out of administration soon and continue to business as normal, but with a couple of assets (lock keepers cottages) sold.
The new marina (marina1) is scheduled to open in April 2004. Situated between Springfield lock, and Springfield basin, Chelmsford. A boat rally is planned to celebrate the opening on the 17th April 2004
A Broad Beam canal barge is now moored at Springfield Basin to be used as offices and studios. 2 are planned. Floating pontoon moorings are planned and will also provide visitor mooring facilities.
The Old Stables Tea Room at Paper Mill lock is now open 7 days per week, serving teas coffee cakes etc . Paper Mill also has improved toilet facilities open to the public, day boats for hire, and fishing bait (maggots) available 24hrs per day by vending machine. Public trips are now available aboard Victoria, she cruises downstream every Friday, at 12 noon for 2 hours and then at 2.30pm for 3 hours until the end of September.
Hoe Mill lock Upper gates were replaced during June 2003, including major brickwork repairs.
Springfield lock gates have been reworked to improve water retention,
During 2003 Chelmer Canal Trust installed new information boards (similar to those at Papermill and Haybridge Basin) at Sandford lock, and Hoe Mill Lock,
New landing stages downstream of Sandford lock, with steps up to road and a landing stage at Rickets lock were also provided in 2003 by Chelmer Canal Trust.
Fishing rights along the canal are now back under C&BN control, through the companies own C&B angling club. Day and annual licenses are available, and the clubs bailiff (Del Boswell) regularly patrols the canal and is happy to issue licenses and offer help and advice.
A new marina at Sandford Mill stream has recently been proposed, by the canal owners (C&BN) for private pleasure cruisers. It would re-use the former filter beds from a long disused water works, with a new cut being made to connect to the marina, forming an almost secret, naturally screened, leafy marina. Hook up facilities, plus water, toilets, car park etc are planned, including permanent moorings....... likely 2005 opening or later.
The C&BN company have acquired a narrow-beam steel hulled 'horse drawn' vessel, she is currently undergoing restoration at Paper Mill, and the Company is actively investigating the potential for horse-drawn passenger carrying along the canal next year. The vessel is unusual in that it is double ended allowing the rudder to be hung at either end to avoid the necessity of turning her around.
Narrowboats are increasing in popularity on the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation, last year saw another two, bringing the total up to around 15. There is another currently being fitted out by CBN Marine at Heybridge Basin (fabricated on Canvey Island), which hopefully will find a home on the Chelmer. Although the navigation was build for 60ft broad beam barges, the traditional lines of narrowboats seem to fit the idyllic picturesque scene associated with the canal and they are also a good practical sturdy boat (ideal for those hard concrete locks!).
It is surprising how many events take place along & close by the canal each month. Last year there were around 15 events in total, including open days at the Sandford Mill Museum & Langford Steam Museum, plus Heybridge Basins Regatta and round the island race, raft race at Chelmsford and boat owners BBQ. Click here for latest 2004 event details and dates.
Some controversy was expressed last year regarding the quad biking bailiffs motoring up and down the tow path, collecting fishing permit fees. Obviously this brings in much needed funds for the company, but many people feel the peace and tranquility of the canal is broken, and it is this peace and tranquility that brings most boaters and walkers to the canal....... now much improved with a more friendly bailiff!!!!
Updated January 2005