© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
North Cheshire Cruising Club
High Lane Wharf
Map of High Lane Wharf from 1881
The North Cheshire Cruising Club is
situated on the High Lane Arm of the
Macclesfield canal, one of England's
most beautiful canals.
The Club was formed in 1943 by a group of boaters wishing to present a combined front to the local
council who wanted to impose rates on the boathouses that some had built to keep their boats in.
They were not successful in repelling the council but had created the first Cruising Club on the
narrow canal system of England.
For further information see: Club History
Mooring Safety Ladders
The Board highlighted the need for
ladders in the water to allow anyone
who falls in, a safe and secure method
to get back out of the water. This was
implemented today 13.07.22 by the
land and water space director and his
team, 2 steel ladders were installed at
the end of the pontoons near the
triangle
Club Night
Map of High Lane Wharf from 1881
The North Cheshire Cruising Club is situated on the
High Lane Arm of the Macclesfield canal, one of
England's most beautiful canals.
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
The Club was formed in 1943 by a group of boaters wishing to present a combined front to the local
council who wanted to impose rates on the boathouses that some had built to keep their boats in.
They were not successful in repelling the council but had created the first Cruising Club on the narrow
canal system of England.
For further information see: Club History
NCCC
Mooring Safety Ladders
The Board highlighted the need for
ladders in the water to allow anyone
who falls in, a safe and secure method
to get back out of the water. This was
implemented today 13.07.22 by the
land and water space director and his
team, 2 steel ladders were installed at
the end of the pontoons near the
triangle
Club Night
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
Map of High Lane Wharf from 1881
The North Cheshire Cruising Club
is situated on the High Lane Arm
of the Macclesfield canal, one of
England's most beautiful canals.
The Club was formed in 1943 by a group of boaters wishing
to present a combined front to the local council who
wanted to impose rates on the boathouses that some had
built to keep their boats in.
They were not successful in repelling the council but had
created the first Cruising Club on the narrow canal system
of England.
For further information see: Club History
NCCC
Mooring Safety Ladders
The Board highlighted the need for
ladders in the water to allow anyone
who falls in, a safe and secure method
to get back out of the water. This was
implemented today 13.07.22 by the
land and water space director and his
team, 2 steel ladders were installed at
the end of the pontoons near the
triangle
Club Night
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
North Cheshire Cruising Club
High Lane Wharf
Club History
The Club was founded in the bleak days of the Second World War when it was illegal to use petrol in a pleasure boat. It is therefore not surprising that the Club was formed in somewhat unusual circumstances. Pleasure boats had moored in this canal arm since shortly after the turn of the century and many of them had been kept in boathouses. A brief history of the canal arm may be found here. In 1937 the boat house owners in the Arm, for the first time, grouped together to employ a solicitor to fight a demand from the local council for rates on their boathouses. Although they did not succeed and had to pay rates, the idea of forming themselves into an association was first kindled. In May 1943 Mr HW Downs, who had owned a pleasure boat since 1925, was approached by a group of boat owners who suggested that a club be formed to rent the wharf and yard which was at this time unoccupied. The railway owners (L.N.E.R.) were approached and asked a rental of 1/- (5p) a yard which was beyond the means of the moorers. Subsequently Mr Downs was visited by the L.N.E.R. district engineer who said that they would like to see a club formed that could take over all of the yard and wharf. A meeting of all interested parties was called and it was decided to form a club to rent the area on 11th June 1943 - there were sixteen founder members. A name for the Club now had to be chosen and many years later Mr Downs recounted how this came about. “Having had much to do with the North Cheshire Water Board the name “North Cheshire Cruising Club” came naturally.A prize of 5/- (25P) was offered for the best design for a Club burgee and was subsequently won by Mr Bill Axon for the only design submitted.” Mr Axon moved from the area shortly after the war and lost contact with the Club. In 1983, when we were preparing the celebrations for our fortieth anniversary, he was traced and it was found that after nearly forty years he still had the original hand made burgee pinned up on his garage wall. He donated it to the Club and it can be seen today in the Clubhouse, framed and preserved for all posterity in a vacuum. Regrettably Mr Axon, the last of our founder members, died in 1992. There was a small office that then stood by a weighbridge at the entrance from the main A6 road. It was in a deplorable state as it had not been used for years and was badly affected by dry rot. The members set about repairing it and converted it into the first Clubhouse. The crane on the wharf was unusable at this time and in true war time spirit, it was repaired with parts salvaged when a Manchester tram route was being dismantled. Although this crane has not survived nor the succeeding crane that was scrapped as unsafe about 1996. Club cruises in war time were also rather unusual. Because of the prohibition of the use of petrol in their boats members would arrive at the Arm by public transport and bow haul their boats to the main canal. Here they would eat the sandwiches they had brought with them before they bow hauled their boats back to their moorings. Quite how the Commodore led these cruises is not recorded! Accounts exist of several powered cruises at this time, all of which ended in brushes with the police.After the war small amounts of petrol became available for pleasure cruising but members found that the condition of the canal was fast deteriorating as little maintenance was being done as commercial traffic had virtually ceased. In 1953 the club was deeply involved in the Macclesfield National Rally that drew attention to the threat then hanging over the canal. On 6th March 1955 the secretary reported that a number of officers of the Club had attended a meeting of the County Anglers Association which was addressed by a representative of the IWA where the results of the Board of Survey of the canals were reported. The conclusion of the Board of Survey was that the Ashton, Peak Forest and Macclesfield Canals were recommended for closure. The meeting resolved to take all necessary action to combat this. Local MPs and councillors were contacted, a public petition was organised and meeting of all interested parties held. It is difficult to know at this point in time simply from the minutes of committee meetings, whether the Committee of the NCCC or its members appreciated how close the Macclesfield Canal came to closure in 1955. The whole waterways movement fully expected the BTC annual Bill to include powers to abandon the majority of the class 3 waterways which included the Macclesfield, Ashton and Peak Forest Canals. But when the Bill was published on 28th November 1955 there were no such draconian powers sought. This reprieve was a consequence of the widespread public disquiet and parliamentary concern about what was being proposed. The NCCC organised a petition and the all party meeting at Stockport Town Hall was part of this pressure. The Bowes committee was established to take a broader view of the future use of the canals within the BTC umbrella. It did not report until July 1958, which gave a breathing space. Meanwhile some curious events had occurred. On 8th Jan 1956 Mr E Burgess reported that he had received a letter from the commercial manager BTC Liverpool expressing good wishes for the success of pleasure cruising on the Macclesfield Canal! In October 1956 it was reported that we had been approached by Cheshire County Council and the Mersey River Board for information to be supplied to the Bowes committee. Then on Thursday 27th February 1958 at a half hours notice we were visited by Sir Reginald Kerr the head of British Transport Waterways, Mr Marsh NW Head of BTW and Mr Scarlett the local inspector. The visit occurred mid week and they were greeted by Messers Brierley and Kennerley (the Club chairman being unavailable at such short notice). The object of the visit was a preliminary survey prior to a visit by water of Sir Reginald Kerr. This visit occurred on 21st May 1958 at one day’s notice, when he was accompanied by Lady Kerr in the inspection launch Kingfisher. Sir Reginald was accompanied from Poynton by an escort of eleven club boats. Upon arrival at High Lane he inspected the accompanying craft and the Clubhouse and then addressed a gathering of about 40 people, stating that he was very anxious to develop the use of canals by private boat owners. The BTW booklet No. 11 on cruising the Macclesfield and Upper Peak Forest Canals was issued in 1958 and no mention was made of the Ashton or Lower Peak Forest Canal. From these disconnected strands can be divined official policy on the three canals: support for the Macclesfield and abandonment of the Ashton and Lower Peak Forest from Marple top lock. In 1961 and 1962 Sir Reginald and his wife were invited to be the honoured guests at the NCCC dinner dance to thank him for his support and he was elected an honorary member in 1961. The struggle for the Macclesfield canal succeeded with only modest effort but that for the Lower Peak Forest and Ashton canals intensified. Requiring a National Rally at Marple in 1966 with follow up events in the four succeeding years all heavily supported by the Club. Fortunately opinions were changing there was a new Labour government, the southern Stratford canal had been restored and there was a greater demand for leisure. All this combined to encourage the passing of the 1968 transport act which assured the future of the canal network. The Ashton canal still had to be saved but the method by which this could be achieved had been demonstrated and was applied by the Peak Forest Canal Society. The canal was reopened in 1974 and its status increased to cruise-way by the 1983 transport act.In the mid 1950’s a wooden estate agent’s building in the yard became vacant and, as the Club had outgrown its original Clubhouse, was acquired and converted. The Club continued to grow and after about twenty years this building was proving to be too small. A lease was subsequently negotiated with B.W. on the present Clubhouse which was in a semi derelict condition and after considerable restoration was opened in 1975 by General Sir Hugh Stockwell. The original slipway was constructed in the mid 60s. This was replaced in 1995-6 by the present slipway constructed by the considerable efforts of members. Together with accounts of club and individual cruises the most notable of which were to Market Harborough in 1951, The reopening of the Stratford canal, which was attended by a magnificent array of 15 club boats and the Commodores Cruise of 1993, taking in the Manchester Ship Canal, Weaver and Dee. Accounts of all these events can be found in Golden or Diamond Reminiscences. A fuller account of the Club History can be found in “In The Arm” the story of North Cheshire Cruising Club, 2009, Published by NCCC. Dennis Suleman revised by Noel Christopher, 2010.
Individuals have owned boat houses in the High Lane Arm of the Macclesfield Canal since at least 1910. These
individuals came together in 1943 to form the North Cheshire Cruising Club (NCCC). A chance discovery whilst clearing
a store room revealed an almost complete set of Club minutes which has allowed the author to piece together the
story of the Club from earliest times to the present day.
The club was formed in the middle of the Second World War and it was therefore an act of great optimism. This
optimism continued in the early years of peace but was soon dashed by the threat of widespread canal closure. The
campaign to save the Macclesfield, Peak Forest and Ashton Canals was central to the National campaign being
mounted by the fledgling Inland Waterways Association to preserve the right of navigation on threatened waterways
and reinvent the canals as a leisure facility. This book documents the role played by NCCC in this fight, describing the
early Cruising Queen celebrations, Macclesfield and Marple rallies and
canal clearing activities on the Ashton Canal, as well as other
contributions setting the NCCC’s part in context.
Concurrently with these nationally important activities the NCCC
worked towards full occupation of the arm and provision of boating
facilities. The most ambitious projects were the conversion of the stone
warehouse and the second slipway. It also catalogues the regular
activities of a thriving cruising club on the Macclesfield Canal and how
they have changed with time.
The book of 80 pages utilises over 40 photographs from the club archives and other sources, many not previously
published. The author is an honorary life member of the NCCC and their archivist. He is therefore uniquely qualified to
write this history.
Price per copy is £5 + £1 p+p and can be ordered from NCCC Ltd, The Wharf, Buxton Rd, High Lane, Stockport,
Cheshire, SK6 8AA.
For further information:
e mail: inthearm@nccc.uk.net
0
Club History
The Club was founded in the bleak days of the Second World War when it was illegal to use petrol in a pleasure boat. It is therefore not surprising that the Club was formed in somewhat unusual circumstances. Pleasure boats had moored in this canal arm since shortly after the turn of the century and many of them had been kept in boathouses. A brief history of the canal arm may be found here. In 1937 the boat house owners in the Arm, for the first time, grouped together to employ a solicitor to fight a demand from the local council for rates on their boathouses. Although they did not succeed and had to pay rates, the idea of forming themselves into an association was first kindled. In May 1943 Mr HW Downs, who had owned a pleasure boat since 1925, was approached by a group of boat owners who suggested that a club be formed to rent the wharf and yard which was at this time unoccupied. The railway owners (L.N.E.R.) were approached and asked a rental of 1/- (5p) a yard which was beyond the means of the moorers. Subsequently Mr Downs was visited by the L.N.E.R. district engineer who said that they would like to see a club formed that could take over all of the yard and wharf. A meeting of all interested parties was called and it was decided to form a club to rent the area on 11th June 1943 - there were sixteen founder members. A name for the Club now had to be chosen and many years later Mr Downs recounted how this came about. “Having had much to do with the North Cheshire Water Board the name “North Cheshire Cruising Club” came naturally.A prize of 5/- (25P) was offered for the best design for a Club burgee and was subsequently won by Mr Bill Axon for the only design submitted.” Mr Axon moved from the area shortly after the war and lost contact with the Club. In 1983, when we were preparing the celebrations for our fortieth anniversary, he was traced and it was found that after nearly forty years he still had the original hand made burgee pinned up on his garage wall. He donated it to the Club and it can be seen today in the Clubhouse, framed and preserved for all posterity in a vacuum. Regrettably Mr Axon, the last of our founder members, died in 1992. There was a small office that then stood by a weighbridge at the entrance from the main A6 road. It was in a deplorable state as it had not been used for years and was badly affected by dry rot. The members set about repairing it and converted it into the first Clubhouse. The crane on the wharf was unusable at this time and in true war time spirit, it was repaired with parts salvaged when a Manchester tram route was being dismantled. Although this crane has not survived nor the succeeding crane that was scrapped as unsafe about 1996. Club cruises in war time were also rather unusual. Because of the prohibition of the use of petrol in their boats members would arrive at the Arm by public transport and bow haul their boats to the main canal. Here they would eat the sandwiches they had brought with them before they bow hauled their boats back to their moorings. Quite how the Commodore led these cruises is not recorded! Accounts exist of several powered cruises at this time, all of which ended in brushes with the police.After the war small amounts of petrol became available for pleasure cruising but members found that the condition of the canal was fast deteriorating as little maintenance was being done as commercial traffic had virtually ceased. In 1953 the club was deeply involved in the Macclesfield National Rally that drew attention to the threat then hanging over the canal. On 6th March 1955 the secretary reported that a number of officers of the Club had attended a meeting of the County Anglers Association which was addressed by a representative of the IWA where the results of the Board of Survey of the canals were reported. The conclusion of the Board of Survey was that the Ashton, Peak Forest and Macclesfield Canals were recommended for closure. The meeting resolved to take all necessary action to combat this. Local MPs and councillors were contacted, a public petition was organised and meeting of all interested parties held. It is difficult to know at this point in time simply from the minutes of committee meetings, whether the Committee of the NCCC or its members appreciated how close the Macclesfield Canal came to closure in 1955. The whole waterways movement fully expected the BTC annual Bill to include powers to abandon the majority of the class 3 waterways which included the Macclesfield, Ashton and Peak Forest Canals. But when the Bill was published on 28th November 1955 there were no such draconian powers sought. This reprieve was a consequence of the widespread public disquiet and parliamentary concern about what was being proposed. The NCCC organised a petition and the all party meeting at Stockport Town Hall was part of this pressure. The Bowes committee was established to take a broader view of the future use of the canals within the BTC umbrella. It did not report until July 1958, which gave a breathing space. Meanwhile some curious events had occurred. On 8th Jan 1956 Mr E Burgess reported that he had received a letter from the commercial manager BTC Liverpool expressing good wishes for the success of pleasure cruising on the Macclesfield Canal! In October 1956 it was reported that we had been approached by Cheshire County Council and the Mersey River Board for information to be supplied to the Bowes committee. Then on Thursday 27th February 1958 at a half hours notice we were visited by Sir Reginald Kerr the head of British Transport Waterways, Mr Marsh NW Head of BTW and Mr Scarlett the local inspector. The visit occurred mid week and they were greeted by Messers Brierley and Kennerley (the Club chairman being unavailable at such short notice). The object of the visit was a preliminary survey prior to a visit by water of Sir Reginald Kerr. This visit occurred on 21st May 1958 at one day’s notice, when he was accompanied by Lady Kerr in the inspection launch Kingfisher. Sir Reginald was accompanied from Poynton by an escort of eleven club boats. Upon arrival at High Lane he inspected the accompanying craft and the Clubhouse and then addressed a gathering of about 40 people, stating that he was very anxious to develop the use of canals by private boat owners. The BTW booklet No. 11 on cruising the Macclesfield and Upper Peak Forest Canals was issued in 1958 and no mention was made of the Ashton or Lower Peak Forest Canal. From these disconnected strands can be divined official policy on the three canals: support for the Macclesfield and abandonment of the Ashton and Lower Peak Forest from Marple top lock. In 1961 and 1962 Sir Reginald and his wife were invited to be the honoured guests at the NCCC dinner dance to thank him for his support and he was elected an honorary member in 1961. The struggle for the Macclesfield canal succeeded with only modest effort but that for the Lower Peak Forest and Ashton canals intensified. Requiring a National Rally at Marple in 1966 with follow up events in the four succeeding years all heavily supported by the Club. Fortunately opinions were changing there was a new Labour government, the southern Stratford canal had been restored and there was a greater demand for leisure. All this combined to encourage the passing of the 1968 transport act which assured the future of the canal network. The Ashton canal still had to be saved but the method by which this could be achieved had been demonstrated and was applied by the Peak Forest Canal Society. The canal was reopened in 1974 and its status increased to cruise-way by the 1983 transport act.In the mid 1950’s a wooden estate agent’s building in the yard became vacant and, as the Club had outgrown its original Clubhouse, was acquired and converted. The Club continued to grow and after about twenty years this building was proving to be too small. A lease was subsequently negotiated with B.W. on the present Clubhouse which was in a semi derelict condition and after considerable restoration was opened in 1975 by General Sir Hugh Stockwell. The original slipway was constructed in the mid 60s. This was replaced in 1995-6 by the present slipway constructed by the considerable efforts of members. Together with accounts of club and individual cruises the most notable of which were to Market Harborough in 1951, The reopening of the Stratford canal, which was attended by a magnificent array of 15 club boats and the Commodores Cruise of 1993, taking in the Manchester Ship Canal, Weaver and Dee. Accounts of all these events can be found in Golden or Diamond Reminiscences. A fuller account of the Club History can be found in “In The Arm” the story of North Cheshire Cruising Club, 2009, Published by NCCC. Dennis Suleman revised by Noel Christopher, 2010.
Individuals have owned boat houses in the High Lane Arm of the Macclesfield Canal since at least 1910.
These individuals came together in 1943 to form the North Cheshire Cruising Club (NCCC). A chance
discovery whilst clearing a store room revealed an almost complete set of Club minutes which has allowed
the author to piece together the story of the Club from earliest times to the present day.
The club was formed in the middle of the Second World War and it was therefore an act of great optimism.
This optimism continued in the early years of peace but was soon dashed by the threat of widespread
canal closure. The campaign to save the Macclesfield, Peak Forest and Ashton Canals was central to the
National campaign being mounted by the fledgling Inland Waterways Association to preserve the right of
navigation on threatened waterways and reinvent the canals as a leisure facility. This book documents the
role played by NCCC in this fight, describing the early Cruising Queen celebrations, Macclesfield and Marple
rallies and canal clearing activities on the Ashton Canal, as well as other contributions setting the NCCC’s
part in context.
Concurrently with these nationally important activities the NCCC worked towards full occupation of the arm
and provision of boating facilities. The most ambitious projects were the conversion of the stone
warehouse and the second slipway. It also
catalogues the regular activities of a thriving
cruising club on the Macclesfield Canal and how
they have changed with time.
The book of 80 pages utilises over 40
photographs from the club archives and other
sources, many not previously published. The
author is an honorary life member of the NCCC
and their archivist. He is therefore uniquely
qualified to write this history.
Price per copy is £5 + £1 p+p and can be ordered from NCCC Ltd, The Wharf, Buxton Rd, High Lane,
Stockport, Cheshire, SK6 8AA.
For further information:
e mail: inthearm@nccc.uk.net
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
Club History
The Club was founded in the bleak days of the Second World War when it was illegal to use petrol in a pleasure boat. It is therefore not surprising that the Club was formed in somewhat unusual circumstances. Pleasure boats had moored in this canal arm since shortly after the turn of the century and many of them had been kept in boathouses. A brief history of the canal arm may be found here. In 1937 the boat house owners in the Arm, for the first time, grouped together to employ a solicitor to fight a demand from the local council for rates on their boathouses. Although they did not succeed and had to pay rates, the idea of forming themselves into an association was first kindled. In May 1943 Mr HW Downs, who had owned a pleasure boat since 1925, was approached by a group of boat owners who suggested that a club be formed to rent the wharf and yard which was at this time unoccupied. The railway owners (L.N.E.R.) were approached and asked a rental of 1/- (5p) a yard which was beyond the means of the moorers. Subsequently Mr Downs was visited by the L.N.E.R. district engineer who said that they would like to see a club formed that could take over all of the yard and wharf. A meeting of all interested parties was called and it was decided to form a club to rent the area on 11th June 1943 - there were sixteen founder members. A name for the Club now had to be chosen and many years later Mr Downs recounted how this came about. “Having had much to do with the North Cheshire Water Board the name “North Cheshire Cruising Club” came naturally.A prize of 5/- (25P) was offered for the best design for a Club burgee and was subsequently won by Mr Bill Axon for the only design submitted.” Mr Axon moved from the area shortly after the war and lost contact with the Club. In 1983, when we were preparing the celebrations for our fortieth anniversary, he was traced and it was found that after nearly forty years he still had the original hand made burgee pinned up on his garage wall. He donated it to the Club and it can be seen today in the Clubhouse, framed and preserved for all posterity in a vacuum. Regrettably Mr Axon, the last of our founder members, died in 1992. There was a small office that then stood by a weighbridge at the entrance from the main A6 road. It was in a deplorable state as it had not been used for years and was badly affected by dry rot. The members set about repairing it and converted it into the first Clubhouse. The crane on the wharf was unusable at this time and in true war time spirit, it was repaired with parts salvaged when a Manchester tram route was being dismantled. Although this crane has not survived nor the succeeding crane that was scrapped as unsafe about 1996. Club cruises in war time were also rather unusual. Because of the prohibition of the use of petrol in their boats members would arrive at the Arm by public transport and bow haul their boats to the main canal. Here they would eat the sandwiches they had brought with them before they bow hauled their boats back to their moorings. Quite how the Commodore led these cruises is not recorded! Accounts exist of several powered cruises at this time, all of which ended in brushes with the police.After the war small amounts of petrol became available for pleasure cruising but members found that the condition of the canal was fast deteriorating as little maintenance was being done as commercial traffic had virtually ceased. In 1953 the club was deeply involved in the Macclesfield National Rally that drew attention to the threat then hanging over the canal. On 6th March 1955 the secretary reported that a number of officers of the Club had attended a meeting of the County Anglers Association which was addressed by a representative of the IWA where the results of the Board of Survey of the canals were reported. The conclusion of the Board of Survey was that the Ashton, Peak Forest and Macclesfield Canals were recommended for closure. The meeting resolved to take all necessary action to combat this. Local MPs and councillors were contacted, a public petition was organised and meeting of all interested parties held. It is difficult to know at this point in time simply from the minutes of committee meetings, whether the Committee of the NCCC or its members appreciated how close the Macclesfield Canal came to closure in 1955. The whole waterways movement fully expected the BTC annual Bill to include powers to abandon the majority of the class 3 waterways which included the Macclesfield, Ashton and Peak Forest Canals. But when the Bill was published on 28th November 1955 there were no such draconian powers sought. This reprieve was a consequence of the widespread public disquiet and parliamentary concern about what was being proposed. The NCCC organised a petition and the all party meeting at Stockport Town Hall was part of this pressure. The Bowes committee was established to take a broader view of the future use of the canals within the BTC umbrella. It did not report until July 1958, which gave a breathing space. Meanwhile some curious events had occurred. On 8th Jan 1956 Mr E Burgess reported that he had received a letter from the commercial manager BTC Liverpool expressing good wishes for the success of pleasure cruising on the Macclesfield Canal! In October 1956 it was reported that we had been approached by Cheshire County Council and the Mersey River Board for information to be supplied to the Bowes committee. Then on Thursday 27th February 1958 at a half hours notice we were visited by Sir Reginald Kerr the head of British Transport Waterways, Mr Marsh NW Head of BTW and Mr Scarlett the local inspector. The visit occurred mid week and they were greeted by Messers Brierley and Kennerley (the Club chairman being unavailable at such short notice). The object of the visit was a preliminary survey prior to a visit by water of Sir Reginald Kerr. This visit occurred on 21st May 1958 at one day’s notice, when he was accompanied by Lady Kerr in the inspection launch Kingfisher. Sir Reginald was accompanied from Poynton by an escort of eleven club boats. Upon arrival at High Lane he inspected the accompanying craft and the Clubhouse and then addressed a gathering of about 40 people, stating that he was very anxious to develop the use of canals by private boat owners. The BTW booklet No. 11 on cruising the Macclesfield and Upper Peak Forest Canals was issued in 1958 and no mention was made of the Ashton or Lower Peak Forest Canal. From these disconnected strands can be divined official policy on the three canals: support for the Macclesfield and abandonment of the Ashton and Lower Peak Forest from Marple top lock. In 1961 and 1962 Sir Reginald and his wife were invited to be the honoured guests at the NCCC dinner dance to thank him for his support and he was elected an honorary member in 1961. The struggle for the Macclesfield canal succeeded with only modest effort but that for the Lower Peak Forest and Ashton canals intensified. Requiring a National Rally at Marple in 1966 with follow up events in the four succeeding years all heavily supported by the Club. Fortunately opinions were changing there was a new Labour government, the southern Stratford canal had been restored and there was a greater demand for leisure. All this combined to encourage the passing of the 1968 transport act which assured the future of the canal network. The Ashton canal still had to be saved but the method by which this could be achieved had been demonstrated and was applied by the Peak Forest Canal Society. The canal was reopened in 1974 and its status increased to cruise-way by the 1983 transport act.In the mid 1950’s a wooden estate agent’s building in the yard became vacant and, as the Club had outgrown its original Clubhouse, was acquired and converted. The Club continued to grow and after about twenty years this building was proving to be too small. A lease was subsequently negotiated with B.W. on the present Clubhouse which was in a semi derelict condition and after considerable restoration was opened in 1975 by General Sir Hugh Stockwell. The original slipway was constructed in the mid 60s. This was replaced in 1995-6 by the present slipway constructed by the considerable efforts of members. Together with accounts of club and individual cruises the most notable of which were to Market Harborough in 1951, The reopening of the Stratford canal, which was attended by a magnificent array of 15 club boats and the Commodores Cruise of 1993, taking in the Manchester Ship Canal, Weaver and Dee. Accounts of all these events can be found in Golden or Diamond Reminiscences. A fuller account of the Club History can be found in “In The Arm” the story of North Cheshire Cruising Club, 2009, Published by NCCC. Dennis Suleman revised by Noel Christopher, 2010.
Individuals have owned boat houses in the High
Lane Arm of the Macclesfield Canal since at least
1910. These individuals came together in 1943 to
form the North Cheshire Cruising Club (NCCC). A
chance discovery whilst clearing a store room
revealed an almost complete set of Club minutes
which has allowed the author to piece together the
story of the Club from earliest times to the present
day.
The club was formed in the middle of the Second
World War and it was therefore an act of great
optimism. This optimism continued in the early
years of peace but was soon dashed by the threat of
widespread canal closure. The campaign to save the
Macclesfield, Peak Forest and Ashton Canals was
central to the National campaign being mounted by
the fledgling Inland Waterways Association to
preserve the right of navigation on threatened
waterways and reinvent the canals as a leisure
facility. This book documents the role played by
NCCC in this fight, describing the early Cruising
Queen celebrations, Macclesfield and Marple rallies
and canal clearing activities on the Ashton Canal, as
well as other contributions setting the NCCC’s part
in context.
Concurrently with these nationally important
activities the NCCC worked towards full occupation
of the arm and provision of boating facilities. The
most ambitious projects were the conversion of the
stone warehouse and the second slipway. It also
catalogues the regular activities of a thriving cruising
club on the Macclesfield Canal and how they have
changed with time.
The book of 80 pages utilises over 40 photographs
from the club archives and other sources, many not
previously published. The author is an honorary life
member of the NCCC and their archivist. He is
therefore uniquely qualified to write this history.
Price per copy is £5 + £1 p+p and can be ordered
from NCCC Ltd, The Wharf, Buxton Rd, High Lane,
Stockport, Cheshire, SK6 8AA.
For further information:
e mail: inthearm@nccc.uk.net
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
North Cheshire Cruising Club
High Lane Wharf
For Sale
SOLD
2 boats one is a norman cruiser not in great condition vetus engine with z drive looks ok but untested. Other Boat unknown engine looks in real bad state. If you can take them away, as there are no trailers, then you are welcome to them both. Were canal based as far as weknow, Sold as Seen no warranties or guarantees whatsoever. Must be gone by the 14th August 2022 or they will be scrapped. Collection from High Lane Stockport. No Trailers so you will have to arrange transport.
Norman Cruiser Vetus engine looks ok but untested
Other Boat, engine looks shot think its a perkins
click on pics to enlarge
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
For Sale
SOLD
2 boats one is a norman cruiser not in great condition vetus engine with z drive looks ok but untested. Other Boat unknown engine looks in real bad state. If you can take them away, as there are no trailers, then you are welcome to them both. Were canal based as far as weknow, Sold as Seen no warranties or guarantees whatsoever. Must be gone by the 14th August 2022 or they will be scrapped. Collection from High Lane Stockport. No Trailers so you will have to arrange transport.
Norman Cruiser Vetus engine looks ok but untested
Other Boat, engine looks shot think its a perkins
click on pics to enlarge
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
For Sale
SOLD
2 boats one is a norman cruiser not in great condition vetus engine with z drive looks ok but untested. Other Boat unknown engine looks in real bad state. If you can take them away, as there are no trailers, then you are welcome to them both. Were canal based as far as weknow, Sold as Seen no warranties or guarantees whatsoever. Must be gone by the 14th August 2022 or they will be scrapped. Collection from High Lane Stockport. No Trailers so you will have to arrange transport.
Norman Cruiser Vetus engine looks ok but untested
Other Boat, engine looks shot think its a perkins
click on pics to enlarge
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
North Cheshire Cruising Club
High Lane Wharf
Members Pages
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
Members Pages
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
Members Pages
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
North Cheshire Cruising Club
High Lane Wharf
Founder Members
This display summarises what we know about the founder members. The numbers 1 – 10 are taken
from the application forms, in the club archives annotated as ‘Founder Members’.
A membership card donated by Frank Kennerley from his father Bert, records a different 10 names
including: G H Baxter, H Hopewell, T Maguire, W Molloy; but not Downs, Ridgeway, Shaw or Hazeldine!
The date of foundation he gives as 12th August 1943.
H Downs writing in 1964 stated that there were 16 people at the meeting on end of June 1943, when
the club was founded and only 14 are identified here. So exactly who were the founder members
appears to be in some doubt.
Interestingly on the application forms the date of the meeting at which they were accepted was stated
as 19th September 1943.
Bert Kennerleys Membership Card
H W Downs was the first club chairman and commodore 1945–1948. He was one of the driving forces in the formation of the
club. He berthed ‘Otter’ in a boathouse opposite the present triangle. In later years he was an inveterate potterer and was
often seen around the arm modifying boats. Around 1956 ‘Otter’ was sold but in 1959 he bought another motor cruiser
‘Lutra’ he died in 1964
1. H W Downs
Otter
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
Founder Members
This display summarises what we know about the founder members. The
numbers 1 – 10 are taken from the application forms, in the club archives
annotated as ‘Founder Members’.
A membership card donated by Frank Kennerley from his father Bert, records
a different 10 names including: G H Baxter, H Hopewell, T Maguire, W Molloy;
but not Downs, Ridgeway, Shaw or Hazeldine! The date of foundation he gives
as 12th August 1943.
H Downs writing in 1964 stated that there were 16 people at the meeting on
end of June 1943, when the club was founded and only 14 are identified here.
So exactly who were the founder members appears to be in some doubt.
Interestingly on the application forms the date of the meeting at which they
were accepted was stated as 19th September 1943.
Bert Kennerleys Membership Card
H W Downs was the first club chairman and commodore 1945–1948. He was one of the driving
forces in the formation of the club. He berthed ‘Otter’ in a boathouse opposite the present triangle.
In later years he was an inveterate potterer and was often seen around the arm modifying boats.
Around 1956 ‘Otter’ was sold but in 1959 he bought another motor cruiser ‘Lutra’ he died in 1964
1. H W Downs
Otter
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
Founder Members
This display summarises what we know about the
founder members. The numbers 1 – 10 are taken from
the application forms, in the club archives annotated as
‘Founder Members’.
A membership card donated by Frank Kennerley from
his father Bert, records a different 10 names including:
G H Baxter, H Hopewell, T Maguire, W Molloy; but not
Downs, Ridgeway, Shaw or Hazeldine! The date of
foundation he gives as 12th August 1943.
H Downs writing in 1964 stated that there were 16
people at the meeting on end of June 1943, when the
club was founded and only 14 are identified here. So
exactly who were the founder members appears to be
in some doubt.
Interestingly on the application forms the date of the
meeting at which they were accepted was stated as
19th September 1943.
Bert Kennerleys Membership Card
H W Downs was the first club chairman and commodore
1945–1948. He was one of the driving forces in the
formation of the club. He berthed ‘Otter’ in a boathouse
opposite the present triangle. In later years he was an
inveterate potterer and was often seen around the arm
modifying boats. Around 1956 ‘Otter’ was sold but in
1959 he bought another motor cruiser ‘Lutra’ he died in
1964
1. H W Downs
Otter
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
North Cheshire Cruising Club
High Lane Wharf
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
North Cheshire Cruising Club
High Lane Wharf
Gallery
Around the Arm
I think a big round of applause is in order for the gentleman who has taken on
the herculean task of pointing the walls. He deserves much recognition for what
he has completed so far, and the manner in which he has done so.
Thank you John you are a star
Just pointing this out
Gallery
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
Around the Arm
I think a big round of applause is in order for the gentleman who has taken on
the herculean task of pointing the walls. He deserves much recognition for what
he has completed so far, and the manner in which he has done so.
Thank you John you are a star
Just pointing this out
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
Gallery
Around the Arm
I think a big round of applause is in order for the
gentleman who has taken on the herculean task of
pointing the walls. He deserves much recognition for
what he has completed so far, and the manner in
which he has done so.
Thank you John you are a star
Just pointing this out
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
North Cheshire Cruising Club
High Lane Wharf
John Fenton
Commodore & Chairman
Bill Jewsbury
Finance Director
Eric Roberts
Land & water Space Director
Has a team of gullible mugs who follow his every order a bit like a cult leader. Supervisory for Land, Moorings, slipway and wet docks.Contact
Hoody
I am working hard trying to train my owner in the way of dogs, she is however not picking up the basics very well, Im thinking of taking her to my mate Rotty the rottweiller who is well versed in dealing with difficult humans.
Dave Hood
Moorings Officer
Dave wants to bring his submarine into the arm, think thats why he keeps making me do dredging and is intent on creating a 250 foot mooring
Lyndsay
Licensee
Being careful with what I put about Lyndsay she serves me drinks and can bar me.
Pam Suggitt
Secretary
Inc
???
???
Ma
Hazel Bowker
Slipway
Loves blacking bottomsIf you wish to contact the North Cheshire Cruising Club then please use one of the following: -
email: info@nccc.uk.net
Tel: 01663 765581
Address:-
North Cheshire Cruising Club
The Wharf
Buxton Road
High Lane
Stockport
SK6 8AA
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
John Fenton
Commodore & Chairman
Bill Jewsbury
Finance Director
Eric Roberts
Land & water Space
Director
Has a team of gullible mugs who follow his every order a bit like a cult leader. Supervisory for Land, Moorings, slipway and wet docks.Contact
If you wish to contact the North Cheshire Cruising Club then please use one of the following: -
email: info@nccc.uk.net
Tel: 01663 765581
Address:-
North Cheshire Cruising Club
The Wharf
Buxton Road
High Lane
Stockport
SK6 8AA
Pam Suggitt
Secretary
Inc
???
???
Ma
Hazel Bowker
Slipway
Loves blacking bottoms
Hoody
I am working hard trying to train my owner in the way of dogs, she is however not picking up the basics very well, Im thinking of taking her to my mate Rotty the rottweiller who is well versed in dealing with difficult humans.
Dave Hood
Moorings Officer
Dave wants to bring his submarine into the arm, think thats why he keeps making me do dredging and is intent on creating a 250 foot mooring
Lyndsay
Licensee
Being careful with what I put about Lyndsay she serves me drinks and can bar me.
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
John Fenton
Commodore &
Chairman
Bill Jewsbury
Finance Director
Eric Roberts
Land & water Space
Director
Has a team of gullible mugs who follow his every order a bit like a cult leader. Supervisory for Land, Moorings, slipway and wet docks.Contact
If you wish to contact the North Cheshire Cruising Club then
please use one of the following: -
email: info@nccc.uk.net
Tel: 01663 765581
Address:-
North Cheshire Cruising Club
The Wharf Buxton Road High Lane Stockport SK6 8AA
Hoody
I am working hard trying to train my owner in the way of dogs, she is however not picking up the basics very well, Im thinking of taking her to my mate Rotty the rottweiller who is well versed in dealing with difficult humans.
Dave Hood
Moorings Officer
Dave wants to bring his submarine into the arm, think thats why he keeps making me do dredging and is intent on creating a 250 foot mooring
Lyndsay
Licensee
Being careful with what I put about Lyndsay she serves me drinks and can bar me.
Pam Suggitt
Secretary
Inc
???
???
Ma
Hazel Bowker
Slipway
Loves blacking bottoms
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
North Cheshire Cruising Club
High Lane Wharf
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
Club
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
Club
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
North Cheshire Cruising Club
High Lane Wharf
Location
The Club is situated in the High Lane Arm of the Macclesfield Canal. The entrance to the arm is through Bridge 12 which carries the towpath over the arm entrance. There are moorings for 52 boats in the arm, a mixture of Boathouses, linear and end-on moorings.Mooring
Mooring rates from 1st October 2022 are £2.40/ft/month for members of the club. Mooring in the arm is subject to the terms & conditions shown here. The Club House is at the far end of the arm after a turn of 90 degrees to the right. Important Mooring spaces are allocated from a waiting list, the length of wait is dependant on boat length and availability. For more details on our moorings contact the Moorings Officer Dave Hood.Social
Club nights are currently Fridays, starting at about 8p.m. Bar Facilities are available and the Club Room is also available for private hire.Slipway
Slipway that can accommodate narrow boats as well as cruisers.Services
• Water Points • Electric Points • Diesel • Elsan Disposal • Workshop • Engine Lift-Out • Covered Wet Dock Facilities • Logs, Calor Gas, Kindling and Smokeless CoalAdditional
The Club is a member of the Association of Waterways Cruising Clubs (AWCC) and as such can offer secure moorings to members of AWCC affiliated clubs. Enquiries for mooring space availability should be made by contacting the Club AWCC Rep on 0161 427 9906 or by e-mail to the Club AWCC Rep. An AWCC card and insurance declaration will be required prior to arrival. Boats Meeting at Whiteley Green Taking on Supplies at Whiteley GreenAt Whiteley Green between bridges 24 and 25 on the
Macclesfield Canal the club has private mooring facilities
available to members and this popular summer weekend
spot is the venue for some of the club's summer sailing
events.
The Club has an active membership and new members are always welcome. Details about membership and membership forms are available here, in the workshop, the Clubhouse or by email to the Membership Secretary.
Facilities
Location
The Club is situated in the High Lane Arm of the Macclesfield Canal. The entrance to the arm is through Bridge 12 which carries the towpath over the arm entrance. There are moorings for 52 boats in the arm, a mixture of Boathouses, linear and end-on moorings.Mooring
Mooring rates from 1st October 2022 are £2.40/ft/month for members of the club. Mooring in the arm is subject to the terms & conditions shown here. The Club House is at the far end of the arm after a turn of 90 degrees to the right. Important Mooring spaces are allocated from a waiting list, the length of wait is dependant on boat length and availability. For more details on our moorings contact the Moorings Officer Dave Hood.Social
Club nights are currently Fridays, starting at about 8p.m. Bar Facilities are available and the Club Room is also available for private hire.Slipway
Slipway that can accommodate narrow boats as well as cruisers.Services
• Water Points • Electric Points • Diesel • Elsan Disposal • Workshop • Engine Lift-Out • Covered Wet Dock Facilities • Logs, Calor Gas, Kindling and Smokeless CoalAdditional
The Club is a member of the Association of Waterways Cruising Clubs (AWCC) and as such can offer secure moorings to members of AWCC affiliated clubs. Enquiries for mooring space availability should be made by contacting the Club AWCC Rep on 0161 427 9906 or by e-mail to the Club AWCC Rep. An AWCC card and insurance declaration will be required prior to arrival. Boats Meeting at Whiteley Green Taking on Supplies at Whiteley GreenAt Whiteley Green between bridges 24 and 25 on the Macclesfield Canal
the club has private mooring facilities available to members and this
popular summer weekend spot is the venue for some of the club's summer
sailing events.
The Club has an active membership and new members are always welcome. Details about membership and membership forms are available here, in the workshop, the Clubhouse or by email to the Membership Secretary.
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
Facilities
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
Location
The Club is situated in the High Lane Arm of the Macclesfield Canal. The entrance to the arm is through Bridge 12 which carries the towpath over the arm entrance. There are moorings for 52 boats in the arm, a mixture of Boathouses, linear and end-on moorings.Mooring
Mooring rates from 1st October 2022 are £2.40/ft/month for members of the club. Mooring in the arm is subject to the terms & conditions shown here. The Club House is at the far end of the arm after a turn of 90 degrees to the right. Important Mooring spaces are allocated from a waiting list, the length of wait is dependant on boat length and availability. For more details on our moorings contact the Moorings Officer Dave Hood.Social
Club nights are currently Fridays, starting at about 8p.m. Bar Facilities are available and the Club Room is also available for private hire.Slipway
Slipway that can accommodate narrow boats as well as cruisers.Services
• Water Points • Electric Points • Diesel • Elsan Disposal • Workshop • Engine Lift-Out • Covered Wet Dock Facilities • Logs, Calor Gas, Kindling and Smokeless CoalAdditional
The Club is a member of the Association of Waterways Cruising Clubs (AWCC) and as such can offer secure moorings to members of AWCC affiliated clubs. Enquiries for mooring space availability should be made by contacting the Club AWCC Rep on 0161 427 9906 or by e-mail to the Club AWCC Rep. An AWCC card and insurance declaration will be required prior to arrival. Boats Meeting at Whiteley Green Taking on Supplies at Whiteley GreenAt Whiteley Green between bridges 24 and 25 on the
Macclesfield Canal the club has private mooring
facilities available to members and this popular
summer weekend spot is the venue for some of the
club's summer sailing events.
The Club has an active membership and new members are always welcome. Details about membership and membership forms are available here, in the workshop, the Clubhouse or by email to the Membership Secretary.
Facilities
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
North Cheshire Cruising Club
High Lane Wharf
Canal & River Trust long term licenses for 3, 6 and 12 months can be obtained through the club.
Payment must be by cheque, debit or credit card (CRT charge for credit card payments). We cannot
accept cash payments or deal with direct debits.
In order to safeguard your prompt payment discount please contact our licensing agent in good time and
check that your paperwork is in order. Update your insurance details (including the expiry date) and
enclose your blue boat safety certificate if appropriate.
Make sure the information on your renewal notice is correct and the form is signed and dated.
Please contact the licensing agent on licenses@nccc.uk.net
Canal & River Trust Licences
Canal & River Trust long term licenses for 3, 6 and 12 months can be obtained through the
club. Payment must be by cheque, debit or credit card (CRT charge for credit card payments).
We cannot accept cash payments or deal with direct debits.
In order to safeguard your prompt payment discount please contact our licensing agent in good
time and check that your paperwork is in order. Update your insurance details (including the
expiry date) and enclose your blue boat safety certificate if appropriate.
Make sure the information on your renewal notice is correct and the form is signed and dated.
Please contact the licensing agent on licenses@nccc.uk.net
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
Licences
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
Canal & River Trust long term licenses for 3, 6 and 12 months can be
obtained through the club. Payment must be by cheque, debit or
credit card (CRT charge for credit card payments). We cannot accept
cash payments or deal with direct debits.
In order to safeguard your prompt payment discount please contact
our licensing agent in good time and check that your paperwork is in
order. Update your insurance details (including the expiry date) and
enclose your blue boat safety certificate if appropriate.
Make sure the information on your renewal notice is correct and the
form is signed and dated.
Please contact the licensing agent on licenses@nccc.uk.net
Licences
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
North Cheshire Cruising Club
High Lane Wharf
The advantages of belonging to a well established active cruising club are many. At the North Cheshire
Cruising Club there are many members with a vast experience of cruising the rivers and waterways
throughout England and Wales and they are always willing to pass on information on all manner of
things regarding cruising.
We have many social events throughout the year and these include Christmas and New Year
celebrations, entertainment, evening meals and buffets, and barbeques in the summer. Our quizzes
prove to be very popular too and there are at least 2 per year, one general knowledge related and the
other waterways related. Each year, sailing events are organised by the Commodore; these can vary
from long weekends to 2/3 weeks cruising the waterways for the main Commodore's cruise.
Members have exclusive use of the club facilities. The Club House is open on Friday nights for social get-
togethers and also Sunday lunch-time during most of the year where a light lunch can be purchased.
We have a membership of approximately 220. There are two categories of membership; full and
associate. New members are always welcome and application forms for either category are available to
download from here or by email to the Membership Secretary and are also available at the club.
Find out more about the NCCC and download our leaflet by clicking on the image below:-
Membership
The advantages of belonging to a well established active cruising club are many. At the North
Cheshire Cruising Club there are many members with a vast experience of cruising the rivers
and waterways throughout England and Wales and they are always willing to pass on
information on all manner of things regarding cruising.
We have many social events throughout the year and these include Christmas and New Year
celebrations, entertainment, evening meals and buffets, and barbeques in the summer. Our
quizzes prove to be very popular too and there are at least 2 per year, one general knowledge
related and the other waterways related. Each year, sailing events are organised by the
Commodore; these can vary from long weekends to 2/3 weeks cruising the waterways for the
main Commodore's cruise.
Members have exclusive use of the club facilities. The Club House is open on Friday nights for
social get-togethers and also Sunday lunch-time during most of the year where a light lunch
can be purchased.
We have a membership of approximately 220. There are two categories of membership; full
and associate. New members are always welcome and application forms for either category are
available to download from here or by email to the Membership Secretary and are also
available at the club.
Find out more about the NCCC and download our leaflet by clicking on the image below:-
Membership
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
The advantages of belonging to a well established active cruising club
are many. At the North Cheshire Cruising Club there are many
members with a vast experience of cruising the rivers and waterways
throughout England and Wales and they are always willing to pass on
information on all manner of things regarding cruising.
We have many social events throughout the year and these include
Christmas and New Year celebrations, entertainment, evening meals
and buffets, and barbeques in the summer. Our quizzes prove to be
very popular too and there are at least 2 per year, one general
knowledge related and the other waterways related. Each year,
sailing events are organised by the Commodore; these can vary from
long weekends to 2/3 weeks cruising the waterways for the main
Commodore's cruise.
Members have exclusive use of the club facilities. The Club House is
open on Friday nights for social get-togethers and also Sunday lunch-
time during most of the year where a light lunch can be purchased.
We have a membership of approximately 220. There are two
categories of membership; full and associate. New members are
always welcome and application forms for either category are
available to download from here or by email to the Membership
Secretary and are also available at the club.
Find out more about the NCCC and download our leaflet by clicking
on the image below:-
Membership
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
North Cheshire Cruising Club
High Lane Wharf
Dear Members New and Old,
John Fenton The Commodore for NCCC will be giving us his statement in due course.
Kindest Regards,
Commodore John
Commodore’s Page
Dear Members New and Old,
John Fenton The Commodore for NCCC will be giving us his statement in due course.
Kindest Regards,
Commodore John
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
Commodores Page
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
Dear Members New and Old,
John Fenton The Commodore for NCCC will be giving us his
statement in due course.
Kindest Regards,
Commodore John
Commodores Page
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
North Cheshire Cruising Club
High Lane Wharf
Archive
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
Archive
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
Archive
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
North Cheshire Cruising Club
High Lane Wharf
News
Re Bosley Locks
The pound between Locks 1 & 2
shot from the bridge at the tail of Lock 1.
Lock 1 fully scaffolded to enable remedial works. It
looks like the offside top gate and the nearside
bottom gate have been removed.
Lock 2 upper gates and the weir.
The remaining pictures show
The pound between Locks 4 and 5
drained to enable remedial work to
nearside bank.
The following photo's were taken by a club member recently at
Bosley Locks where C&RT have used the closure to undertake some
remedial work.
Click on a picture to enlarge it
Nick Culliford, the AWCC North West Secretary berths his boat on the river Weaver but lives in Oswestry. Quite by chance, he came across a local media blog
which reported that on Sunday June 19th a group of 52 paddleboarders from out of the area transited Chirk Tunnel 'unofficially' in that C&RT West Midlands
the body responsible were completely unaware of this. Bearing in mind the popularity of the Llangollen Canal which is much used by hire boats often manned
by relatively inexperienced crews, this presented a very serious safety hazard.
Earlier this year a group of boats from Sale Cruising Club entered Saltersford Tunnel on the Trent and Mersey Canal. There is no clear line of site through the
Tunnel and despite entering during the allocated timed slot, the first boat met a group of paddleboarders 'head on' whereupon the boats had to reverse out
of the Tunnel.
AWCC NW have been lobbying C&RT North West for some time to get canoes and paddleboards banned from using our shorter Tunnels on safety grounds
(neither Barnton and Saltersford Tunnels offer a clear line of site) but the British Canoe Federation donates a large some of money to C&RT each year. Though
unpowered craft are banned from the longer Tunnels such as Harecastle and Preston Brook, recently Netherton Tunnel was closed to navigation for a fixed
time span to permit an 'official' event organised by Glossop Paddleboarding Club to take place which involved the transit of this tunnel by their members.
The current situation is 'an accident waiting to happen', hence it may be worthwhile alerting our members to take extra care when navigating Tunnels
Well done Nick,
This just confirms our thoughts that CRT has no control over canoes and paddleboarders. They need to get their act together and take action against
unauthorized users and organisers of such events. It is in my N-W report and I will bring the National Exec up to date.
Malcolm
Good morning
This the welcome answer from C&RT West Midlands and my response.
Regards
Nick
Good afternoon Nicholas,
Thank you for your email.
Just to update you on this, I can confirm we were unaware of this event happening.
I have raised a safety log for the local Area Operations Manager to review. I have also asked our Events organizer to contact the group involved to warn them
we need to be made aware of this in future, and a notice needs to go out.
Thank you for bringing it to our attention.
Kind regards,
Georgina Graham
Customer Support Administrator
M
E
Canal & River Trust
A blog turned up on local social media for the Oswestry area. It reported that 52 paddleboarders passed through Chirk Tunnel on Sunday 19 June, see
attached pictures and information. Chirk Tunnel is 459 yards which is a long distance. Looking at the picture by the tunnel exit, there seemed no sign of
torches or lights to warn oncoming craft whereas the oncoming narrowboat has it’s light on. Not long ago a Stoppage Notice was issued advising boaters that
there would be a group of paddleboarders transiting Netherton Tunnel (?) on a specific day. No such notice was issued on this occasion. Do the people have a
licence for using the canal? 52 paddleboarders at one time transiting a tunnel is a matter of concern as the Llangollen is a popular waterway for hire craft and
20 tons of boat can be dangerous in the confined space of a tunnel. There was a similar incident on the northern T&M not long ago when 20+ paddleboarders
entered Saltersford Tunnel at the wrong time and met a number of narrowboats in the tunnel. The paddleboarders then backed out of the tunnel.
Can you let me know how the incident is dealt with.
Many thanks
Nick Culliford
Hon Sec NW Region, AWCC
52 Paddleboarders passing through Chirk Tunnel
7th July 2022 Extracts of an online conversation that may be of interest
11th July 2022
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
News
The pound between Locks 1 & 2
shot from the bridge at the tail
of Lock 1.
Lock 1 fully scaffolded to enable
remedial works. It looks like the
offside top gate and the
nearside bottom gate have
been removed.
Lock 2 upper gates and the
weir.
The remaining pictures show
The pound between Locks 4 and 5
drained to enable remedial work to
nearside bank.
Re Bosley Locks
The following photo's were taken by a club member recently at
Bosley Locks where C&RT have used the closure to undertake some
remedial work.
Click on a picture to enlarge it
Nick Culliford, the AWCC North West Secretary berths his boat on the river Weaver but lives in Oswestry.
Quite by chance, he came across a local media blog which reported that on Sunday June 19th a group of 52
paddleboarders from out of the area transited Chirk Tunnel 'unofficially' in that C&RT West Midlands the
body responsible were completely unaware of this. Bearing in mind the popularity of the Llangollen Canal
which is much used by hire boats often manned by relatively inexperienced crews, this presented a very
serious safety hazard.
Earlier this year a group of boats from Sale Cruising Club entered Saltersford Tunnel on the Trent and
Mersey Canal. There is no clear line of site through the Tunnel and despite entering during the allocated
timed slot, the first boat met a group of paddleboarders 'head on' whereupon the boats had to reverse out
of the Tunnel.
AWCC NW have been lobbying C&RT North West for some time to get canoes and paddleboards banned
from using our shorter Tunnels on safety grounds (neither Barnton and Saltersford Tunnels offer a clear
line of site) but the British Canoe Federation donates a large some of money to C&RT each year. Though
unpowered craft are banned from the longer Tunnels such as Harecastle and Preston Brook, recently
Netherton Tunnel was closed to navigation for a fixed time span to permit an 'official' event organised by
Glossop Paddleboarding Club to take place which involved the transit of this tunnel by their members.
The current situation is 'an accident waiting to happen', hence it may be worthwhile alerting our members
to take extra care when navigating Tunnels
Well done Nick,
This just confirms our thoughts that CRT has no control over canoes and paddleboarders. They need to get
their act together and take action against unauthorized users and organisers of such events. It is in my N-
W report and I will bring the National Exec up to date.
Malcolm
Good morning
This the welcome answer from C&RT West Midlands and my response.
Regards
Nick
Good afternoon Nicholas,
Thank you for your email.
Just to update you on this, I can confirm we were unaware of this event happening.
I have raised a safety log for the local Area Operations Manager to review. I have also asked our Events
organizer to contact the group involved to warn them we need to be made aware of this in future, and a
notice needs to go out.
Thank you for bringing it to our attention.
Kind regards,
Georgina Graham
Customer Support Administrator
M
E
Canal & River Trust
A blog turned up on local social media for the Oswestry area. It reported that 52 paddleboarders passed
through Chirk Tunnel on Sunday 19 June, see attached pictures and information. Chirk Tunnel is 459 yards
which is a long distance. Looking at the picture by the tunnel exit, there seemed no sign of torches or lights
to warn oncoming craft whereas the oncoming narrowboat has it’s light on. Not long ago a Stoppage
Notice was issued advising boaters that there would be a group of paddleboarders transiting Netherton
Tunnel (?) on a specific day. No such notice was issued on this occasion. Do the people have a licence for
using the canal? 52 paddleboarders at one time transiting a tunnel is a matter of concern as the Llangollen
is a popular waterway for hire craft and 20 tons of boat can be dangerous in the confined space of a
tunnel. There was a similar incident on the northern T&M not long ago when 20+ paddleboarders entered
Saltersford Tunnel at the wrong time and met a number of narrowboats in the tunnel. The paddleboarders
then backed out of the tunnel.
Can you let me know how the incident is dealt with.
Many thanks
Nick Culliford
Hon Sec NW Region, AWCC
52 Paddleboarders passing through Chirk Tunnel
7th July 2022 Extracts of an online conversation that may be of interest
11th July 2022
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
News
The pound between
Locks 1 & 2
shot from the bridge at
the tail of Lock 1.
Lock 1 fully scaffolded
to enable remedial
works. It looks like the
offside top gate and
the nearside bottom
gate have been
removed.
Lock 2 upper gates
and the weir.
The remaining pictures
show
The pound between
Locks 4 and 5 drained
to enable remedial work
to nearside bank.
The following photo's were taken by a club member recently at
Bosley Locks where C&RT have used the closure to undertake some
remedial work.
Re Bosley Locks
Click on a picture to enlarge it
Nick Culliford, the AWCC North West Secretary berths
his boat on the river Weaver but lives in Oswestry.
Quite by chance, he came across a local media blog
which reported that on Sunday June 19th a group of
52 paddleboarders from out of the area transited
Chirk Tunnel 'unofficially' in that C&RT West Midlands
the body responsible were completely unaware of
this. Bearing in mind the popularity of the Llangollen
Canal which is much used by hire boats often manned
by relatively inexperienced crews, this presented a
very serious safety hazard.
Earlier this year a group of boats from Sale Cruising
Club entered Saltersford Tunnel on the Trent and
Mersey Canal. There is no clear line of site through the
Tunnel and despite entering during the allocated
timed slot, the first boat met a group of
paddleboarders 'head on' whereupon the boats had
to reverse out of the Tunnel.
AWCC NW have been lobbying C&RT North West for
some time to get canoes and paddleboards banned
from using our shorter Tunnels on safety grounds
(neither Barnton and Saltersford Tunnels offer a clear
line of site) but the British Canoe Federation donates
a large some of money to C&RT each year. Though
unpowered craft are banned from the longer Tunnels
such as Harecastle and Preston Brook, recently
Netherton Tunnel was closed to navigation for a fixed
time span to permit an 'official' event organised by
Glossop Paddleboarding Club to take place which
involved the transit of this tunnel by their members.
The current situation is 'an accident waiting to
happen', hence it may be worthwhile alerting our
members to take extra care when navigating Tunnels
Well done Nick,
This just confirms our thoughts that CRT has no
control over canoes and paddleboarders. They need
to get their act together and take action against
unauthorized users and organisers of such events. It
is in my N-W report and I will bring the National Exec
up to date.
Malcolm
Good morning
This the welcome answer from C&RT West Midlands
and my response.
Regards
Nick
Good afternoon Nicholas,
Thank you for your email.
Just to update you on this, I can confirm we were
unaware of this event happening.
I have raised a safety log for the local Area Operations
Manager to review. I have also asked our Events
organizer to contact the group involved to warn them
we need to be made aware of this in future, and a
notice needs to go out.
Thank you for bringing it to our attention.
Kind regards,
Georgina Graham
Customer Support Administrator
M
E
Canal & River Trust
A blog turned up on local social media for the
Oswestry area. It reported that 52 paddleboarders
passed through Chirk Tunnel on Sunday 19 June, see
attached pictures and information. Chirk Tunnel is 459
yards which is a long distance. Looking at the picture
by the tunnel exit, there seemed no sign of torches or
lights to warn oncoming craft whereas the oncoming
narrowboat has it’s light on. Not long ago a Stoppage
Notice was issued advising boaters that there would
be a group of paddleboarders transiting Netherton
Tunnel (?) on a specific day. No such notice was issued
on this occasion. Do the people have a licence for
using the canal? 52 paddleboarders at one time
transiting a tunnel is a matter of concern as the
Llangollen is a popular waterway for hire craft and 20
tons of boat can be dangerous in the confined space
of a tunnel. There was a similar incident on the
northern T&M not long ago when 20+ paddleboarders
entered Saltersford Tunnel at the wrong time and met
a number of narrowboats in the tunnel. The
paddleboarders then backed out of the tunnel.
Can you let me know how the incident is dealt with.
Many thanks
Nick Culliford
Hon Sec NW Region, AWCC
52 Paddleboarders passing through Chirk Tunnel
7th July 2022 Extracts of an online conversation that may be of interest
11th July 2022
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
North Cheshire Cruising Club
High Lane Wharf
Events
Next Event Friday 12th August 2022 19.45pm Quiz Night
Every 2nd Saturday of the Month
Every 2nd Saturday of the Month
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
Events
Next Event Friday 12th August 2022 19.45pm Quiz Night
Every 2nd Saturday of the Month
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
Events
Next Event Friday 12th August 2022 19.45pm Quiz Night
Every 2nd Saturday of the Month
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
North Cheshire Cruising Club
High Lane Wharf
Bar
The NCCC bar has recently had a change in licensee and with this change and us now being open again
properly after the pandemic we can consider it a relaunch! We intend in the near future to host quiz nights,
karaoke, meat raffles etc, dates & times will be shared as soon as possible. We do already have some bar
entertainment in the form of Darts and a small Pool table.
The bar is ran purely on a volunteer basis, some members kindly dedicate their own time behind the bar to
ensure it is open for members every Friday night (club night) and also when we have member events or
private functions. If you’re currently a member and want to help us behind the bar, please do get in touch,
the more the merrier.
You can email: bar@nccc.uk.net
We currently stock a small range of lagers, beers, wine, spirits & soft drinks for your drinking pleasure.
Although we have the set up for draft beer, unfortunately this is not something that is currently available.
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
Bar
The NCCC bar has recently had a change in licensee and with this change and us now being
open again properly after the pandemic we can consider it a relaunch! We intend in the near
future to host quiz nights, karaoke, meat raffles etc, dates & times will be shared as soon as
possible. We do already have some bar entertainment in the form of Darts and a small Pool
table.
The bar is ran purely on a volunteer basis, some members kindly dedicate their own time
behind the bar to ensure it is open for members every Friday night (club night) and also
when we have member events or private functions. If you’re currently a member and want to
help us behind the bar, please do get in touch, the more the merrier.
You can email: bar@nccc.uk.net
We currently stock a small range of lagers, beers, wine, spirits & soft drinks for your drinking
pleasure. Although we have the set up for draft beer, unfortunately this is not something
that is currently available.
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
Bar
The NCCC bar has recently had a change in licensee and with this
change and us now being open again properly after the pandemic
we can consider it a relaunch! We intend in the near future to host
quiz nights, karaoke, meat raffles etc, dates & times will be shared
as soon as possible. We do already have some bar entertainment in
the form of Darts and a small Pool table.
The bar is ran purely on a volunteer basis, some members kindly
dedicate their own time behind the bar to ensure it is open for
members every Friday night (club night) and also when we have
member events or private functions. If you’re currently a member
and want to help us behind the bar, please do get in touch, the
more the merrier.
You can email: bar@nccc.uk.net
We currently stock a small range of lagers, beers, wine, spirits & soft
drinks for your drinking pleasure. Although we have the set up for
draft beer, unfortunately this is not something that is currently
available.
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
North Cheshire Cruising Club
High Lane Wharf
Club Room
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
Club Room
© North Cheshire Cruising Club NCCC 2022
Club Room