Covid-19 restrictions and the uncertainty regarding their continuation make forward planning very difficult if not impossible. In the light of this, the Trust Committee have come to the decision that, at this time, no arrangements can be made for the Annual Boat Gathering in South Kyme.
If the situation changes before then, it may be possible to hold a much simpler, informal event at short notice. If you would like to be part of such a gathering by bringing your boat, please email Sue Sowerby on gathering@sleafordnavigation.co.uk so that you can be contacted should the restrictions be lifted sufficiently for it to go ahead.
Glennmont Partners (the owners of the Sleaford Renewable Energy Plant) in partnership with North Kesteven District Council make funding available via the Community Power Fund to support community projects within a five-mile radius of the plant.
Applications are considered on a quarterly basis by the Sleaford REP Community Power Fund Panel. Representatives of the Sleaford Renewable Energy Plant, the local community and NKDC councillors are members of that Community Power Fund Panel.
We are delighted to report that, in January, we heard that the funding application to the Panel made by the Trust in December was successful. We have been awarded funding for new equipment to manage vegetation along the waterway in the shape of two petrol powered brush-cutters and a polesaw. The grant also allows us to purchase appropriate PPE for volunteers using the equipment together with a specific training course relevant to the use and maintenance of the polesaw.
We hope that this award will enable us to work more efficiently in conjunction with our volunteer work party members and encourage more people to become involved. At present, Covid-19 restrictions prevent us from holding work parties but we hope that, before too long, these will be able to resume. If you would like to find out more and join us, please contact Mel Sowerby at workparty@sleafordnavigation.co.uk for details.
Photos of the equipment in use will follow as soon as is practical.
When boating on the Slea during the summer there have been times there have been times when it was felt that you could do with a little more water under the boat. However, the recent heavy rains have put a little more water into the river. The lack of headroom at Halfpenny Hatch Bridge can be a problem for some boaters but, as can be seen, on Saturday 30th there was virtually none. But the village moorings were nearly submerged completely.
Thanks to Jo Shields and Dave Pullen for the photos.
Unfortunately, because of the current Covid-19 situation, we feel unable to organise any SNT work parties. Hopefully the situation will improve in the New Year and may even approach normal. In the meantime, best wishes for Christmas, whatever that may entail, and stay safe!
After many years of not changing the membership fees it was agreed at the AGM to amend the membership fees. The new fees will be adopted from 1st January 2021.
Huge thanks to Matt Gibson, from Little Hale, for his whole weekend’s volunteering work for SNT operating a Caterpillar 360 excavator to sort, mix and spread the final 300 tonnes of topsoil and silt on the field next to the winding hole.
Huge thanks also to Smiths Sports and Civils Ltd of Heckington for their helpful support and preferential hire terms for the 360 Cat excavator. In Matt’s expert hand it made light work of the task!
Would all boaters please be aware that there are currently low water levels above Bottom Lock on the Navigation which is making the passage of boats very difficult. The Trust suggests that boaters do not attempt to navigate further than Bottom Lock under present conditions. We hope that the situation will improve soon but will update this advice as soon as the levels are back to normal.
We are aware that, under normal circumstances, you would by now have received a copy of the latest Trust newsletter. Unfortunately, these are far from normal circumstances and they have prevented its production. That edition would have included information relating to the AGM which, as you know, has had to be postponed. We will make sure that all relevant details will be published in advance of the AGM which we hope to reschedule later in the year. We will keep you informed. In the meantime, please accept our apologies and best wishes. Stay safe!
It is with huge regret that, because of the current Coronavirus pandemic, we have decided that we have no option but to cancel the Sleaford Navigation Trust Boat Gathering that was due to be held over the late May Bank Holiday in South Kyme.
We intend to hold the event in 2021 as normal, in the meantime stay safe.
