1936-1946
Gloucestershire Archives D1180/1/10
Minutes from 22 January 1936 to 20 March 1946
of the Committee of Proprietors of the Stroudwater Navigation
Work in hand on widening at Wallbridge.
Cheltenham and District Billing Co asked for alteration to rent for posting station at Wallbridge to be considered on completion of altered wall.
Fire at Eastington yard left carpenters shop damaged. Repair estimate £215. Loss of tools £92 17s 4d. Royal Insurance paid £295. Shop not to be restored as long shed can be used after repairs. Permission given to the Clerk to obtain tools.
General Half Yearly Meeting. Income 1 July 1935 £382 19s 1d. After wages, etc, balance £146 3s 9d. No dividend declared but £250 placed on deposit.
Work continuing on the widening of Wallbridge; wall not yet complete.
Carpenters tools ordered as per last meeting.
Proposed erection of fence at Stonehouse by London Midland Scottish Railway. To inspect Company’s 1885 plan of site.
Wayleaves at Framilode for West Gloucester Power Co to be settled by Chairman.
Chairman to write to the Urban District Council about Gas Works Bridge.
No quorum, only four members being present.
Bill posting at Wallbridge and Dudbridge, agreed to reduce rent by 10s.
Work on the carpenter's shop at Eastington inspected and approved.
L M S Railway plan for fencing at Stonehouse Wharf approved.
West Gloucestershire Power company agreement for wayleaves to be signed by Clerk.
Company not liable to maintain road along towpath at Ebley Mills used to provide access to Marling and Evans: only used by permission. Mill owners had no right to take carts or lorries along it.
No quorum, only four members being present.
L M S Railway Co informed Navigation did not object to the fencing being erected provided rights of Navigation dated November 1866 not affected.
Conversation between the Clerk and Marling and Evans was reported. Marling and Evans were willing to meet the cost of repairing the towpath but wished the Navigation to do the work. The Clerk had asked whether Marling and Evans wished to continue to carry coal from the wharf to their coal yard; if they did an agreement would have to be drawn up.
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Land Drainage Act 1930, South Gloucestershire Internal Drainage: Clerk reported that the part of the Canal from Framilode to the lock at Westfield, Eastington and from Lodgemoor Mills to Wallbridge to be included in the survey.
Canal Association relieved Company of share of levy for year ended 30 June 1935.
Mr Greenway’s estimate of £3 10s for repairs to lean-to shed at Framilode Lock house accepted.
Board of Trade Production Act form completed and submitted.
Application from Mr Willsher to rent part of Dudbridge Wharf for use as garage workshops rejected.
John Neptune Blood claimed share no.12, will of Charlotte Constance Blood.
No quorum. Only two members present.
Letter received from the Council denying any liability for Gas Works Bridge.
Marling & Evans to be offered a tonnage charge of 6d a ton form use of towing path if agreement signed, but otherwise to accept their offer of 3d per ton.
Wycliffe College no longer use canal as place for bathing. They sought free passage for their pleasure boats to the Junction, permission to lift canoes/light craft over the locks, permission to boat on any reach, and a special rate for the “Griffin” through Framilode Lock. Permissions granted by Chairman.
Stonehouse Parish Council terminated agreement for Bathing Station.
Clerk to seek second-hand earthenware trough for use by Mr Mills of Dudbridge Lock Cottages.
No quorum, only three members present.
Cape of Good Hope Stock redeemed for £500. £700 to be put on deposit.
General Half Yearly Meeting. Income 1 January £303 4s 11d (and £295 from fire insurance). After wages, etc, balance £409 0s 8d. No dividend declared.
Continued from page 17 https://stroudwaterhistory.org.uk/document/8081/.
Mr Fredricks had written regarding the condition of Framilode Pound. Weeding to be put in hand, Gloucester and Berkeley Canal Co to assist.
Boundary of towing path at Hilly Orchard agreed with Bruton & Knowles.
Gas Works Bridge to be closed for repairs from 1pm Saturday 10 October to 6pm on Wednesday 14 October.
Framilode Pound weeding nearing completion.
River Severn Catchment Board raised a retaining wall against River Frome near company’s cottages at Framilode. Clerk to pay for back flaps for drains to river from cottages.
Mr Vines rent overdue at Dudbridge Wharf: Solicitors to write.
Mr Malpass, haulier for LMS Railway, to pay £17 1s 9d for repair of damage to Stonehouse Ocean Swing Bridge.
Letter from Severn and Canal Carrying Co asking Company to dredge canal and remove weeds after their experiment with a power boat in September. Committee decided nothing could be done.
Marling & Evans to pay £2 10s a quarter for use of towpath.
Mr Spiers gave notice to quit Whitminster Wharf at Christmas. Clerk to obtain To Let board and erect it on premises.
Mr Estop granted permission to use canoe on Framilode Pound for 10s 6d p.a.
Gas Works Bridge repaired.
Weeding of Framilode Pound completed.
Severn and Canal Carrying Co to be told that the Company has no money to do the work necessary.
Sign at Whitminster Wharf, Bristol Road, to be changed to To be Let or Sold.
Clerk to obtain estimate for repair of roof of Coal and Wood Shed at the Wallbridge Office.
3 inch glazed pipe drain to be inserted into drain at Dock House, Eastington.
Offer for Whitminster Wharf premises received from Mr Wilkins. Clerk to make enquiries as to rent to be paid.
Work on Coal and Wood Shed at Wallbridge to be done by Company’s men.
Butler and Co to be informed that Company could not afford to undertake dredging.
Death of Mr Hopson, tenant at Wallbridge Warehouse. £20 rent outstanding. Clerk to seek further £10 or to clear away goods by end of year.
Clerk instructed to carry out repairs requested by Mr Beard, tenant of the Wharf House at Easington.
Mr Hopson’s estimate of £3 18s for repair of surface of roadway over Oil Mills Bridge accepted.
Mr Wilkins to take Whitminster Wharf for £20 p.a. providing Mr Dowdeswell, his guarantor, enters into agreement.
New boiler fixed in wash house at Wharf House, Eastington.
Copeland Chatterson & Co granted permission to open gateway to the towpath from allotment gardens next to Foundry Pound, Dudbridge for 5s p.a.
Chairman to see Solicitors to Mr Hopson’s executors about outstanding rent and possible continuation of tenancy.
Reler Patents to close up gateway from premises to towpath next to the lock at Dudbridge.
LMS Railway have fenced siding at Stonehouse Wharf.
General Half Yearly Meeting. Income from 1 July 1936 £299 3s 3d (and £500 from from redemption of shares). After wages, etc, balance £183 11s 7d. No dividend declared.
£700 placed on deposit for Reserve Account.
Continuation from page 31 https://stroudwaterhistory.org.uk/document/8088/
Mr Wathan has given notice to quit property at Framilode. Mr Meadows to take over as tenant on 25 March at rent of £8 p.a.
Severn Catchment Board granted permission to erect tide gauges at Framilode Lock.
Clerk instructed to inspect grate in sitting room of Eastington Dock House, and undertake other repairs considered necessary.
Clerk to arrange closing of towing path to the public.
Mr Hopson’s overdue rent paid.
New sanitary accommodation for Eastington Dock House approved. Estimated cost of materials £6 8s.
Towpaths closed on 8-12 February. Copy of notice printed 3 February placed in minute book. Second copy shows who monitored closures. Insert shows recording of closure date in 1953, 16 years later.
Notice from Stroud Rural District Council relating to the Housing Acts of 1925 and 1935 to be passed on to tenant at Canal Cottage at Double Locks.
Agreement signed by Redler Patents re gate to gardens in Foundry Pound at Dudbridge.
4 estimates having been obtained for repair of the Committee Room and Hall of Canal House, Wallbridge, that of S Hopson was accepted.
Company’s men to carry out repairs needed to Double Locks Cottage.
Mr Welsh of Haywards Field, Stonehouse, denied permission to ride bike on towpath. Also informed that Company could not supply information as to the construction of the canal.
Severn and Canal Carrying Co wrote asking if Navigation had asked for financial help in keeping canal open for coal traffic from Ministry of Transport. Chairman to settle a letter to be sent to the Canal Association.
Messrs Butler and Company using power barge to take tar from Gas Works to Gloucester. Asked Company to dredge by old swing bridge and next to the saw mills at Ebley. Estimated cost £48 for 4 men over 6 weeks. Suggested that Gas Co might be asked to help with costs. Matter referred to Canal Association.
Mr Wiggall enquired about letting part of Dudbridge Wharf as a fairground. Clerk to offer warehouse as well as land wanted.
First quorate meeting since 18 March 1936. Memorandum of proceedings held at earlier non-quorate meetings confirmed.
Following reply from Canal Association enquiries to be made with carriers as to prospects for increased traffic.
Mr Wiggall’s offer of £7 p.a. rent for use of fairground accepted.
Strachan & Co want to purchase portion of Wallbridge Wharf and create a permanent write of way though the wharf to their property at Lodgemore. Committee agreed to sell land for £75.
Samuel Stanley Marling claimed share nos.10,26,70,72,77,78,94, will of Sir Percival Scrope Marling.
To Let notice erected at Dudbridge Wharf House.
Mr Wiggall to rent warehouse as well as small portion of wharf for £8 p.a. Allowed to use the remainder of the wharf for a week as a fairground providing it did not disturb or annoy neighbours.
Strachan & Co to be offered portion of Wallbridge Wharf from the Lodgemore Mill wall to a point near the footbridge over the Frome for £150, and a permanent right of way for £100.
Company not responsible for damage to water service pipe at Old Ship Inn premises at Wallbridge.
Strachan and Co’s offer of £125 for land, and £100 for right of way, accepted.
Mr Wiggall given permission to try one weekend small fair.
New heel had been fixed to the outside top gate at Eastington Dock Lock.
General Half Yearly Meeting. Income 1 January £280 12s 9d. After wages, etc, balance £139 1s 8d. No dividend declared.
Continuation from page 49 https://stroudwaterhistory.org.uk/document/8096/.
3 tons of coal at 42s 6d per ton to be bought from Mr Beard for office fuel at Wallbridge.
Mr Hopson complained of state of roof of Wallbridge Warehouse. Requested to supply estimate of cost of necessary repairs.
Mr Wiggall offered the shed and stable at Dudbridge Wharf for £10 p.a. or £15 with the warehouse as well.
Wharf House, Dudbridge let to Mrs Shipton for £20 p.a.
Repairs undertaken at Lodgemore Bridge, Walk Bridge, Shallow Lock Bridge and Saul Bridge.
National Association of Canal Carriers had written regarding the level of tolls charged for lime and basic slag used for agricultural purposes. The Company had replied that tolls would be the same as for coal.
Mr Hopson repaired roof of warehouse for £2 15s.
Work to improve inside of Wharf House at Eastington in hand.
Pump at Double Lock Cottage, Ryeford, in bad condition.
Clerk instructed to obtain a copy of the Transport Advisory Canals Report re rates.
Bottom gates at Framilode Lock repaired.
Mr Wathan informed that charge for taking water from canal at Framilode would be £2 2s p.a.
Marling & Evans to be charged £1 per quarter if they will accept responsibility for the upkeep of the towing path near Ebley Mill they use for haulage.
Clerk instructed to fit new hand pump at Double Lock Cottage, Ryeford.
New boiler fitted at Dock House, Eastington.
Company unable to afford work requested by Board of Conservators, Severn Fishery District, but would allow them to do any stretch of the canal.
New heel post to be fixed to the towpath top gate at Blunder Lock.
Clerk authorized to carry out repairs needed at Bristol Road Wharf.
Marling and Evans no longer need to convey coal along the towpath to the boilers at Ebley Mill.
Increased tolls allowed by Ministry of Transport in September 1930 expire at end of year.
Stable, office, weighing machine and part of wharf let to Jackson Ltd of Coventry for £45 p.a.
Stroud Gas Co given permission to put a pipe at Roving Bridge.
General Half Yearly Meeting. Income from 1 July 1937 £239 19s 7d. After wages, etc, deficit of £21 19s 2d. No dividend declared.
Continued from page 65 https://stroudwaterhistory.org.uk/document/8103/.
As their rent had been reduced to £10 the Severn Fishery Board could not allow more than £2 10s reduction for weeds in canal as in 1931-1935.
Jackson & Co of Coventry purchased scrap iron at Eastington.
Repairs required to roof of warehouse at Dudbridge. The chimney on the Wharf House, which is in danger or falling, to be repaired.
Lorry owned by Smith & Co of Cheltenham damaged gates at entrance to Dudbridge Wharf on 4 March. Repairs estimated to cost £9 5s.
Lock gates at Dudbridge given new balance pole, and the planking was repaired on the bottom gates.
Kitchen, pantry and scullery at the Wallbridge officest to be “done up” at a cost of £6 16s 9d.
Mr Cookley on behalf of Frethern with Saul Parish Council enquiring whether there would be any charge for the extraction of water from the canal at Framilode in the event of a fire. The Company had replied that no charge would be made for the water but any damage to the banks or Company property would have to be paid for.
Jackson & Co paid 50s per ton for scrap steel, 67s 6d a ton for heavy cast iron and 75s 6d per ton for wrought iron from Eastington.
General Accident offer of £7 10s for repair of gates at Dudbridge Wharf accepted.
Committee suggested to the Public Trustee of Sir P S Marling that Mr S S Marling might be willing to purchase the shares.
Deposit account moved from Chancery Lane Safe Deposit and placed in Lloyd’s Bank in Stroud.
£1000 invested in 3½% War Loan.
Mr Frederick’s, Clerk at Junction Office, having died, he is to be replaced by Mr Holder at the same salary of £32 10s.
Sharpness Docks Co complained of loss of water from their canal at the Junction because the outside ground paddle and bottom gates needed attention at Framilode Lock.
Mr H Thomas, Captain of motor barge Kathleen, had written complaining of weeds. Mr Thomas to be notified that the matter was receiving attention. Clerk to ask Severn Catchment Board what they would charge for the use of their motor dredger and crew.
Ground paddle and gates at Framilode repaired.
Clerk reported conversation with Mr Rowbotham of the Severn Catchment Board. The Board had no suitable plant for dredging. The Clerk to make enquiries of Mr Cullis about the Worcester and Birmingham Canal Co’s dredger.
J and HB Jackson Ltd to be allowed to use the crane at Dudbridge Wharf at their own risk. J and HB Jackson to have the crane put into good order.
The Company not prepared to bear any of the cost of repairing the weighing machine at Dudbridge Wharf.
Only two members present: meeting not held.
Mr Baker to be sued for outstanding rent.
Estimate for dredging of silt etc in Wallbridge Pound £400-500. Committee considered the cost could not be justified.
Mr Toogood, Secretary of Wycliffe College, informed the committee that the Rural District Council would include Ryeford Hall in the new sewage scheme. They did not know when this would be. In the meantime he had the co-operation of the Council in keeping the cess pit emptied at short intervals.
Meadow’s cottage at Framilode to be repaired.
Income from 1 January £332 5s 9d. After wages, etc, balance £152 1s 3d. No dividend declared.
Garden at Framilode to have fencing done.
Company solicitor’s had written to Langley Smith & Sons re Mr Parkers field.
Company had no observations to make on the Canal Association’s paper of Control of Canals in Emergency.
The Company agreed to sell a small piece of land at Dudbridge to Copeland Chatterson Co Ltd, namely a small portion of the backyard of Lock Cottages.
Copeland Chatterson Co Ltd agreed price of £10 for land at Lock Cottages.
Clerk to meet Mr Cooke, Divisional County Surveyor, about discharge of water in canal at Stonehouse.
Bank at Mr Parker’s field at Whitminster repuddled.
Clerk to attend to repairs of Stonepits Bridge.
Clerk to replace outside beam on west side of Shallow Lock swing bridge.
Canal bank next to Bonds Mill to be repaired.
Gas Co to pay for work to be done on bank by Bonds Mill, Eastington.
J & H B Jackson Ltd given permission to sub-let part of Dudbridge Wharf.
General Half Yearly Meeting. Income from 1 July 1938 £354 17s 10d. After wages, etc, balance £110 14s 9d. No dividend declared.
The Company had informed the Canal Association that it had no reservists in their employ.
Repairs to porch at Dock House at Eastington to be carried out by Navigation’s men.
Copeland Chatterston Co buiding boundary wall against lock house premises at Dudbridge.
