Community directory

Inland Waterways Association (Hertfordshire)

Speakers are available from this branch to give talks on canals and related subjects.

Branch meetings are held at Hatfield Cricket Club, Ascots Lane (near QEII Hospital), Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire on the 3rd Tuesday in the month 8.00pm.

Meeting Schedule for 2007/08:

Tuesday 20th November 2007
A Victorian View of the Pleasures of the River Thames – Aileen Butler

Aileen Butler has been a member of the IWA since buying her first boat over sixteen years ago. She then joined the London Branch of the Waterway Recovery Group to 'put something back and reopen more canals to cruise.' Aileen is on the Council of the National Association of Boat Owners (NABO). She also guides canal walks in London for IWA/London Walks Company. She currently cruises for six months of the year with her partner in her shared boat.

Aileen grew up with and inherited her grandfather’s magic lantern and has been a member of the Magic Lantern Society for ten years. She tries to combine both interests by giving magic lantern shows on watery subjects; mainly the River Thames but she may also include some images of the building of the Manchester Ship Canal.

Tuesday 15th January 2008
Archive Film Medley – Frank Banfield

When Frank’s brother was given a film projector as a Christmas present at 11+ age, films about transport became a growing interest for both of them, especially as Frank’s brother worked on the railways. Frank worked as a chemist but his interest in transport continues and he has now been showing cine films to groups such as ours for some time.

We never quite know what films, about which modes of transport, Frank will bring but one thing is certain – they are always enjoyable, fascinating and fun. Come and enjoy Frank’s transport film medley, whether it’s history or nostalgia for you!

Tuesday 19th February 2008 Pond and River Life – Barry Kaufmann-Wright

Born on a farm in the Chilterns, Barry developed an early awareness of wildlife and nature. On leaving school he was lucky enough to work with the late TV naturalist and author Gerald Durrell at Jersey Zoo, where he gained valuable knowledge of international conservation and endangered species. It was here that his interest in photography began. More recently, as a serving police officer, Barry was one of the first divisional Police Wildlife Crime Officers. In 2005 he told us about this role.

He has had a lifelong interest in fresh water and its ecology. The farm where he grew up was divided in half by the Grand Union Canal. Part of his first degree was 'The Ecology of Freshwater'. Come and hear him talking about Pond and River Life - a subject clearly close to his heart.

Tuesday 18th March 2008
Annual General Meeting followed by the Members’ Slides and Photographs

This popular evening has moved from January, to give you more time to gather your contributions. The evening is what we make it!

Tuesday 15th April 2008
Between Two Rivers - Bruce Hall, Cotswold Canals Trust.

Bruce’s childhood home was Rickmansworth, so he well remembers working boats, particularly those trading to John Dickinson's paper mill at Croxley Green. He enjoys being near water and wherever he has lived he has always sought out the sea, rivers or canals, not only to walk and explore but to discover the history and background of the waterways.

Not surprisingly, therefore, he became involved with the Cotswold Canals Trust and this year he completes twenty years as chairman! Between the two rivers, the Severn and the Thames, there are 36 miles and 56 locks. They have Lottery money for Phase 1 of the restoration. Come and hear about progress.

Tuesday 20th May 2008
Doggett’s Coat and Badge – Bob Crouch

Bob Crouch was apprenticed to his father in 1953. On attaining his Waterman’s License in 1958, he competed for and won Doggett’s Coat and Badge. In 1990 he was appointed Her Majesty’s Bargemaster. The race is known by today’s watermen simply as “The Coat”. This is the title of the book that Bob has written about Mr Doggett and his famous wager. This evening he will tell us the story of the origin of this famous rowing race, now the oldest continually held annual event on the River. Copies of the book will be available for sale.

Tuesday 17th June 2008
The Lowland Canals of Scotland - Richard Thomas

Richard gave his first talk in 1988 and in 1994 he joined a few other Herts IWA members in presenting a series of waterways talks for the W.E.A.

He went on to combine his growing interest in historical research and inland waterways, developing a gradually increasing repertoire. He now travels far and wide giving talks to organisations of all kinds.

Although many of his talks are on waterway subjects, he also lectures on historical topics including Roman roads and the Gunpowder Plot.

This is one of his Scottish talks which explores the Forth and Clyde and Union Canals, finishing with a detailed look at the Falkirk Wheel.

Please contact for further details.

This is a branch of the Inland Waterways Association (please see separate entry on the database).

Registered charity number 212342