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09/12/06 . . .Bookings
Print out your 2007 booking form on-line .
06/11/06 . . .
Situation Vacant
New Horizons seeking new skipper . . .
We
are looking for a Skipper for our 70ft boat which is based in
Marple.
Experience of canal boats and maintenance is vital as well as
some understanding of the problems of people with disabilities. A
suitable boating qualification would be an advantage. A salary will be
paid dependent on working arrangements which are negotiable.
Full
details will be available at begining of December , apply to the Chairman in the first instance or to register an interest.
28/10/06 . . .
Skipper’s Report
‘NEW HORIZONS’ 2006 SEASON.
Twenty five years of boating 1981 to 2006 . . .
The season opened on the 1st April and closed on the 30th September, a period of 183 days.
Between these two dates there were 198 bookings. On average the boat operated 7 days a week throughout the season.
There were 25 free bookings under our book two trips and get one free policy. In terms of bookings it has been the best season in the last 8 years.
Comparison bookings are as follows.
2006 = 198 bookings
2005 = 184 bookings
2004 = 171 bookings
2003 = 148 bookings
2002 = 131 bookings
2001 = 135 bookings
2000 = 164 bookings
1999 = 126 bookings
1998 = 151 bookings
.
This year it was once again agreed that we should improve April bookings by reducing the booking prices for mornings and afternoon to £25 and all day trips to £50. This was, again, a successful policy as far as the number of trips was concerned since the boat was in use every day in April.
On May 11th a reception was held at Stockport Town Hall to celebrate New Horizons’ twenty five years of service to people with disabilities. A message of congratulations and good wishes for the future was received from Prince Charles who commissioned the boat in March 1981. Speeches were made by the Mayor of Stockport M.B.C. Shan Alexander and the Trust Chairman James Dunlop who expressed concern for the future of the boat as the existing Trustees were getting older, average age seventy (!!), and the money was running out.
In June the boat attended Marple Carnival. We moved the boat down four locks so as to be as near as possible to the Carnival site. We use this as an opportunity to open the boat to the general public and much interest was shown. On the return journey up the locks we offered rides to members of the public, twelve at a time. Once again Marple Carnival Committee has donated £250 to the boat. We are very fortunate that the Carnival Committee have consistently donated funds to the boat over the past 13 years.
During the season the Friends paid for twelve trips for various charities that could not afford our minimum donation and several trips for individual persons who are not members of a group.
The summer BBQ organised by the Friends at the boatyard had to be cancelled due to torrential rain.
Recently the Friends have cleared up the boatyard and replanted the sensory garden which after two years had become very overgrown.
The front and rear doors on the
Boat needs replacing and the Friends have purchased the wood to undertake these repairs. Our volunteer crew member Bill Arden, who is also the Treasurer for the Friends,
will be undertaking the repairs this winter.
The final social event of the year organised by the Friends is the Christmas lunch at the Miners Arms in December. Invitations have been sent out to all crew and volunteers and all tickets have sold out.
In January this year Granada T.V. commenced screening 12 half hour episodes of their Locks & Quays programme all about people in the North West who work on canals.
Last year they spent a day filming on New Horizons
and a further morning filming work on the boat on the dry dock. In the second episode New Horizons,
its Skipper and passengers became T.V. personalities!
As a result of the programme we received three bookings and had a considerable number of enquiries. Filming which took place when the boat was on the dry dock wasn’t used.
Granada has been busy again filming a second series of Locks & Quays to be shown in January 2007. They haven’t filmed us again but maybe the dry dock sequences will be shown in the new series.
A big ‘Thank You’ should be given to all our volunteers who help me and make it possible for the boat to continue tripping 7 days a week throughout the season. Particular credit should be given to
Bill Beard who looks after and operates our web
site. (www.newhorizons.org.uk). Have a look at it. It’s full of information and photos, a wonderful advertisement. Many people download a booking form from this site. Above all
if you’ve got any news to put on the site contact Bill on bill@newhorizons81.freeserve.co.uk
or by phone on 0161 612 0052.
Credit should also be given to Dave Capp who not only keeps our mailing list but has the most difficult job of Booking Officer, liaising with the customers, myself and the Treasurer.
A special mention to all the members of The Friends of New Horizons who raise funds and do all sorts of jobs. And finally a very special thank you to my wife who puts up with me!
I took on the job of Skipper of New Horizons in 1992 and I shall retire from the position after almost 15 years when I reach the official retirement age of 65 in February 2007. Fifteen years is a long time in any job but being the Skipper of New Horizons is not just any job, it grows on you and you almost treat the boat as your own! So it’s been quite a decision but I believe that at 65 it’s a good age to hand over to somebody new. I look forward to spending more time in the summer with my wife and family but I expect I shall get withdrawal systems and crew once in a while on New Horizons. Whatever happens with any restructuring of Stockport Canal Boat Trust I know that the success of New Horizons over the past 25 years has been based on having a paid professional skipper /maintenance/liaison man assisted by volunteers and fundraisers. This is a system that works so don’t change it. Remember the old saying, “If it’s not broke don’t try mending it!”
Mike Heap. Skipper New Horizons 24.10.06
19/08/06 . . .
The Ladies Who lunch are putting on the Worlds Biggest
Coffee Morning on the boat!
The tickets have to be timed. 10am. 10.30am. 11am and 11.30am.
If anyone would like to come along please ring Jean on 0161 427 0068.
The Worlds Biggest Coffee Morning
On board
New Horizons
Top of Church Street.
Marple
29th September 2006.
Proceeds to Macmillan Cancer Research.
£1 per ticket.
17/06/06 . . .
MARPLE CARNIVAL . . .
We took the boat to Marple Carnival last week. (Bent rudder and all, but more about that later.)
New Horizons was represented in the Carnival procession by Jane McIvor, the Skipper's wife Jean , grandaughter Fern
and Bill Arden's grandson Aden. Jane & Jean were big Rosie and Jims whilst Fern and Aden were small Rosie and Jims!!
They won 3rd prize and got a lot of publicity for the boat.
Last week one of the crew accidentally backed the boat into the wall whilst turning round at Top Lock .
The rudder took the full impact. There was obviously some damage as the steering was very heavy and it wasn't possible to
hold a straight course unless the helm was held hard over.
North Cheshire Cruising club offered us the use of their slipway to check the damage if we couldn't get on the dry dock at short notice. However, I spoke to John Jackson at Kerridge Dry Dock and he cleared the dock immediately for us.
Upon examination it was found that the bottom of the rudder blade had been bent. John immediately put repairs in hand , cutting out the damaged section and welding a new section in. He also replaced the worn damaged cup bearing on the skeg and modified the top rudder bearing to reduce the effects of wear. The boat is now back in service.
Many thanks to NCCC for their offer of assistance and a big thank you to John Jackson for undertaking the work straight away.
The boat has now been fully booked seven days a week in April, June, July and August. In May it went out for 20 days , still working five days per week. September is now booking up quite well and another well filled season is in prospect.
MAY 2006 . . .
DEREK EYERS . . ,
one of our regular voluntary crew members took time off in May to do a sponsored climb of Ben Nevis,
for the Independent Order of Foresters. Where does he get his energy from?
11/05/06 . . .
25 year celebration. . .
A reception to celebrate twenty five years of successful operation of 'New Horizons' was held in Stockport Town Hall in the presence of the Worshipful Mayor of Stockport S.M.B.C., Councillor Shan Alexander, and her consort.
It was a great opportunity for many old friends to meet and also for those whose usual activities do not overlap, to meet each other.
12/04/06 . . .
The Friends of New Horizons. . .
received a cash boost today when Chairperson Jean Heap received, on behalf of the Friends of New Horizons, a cheque for £1,000 from the members of the Masonic Doric Lodge 3384 in the presence of the Mayor Shan Alexander. New Horizons is indebted to the Lodge for such a generous donation. After the presentation the boat sailed from it's mooring at Marple along the Macclesfield Canal to Higher Poynton. On board were the Mayor and her Consort and Friends of New Horizons who enjoyed afternoon tea whilst cruising the canal.
25/02/06 . . .
The Friends of New Horizons. . .
The Friends of New Horizons are offering trips to people who do not belong to a club or society,
on Wednesday 5th July, Saturday 5th August and Sunday 3rd September, all afternoons. Anyone
interested call Jean 0161 427 0068.
ALSO the friends have offered 2 free trips to the following
charities. Eyeline of Stockport. Steps, Children with leg difficulties and High Peak Arts.
If there is a small charity out there with little funding who would like to take up this offer
of two free trips the Friends would like to hear from them.
The mobility shop on Market Street
in Marple has helped to pay for the postage of the mailing of this years leaflets. Their brochure was enclosed with
the boats brochure.
09/01/06 . . .
GRANADA TV . . .
Granada TV is currently running a series called "Locks and Quays" on Thursday evenings which should feature New Horizons. It is not yet known in which
episode this will be.
Bookings are now being taken for 2006 season . Print out your booking form on-line .
05/01/06 . . .
YVONNE HARRISON . . .
It is with great regret that we announce
the death on the 4th of January of Yvonne Harrison, wife of our former Hon. Treasurer, Ralph Harrison
.
Ralph and Yvonne were well known in boating circles and formerly officers of the Manchester Branch of the Inland Waterways Association.
We extend our sympathy to Ralph , son Stephen, daughter Lyn and their families.
06/11/05 . . Donation . . . .
Unfortunately Marple Operatic Society has been wound up due to lack of cast support and audiences for their last two shows. The funds they had in the bank have been divided between local charities including New Horizons. The Trust, therefore, has been the greatful beneficiary of £600.
18/10/05 . . Extract from the Skipper's Report for the 2005 season. . . .
The season opened on 1st. April and closed on 25th. September.This was slightly early in order to undertake essential engine repairs and the biennial dry docking and inspection, despite this, more passengers were carried than the last seven seasons.
In April the boat had it's "In Water" Survey. The Surveyor reported that the gas
installation needed
some considerable re-piping. After local and internet searches a local gas fitter was found with
the correct qualifications (boat gas installations have particular
needs).
In May the gearbox started to malfunction and had to be removed for repair.
Four operational days were lost due to these essential repairs.
In June the boat attended the Marple Carnival and was open for public inspection. The Carnival Committee has consistently donated funds to the boat over the last 12 years including £250 this year.
In July the boat was once again part of the Marple Locks Festival and the Friends of New Horizons manned stalls on the wharf and showed members of the public around the boat. The event raised about £400 for the boat.
During the season the 'Friends' sponsored 9 trips for various charities that could not afford
our minimum donation and paid the Trust £540 for them.
They also organised several trips for individual people and families who are not members of
a specific group.
The'Friends' have also passed on over £1,500 to the Trust to be used for repairs and
maintenance with the proviso that they
are kept informed how the money is spent and it does not go into general expenditure.
More recently the 'Friends' have tidied up the boatyard and replanted the sensory
garden which had got rather overgrown.
They have also paid for replacement front and rear hatch covers together with outdoor seats at the stern . All these items were in need of replacement and the work was carried out by Bill Arden, volunteer crew member and Treasurer for the 'Friends' (see dry docking photos).
During the last two weeks of the season our youngest volunteer crew member, Jack Gregory
aged 16,
undertook his work experience on New Horizons. He had already passed his helmsman
certificate on a
course donated by Top Lock Training and become an experienced helmsman.
During his first week he spent much of his time at the tiller but his second week
was spent painting,
emptying and pumping out toilets, draining the water system for the winter, cleaning and
checking the galley and changing the engine oil and filter.
Jack has been a great help and has discovered that working on New Horizons is
not just about sailing along!
New Horizons has been dry docked (see below) and the surveyor reccommended that new
'wear edges' be fitted, these have been welded on, all underwater parts
painted and some superstructure painting carried out.
Many thanks to David Sherratt, Ken Hulme and Bill Arden for their assistance
with this pretty dirty and wet job!
A film team has been recording various activities for a programme to be broadcast on Granada TV
in January (or thereabouts!) about the inland waterways.
A big thank you must be given to all our volunteers ,
many of whom beaver away behind the scenes, who make it possible for the boat to keep operating 7
days a week throughout the season. Special mention should be given to Dave Capp who not only keeps
our mailing list up to date but has, this year, taken on the most difficult
job of Booking Officer, liaising with our 'customers', the skipper and the treasurer, thanks also
the Friends of New Horizons and the skippers wife who's support of the 'Friends' and of the skipper has been invaluable.
10/10/05 . . BIENNIAL DRY DOCKING . . .
New Horizons has been for it's routine dry docking when it undergoes cleaning , survey , underwater painting , and repairs if neccessary.
26/09/05 . . .
The Ladies Who lunch are putting on the Worlds Biggest
Coffee Morning on the boat!
The tickets have to be timed. 10am. 10.30am. 11am and 11.30am.
If anyone would like to come along please ring Jean on 0161 427 0068.
The Worlds Biggest Coffee Morning
On board
New Horizons
Top of Church Street.
Marple
30th September 2005.
Proceeds to Macmillan Cancer Research.
£1 per ticket.
Granada TV . . .
In January a programme called Locks and Quays will be transmitted on Granada .
The film company spent a day on the boat filming and they will also be filming on the dry dock.
The series is about people who are connected with the canals in the north west. If you know of
anyone who might be interested in taking part please ring Sarah at Centini. On 0161 776 4377.
email. sarah@centini.co.uk
14/06/05 . .FRIENDS OF NEW HORIZONS . . .
Successful fundraising by the 'Friends' has meant that they have been able to donate £1,500 to the Trust for maintenance this year as well as providing wet weather gear for the crew and other replacement items.
Volunteers are required for boat guides at Marple Carnival on 18th. June and also for the Marple Locks Heritage Festival 2 on July 10th. Tombola prizes are also required , this was a good fundraising activity at last year's Festival.
There will be two Quiz Nights at the 'Ring O' Bells' on 29th. June and 6th. July (Wednesdays).
'The Friends' have donated three free trips each to the Charnwood Trust and
The Royal Schools for the Deaf
who have enjoyed their outings, and also to Saint Ann's Hospice who have yet to have their trips.
Trips for the Community days have been arranged. 9th June, 13th July and 4th September all afternoon trips. Contact Jean 427 0068 for more information. These trips are for individual independent people with disabilities and their families, who don’t belong to a Society or organisation.
02/06/05 . . .
Plants and planting donated by the 'Friends'.
18/04/05 . . .
WARWICK ROYLE . . .
It is with great regret that we announce
the death of our Hon. Booking Officer, Warwick
Royle, on the 5th of April. Warwick had managed our booking
arrangements for over 11 years and only recently retired owing to the increasingly disabling
effects of his long illness.
It
was due in no small measure to his and his wife Nancy's enthusiasm for the role, that the
organization of trips operated effectively and efficiently.
We extend our sympathy to Nancy and sons Mark and Carl.
10/03/05 . . .
FRIENDS OF NEW HORIZONS . . .
A Coffee Morning will be held on 7th May at the Citizens Hall, Memorial Park, 10am-12 noon. Items are required for Bric-a-Brac stall and home produce stall.
The Friends have offered free trips to The Charnwood Trust and they are looking forward to coming on the boat.
The boat will be at Possett Basin (Next to the Memorial Park in Marple) on the day of the Carnival June 18th.
The Marple Locks Festival will take place on July 10th 2005 ; The Friends of New Horizons are to become corporate members of the Marple Locks Heritage Society.
The Sensory Garden will be re-planted with colourful annual flowers for the coming season and new notice boards are to be erected asking people not to moor at the boats mooring.
Trips for the Community days have been arranged. 9th June, 13th July and 4th September all afternoon trips. Contact Jean 427 0068 for more information. These trips are for individual independent people with disabilities and their families, who don’t belong to a Society or organisation.
12/01/2005 . . .
NEW SEASONS PREVIEW. . .
Due to health reasons our Booking Officers Warwick and Nancy Royle are retiring.
As you know, ‘New Horizons’ is run by volunteers and for 11 years Nancy and Warwick have been
working from their home taking bookings, making up the diary and passing this information onto
the skipper and crew.
They have become experts at the job and we shall miss them very much.
I’m sure that everybody wishes them well and that from time to time we shall see them on board ‘New Horizons’.
Dave Capp, a volunteer crew member on ‘New Horizons’, has agreed to take over as our Booking Officer.
His address and phone number is:-
92, Mile End Lane,
Stockport,
Cheshire, SK2 6BN.
Telephone 0161 483 8509.
LATEST TRIP OFFERS FOR 2005 . . . See also Booking Information
April Offer.
Once again, in order to get ‘New Horizons’ used more in April we are offering a deal
for April only.
Book the boat for any day in April, late morning 11.a.m to 1 p.m. or afternoon
from 1.30 p.m to 4.30 p.m. or all day from 10.am to 4.30 p.m. Morning and afternoon trips £20,
All day trips £40!!
Three trips for the price of two!
Once again the Trust is delighted to offer our supporters the
chance to pay for two trips and get a third trip free of charge.
Any trips booked in April are
not included in this three for two promotion.
‘New Horizons’ will visit Marple Carnival on the 18th June and the
Marple Locks Festival on
the 10th July and will not be available for trips on those days, but come along to both events
they should be great days out with lots to see and do.
We shall be there, promoting ‘New Horizons’ and we’ll be pleased to see you.
21/12/04 . . .
Top Lock Training . . .
Malcolm and Alison Alcard of Top Lock Training , will be training our two youngest crew members next year,
free of charge as a donation to New Horizons.
The crew members are Jack Gregory and Martin Hale, both aged 14.
Who knows, future skippers?
23/11/04 . . .
Abstract from Skippers 2004 end of season report . . .
The season opened on the 1st. April and closed on 16th. October.
Between these dates there were 171 bookings. A very busy season, the best of the last six years, despite a horrible wet, cold, dull grey, damp summer.
This year it was agreed that we should try to fill April by reducing our price to £20 for a
morning trip and £40 for an afternoon or all day trip. As a result
April was a sell out. IN THE 30 DAYS OF APRIL WE HAD 33 BOOKINGS. For the rest of the season the
price remained at the normal rate
of £40 for a morning, £60 for an afternoon and £95 for an all day trip. We continued our policy
of "Book two trips and get one free". The rest of the season was fully booked
in spite of the terribly wet weather. This full capacity meant that there was insufficient time
to undertake some routine maintenance.
There was only one 3 day residential trip.
At the beginning of the season the pressure pump for the hot and cold water system had to be
replaced, and also the hot water circulating pump. These were carried out during routine
maintenance.
In June the wheelchair lift failed due to a hydraulic, this was quite unexpected as it had only
recently passed its safety examination.
However because of this failure six bookings had to be cancelled(four were rebooked at a later
date). The lift repair was quite expensive at around £700 (we were able to reclaim the VAT).
The Friends of New Horizons paid the full
cost of the pump and £400 towards the lift repair.
Due to the lift failure the boat was unable to attend Marple Carnival this year, but the Carnival Committee continue to financially support The Friends of New Horizons.
The Friends of New Horizons, led by Jean Heap, have cleaned up the boatyard, they have built
trellis fencing and planted climbing plants to hide the ugly buildings
With a donation from the relatives of Hilda Norton, they have also built and planted a
Sensory Garden near the boat boarding point,
a garden that passengers can enjoy throughout the season.
All this work was carried out by a dedicated team of volunteers Bill Arden, Bob Woodgate,
Keith Shelley, and Adrian Taylor.
This year was the bi-centenary of the opening of Marple Locks in 1804.
The Friends of New Horizons worked very hard to promote and fundraise at the celebrations held to
mark the occasion.Some of the friends dressed as number ones,
home produce and beautiful hand painted canalware was on sale and games of yesteryear were played
by children of all ages.
The boat was, of course, open for inspection and we had to operate a one-way system through the
boat.
There were photo displays from the days of canal restoration , the early days of New Horizons
and a continual video show of various
canal and New Horizons films. The day was an oppportunity to look at New Horizons and a number of
people with disabilities discovered us, I also recruited some more volunteer crew members.
Funds raised on this day were put towards the repair of the wheelchair lift.
Planning Permission has been granted to build 3 houses (I think) on the yard where Al Oldham has
his motor repair business next to
New Horizons access wharf. Sadly Al will have to find new premises. Over the years, Al has been
a great friend to New Horizons
helping me and the previous skipper, Bill Beard, with sometimes difficult repair jobs or lending
us tools or equipment.
This Planning Permission may also give us cause for concern since New Horizons is so long that it
overlaps into the next yard where
it is proposed to build the houses. Clearly the developers are unaware of this but at some stage
they will no doubt wish to talk to us about this matter. We may have a problem.
Credit should be given to all our volunteers who assist me and make it possible for the boat to
continue tripping throughout the season.
Particular thanks should be given to Warwick and Nancy Royle who handle all our bookings.
They operate a most efficient booking and diary system and keep me well informed of the changes
in
bookings as they happen. Without their enthusiasm and patience , taking bookings over the phone
and by letter, receiving payments and liaising with the Treasurer
and me, it would be difficult to operate New Horizons.
Hover , due to ill health both Warwick and Nancy feel that they can no longer carry on this work
and that after 12 years it is time to relinquish their responsibilities. I shall miss them very much and I hope they keep in touch with New Horizons.
(See also item lower down page--Webmaster)
Many thanks also to our crewmember Dave Capp who looks after and organises the mailing list for the booking forms.
16/11/04 . . .
Some volunteers have other talents! . . .
BY DEREK EYERS(Volunteer crew member)
THIS TALE IS ABOUT A CANAL BOAT
THAT'S CALLED " NEW HORIZONS" BY NAME,
A DREAM-CHILD OF MAYOR BAYLEY OF STOCKPORT
COMMISSIONED BY PRINCE CHARLES, WHEN HE CAME.
IT WEIGHS 20 TONS WHEN IT'S LOADED
AND 70 ft LONG BOW TO STERN.
WHICH MEANS WHEN IT'S WINDY AND RAINY
IT'S A HECK OF A PROBLEM TO TURN.
THE AIM OF THE BOAT IS A FINE ONE
TO CRUISE UP THE "MACC" OR THE " PEAK "
TO GIVE PLEASURE TO THOSE DISADVANTAGED,
( AND THEIR CARERS), MOST DAYS OF THE WEEK.
THE ENJOYMENT THEY GET WHILE THEY'RE CRUISING
WATCHING COUNTRYSIDE SLOWLY DRIFT BY
SEEING HORSES AND GEESE, DEER AND DUCKLINGS
AND A HERON MAY QUIETLY FLY BY.
THE CHAP AT THE TILLER IS MICHAEL
WHO'S THE ENGINEER, SKIPPER AND BOSS.
HE WORKS WITH THE VOLUNTEER HELPERS
WITHOUT WHOM, T'WOULD BE THE BOATS LOSS.
THE CREW WORK IN ALL KINDS OF WEATHER
BECAUSE THEY ARE ALL QUALIFIED,
THOUGH STOOD AT THE STERN IN A RAINSTORM
THEY THINK THEY SHOULD BE ALL "CERTIFIED".
" THE FRIENDS" ARE A SUPER COMMITTEE
RUN BY JEAN WHO'S A HECK OF A GEL,
THEY RAISE MONEY BY VARIOUS FUNCTIONS
TO GIVE PASSENGERS EXTRA COMFORTS AS WELL.
A NEW BOAT IS NOW WHAT IS NEEDED
BUT £ 80,000 IS HARD TO COME BY
SO IT SEEMS TO RAISE THIS KIND OF MONEY
WE MUST GIVE NATIONAL LOTTERY A TRY
SO WE'LL CHUDDLE UP "CUT" QUITE REGARDLESS
UNTIL ONE DAY "N.H." QUIETLY SINKS,
SOMEWHERE UP NEAR POYNTON OR WHALEY
BUT A GOOD LIFE SHE'LL HAVE HAD - SO METHINKS.
BOOKING OFFICER . . . Due to increasing ill health, our Booking officers, Nancy and Warwick Royle have had to retire after 12 yrs stalwart service. Their efforts , although largely unsung, have been a vital and much appreciated part of the organisation.
This does mean that the Trust is looking for a replacement(s), so if anyone out there feels that they could help, please contact the Chairman.
16/11/04 . . .
FRIENDS UPDATE . . . 2004 has been a very busy year for the Friends. A sensory garden was
planned and built by dedicated Friends. This meant that passengers could enjoy the garden throughout
the season. Well done everyone who helped to make the garden such a success!
The quiz at the Navvy in April was well attended and the questions set by our favourite quiz master were well and truly questioned! (Find out more by coming to this Friday's quiz). Our thanks go to Duncan for his generosity.
The coffee morning at the Senior Citizens Hall was not as successful as we hoped and so a change may be in the air. Watch this space.
The carnival is a venue where we show off the boat to Marple and have great fun taking the boat down the locks backwards. Marple Carnival has again been very generous with their donation to New Horizons for 2004.
This year was the bi-centenary of Marple Locks and the Friends worked really hard to promote and fund raise at the celebrations held to mark this occasion, some Friends dressed as No.1s. Home produce as well as beautiful hand-painted canalware was on sale, games of yesteryear were played by children of all ages. This was a good day. The funds raised at the celebration went part way to repairing the hydraulic lift.
There have been three community trips subsidized by the Friends, enjoyed by all. 2005 will see cruises GIVEN, by the Friends, to the Royal Schools for the Deaf and the Rainbow Trust.
Friday night, 19 November, is quiz night and the Marple Carnival coffee morning on 11 December are dates for your diary.
06/04/04 . . .
MOORING UPDATE . . . The raised sensory flower beds are now under construction.
"FRIENDS"UPDATE . . . Three trips have been reserved for individual bookings on Saturday 12th. June (afternoon), Thursday 22nd. July (all day) and Sunday 19th. September (afternoon) , please contact the information officer or Jean Heap on 0161-427-0068 for further details.
FORTHCOMING FUNDRAISING EVENTS. . .
Friday 16th. April 2004
SOUPER QUIZ at the Navigation Hotel , Marple.
7-30pm for 8-00pm start. £2-50p including soup and roll.
Saturday 8th. May 2004.
COFFEE MORNING at Marple Senior Citizens Hall, 10am. to noon
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Raffle prizes are required for the quiz and for the Coffee Morning, home produce, bric-a-brac, goods and help on the day.
The state of the mooring has for some time been a cause of concern for some passengers. The rough surface of the tarmac in the yard and boarding area doesn`t provide the smooth passage that wheelchair users and those with walking difficulties need.
THE FRIENDS have decided to upgrade the whole mooring area. A few years ago, a great effort by THE FRIENDS made the wharf much more user-friendly but now is the time to make further improvements and add to the whole `NEW HORIZONS` experience.
A memorial donation has been given for a Sensory Garden and it is hoped to site this near the boat, filled with bright, touchy-feely plants.
Many hands make light work and THE FRIENDS would be only too pleased if you could come and lend a hand.
The first working party weekend is 13th./14th. March 2004 , 10-30am.. Bring a packed lunch , tea and coffee provided.
Please come and give us a hand. For further details contact Jean on 0161-427-0068.
BICENTENARY OF THE OPENING OF MARPLE LOCKS - JULY 3rd. 2004
This occasion is to celebrate the two hundredth year of the completion of Marple locks. It is hoped to be able to set up a display or event at each lock (safety permitting).
At the `New Horizons` mooring, the FRIENDS have offered to provide refreshments for the visiting public.
Whilst we are always on the look-out to promote the boat, the opportunity is there to raise funds at the same time!
If you would like to help out over the week-end , at any time, in any way, please contact Jean on 0161-427-0068.
We require items for a tombola, Home Produce and any crafts.
FEBRUARY 2004 . . .
LATEST TRIP OFFERS FOR 2004 . . . See also Booking Information
THREE TRIPS FOR THE PRICE OF TWO!
The Trust is delighted to again offer our supporters the chance to book and pay for two trips, and take a third trip free of charge. One of the three trips must be taken in May.
APRIL OFFER
In order to promote the use of "New Horizons" in the earlier part of the year, the Trust are offering a special deal FOR APRIL ONLY.
Book a trip for any day in April and you can choose your own time to go out.
Late morning for a short trip?
Start at lunchtime for an afternoon cruise?
Tell us what you want and we`ll do our best to accommodate you.
ALL FOR £20-00 , YES £20-00
ANY TRIP BOOKED IN APRIL FOR £20-00 , OR RESIDENTIAL CRUISE , DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR THE THREE FOR TWO PROMOTION .
For details contact the Booking Officer
DECEMBER 2003 . . .
EXTRACT FROM THE SKIPPERS ANNUAL REPORT 2003 . . . Once again the season got off to a slow start. As usual the boat was busy during June , July and August and
the free trips policy helped to fill September to capacity. It was an excellent summer in 2003 being warm and dry, this
encouraged 1,585 passengers to travel a total of 1,241 miles, an increase over the last two seasons.
The most common trip (61) was from Marple to Higher Poynton, a round trip of eight miles.
There were no residential trips.
`New Horizons` was again in attendance at the annual Marple carnival (see photos below) and was open for public viewing.
Bill Arden, chairman of the Carnival Committee is also a regular relief skipper on the boat and Treasurer of the Friends of New Horizons committee.
The Carnival Committee have again supported our project, with donations of £200-00 and £100-00.
It has been an expensive year for maintenance, after last years gearbox overhaul, all the leaking original windows were replaced at acost of £2,388.
In September there was a problem with a leaking fuel injector, this happened while I was on holiday but was successfully dealt with by the volunteer crew and T.W. Marine.
the repair is fine at present but the system needs to be monitored.
I have replaced the water pump for the pressurised `domestic` water system, failure was again due to long service. The replacement was paid for by the
Friends of New Horizons who continue to support the Trust in many ways-fund raising and purchasing equipment for the comfort of passengers and crew.
Credit must be given to all our volunteers who assist me and make it possible for the boat to continue tripping throughout the season. Particular thanks should be given to Warwick and Nancy Royle who handle our bookings.They operate a most efficient booking and diary system and keep me well informed of changes in bookings etc. throughout the year.
The boat has been drydocked , surveyed and declared to be in satisfactory condition but reccommended some work to be carried out at the next bienniel docking. I have cleaned and repainted the hull (inc. bottom)
and most of the superstructure. it now looks quite splendid and ready for 2004.
`New Horizons` is now out of commission and covered with excellent sheets to protect the paintwork from the winter weather (see photo below).
All the plumbing is drained , toilets emptied and cleaned, batteries checked, engine serviced, fuel tank filled, and antifreeze added to the heating system and the engine cooling system.
AUTUMN 2003 . . .
Not exactly "New Horizons" news, but a video presentation of historic Marple photos (including several canal and related subjects) titled "MARPLE`S CHANGING FACE" ,
has been produced by Gordon Mills
and is on sale at Marple Library , Marple Bookshop and the newsagent adjacent to the Texaco petrol station.
The cost is £10-99 .
"New Horizons" has now undergone its bienniel visit to the drydock and is now snugly wrapped up for the winter.
MARPLE CARNIVAL . . . "New Horizons" has once again attended the annual Marple Carnival in glorious sunny weather.
This is a slightly tricky operation since the four locks have to be negotiated backwards as it is not possible to turn such a long boat round at Posset pound due to silting (& it is safer to ascend the locks going forwards). So here are a few photos of the action & the boat is going astern in all these photos except the 1st. & last!
THIS IS WHERE PRINCE CHARLES NAMED "NEW HORIZONS" IN 1981
20/04/03 . . .
"FRIENDS"UPDATE . . . Three trips have been reserved for individual bookings in June, July and September, please contact the information officer or Jean Heap for further details.
The outside seating has now been re-upholstered and the bathroom is having a refit. The window replacement programme has been completed with the cost of two having been donated.
25/02/03 . . .
BOOKINGS AND SPECIAL OFFER FOR 2003 . . . Bookings for 2003 are now being accepted and prices will be held at the same level as for 2002.
IN ADDITION we are anxious to reward regular users and to stimulate the use of `New Horizons` during the coming season.
In order to do this, we will offer a FREE trip in MAY or SEPTEMBER to any organisation (or individual) that books and pays for TWO trips during the main summer season.
The free trip will equate to those booked, ie 2x1/2 days will qualify for a 3rd 1/2 day trip ; 2 full days will qualify for a 3rd. full day trip.
If you are interested in taking up this offer, or for further details , BEFORE making any booking with the booking officer , please contact
James Dunlop,
emailto : J.Dunlop1atvirgin.net,
Telephone 01663 732400.
Fax : 01663 733296
The Friends of New Horizons . . .
have funded the purchase of large, lorry-type, sheets which can cover the boat completely during the winter to ward off the worst of the effects of the weather.They have also
funded new waterproofs for the crew and intend to refurbish the bathroom and provide suitable upholstery for the outside seating.
FORTHCOMING FUNDRAISING EVENTS
10th. MAY 2003
Coffee Morning and bric a brac sale at Marple Senior Citizens Hall, 10am. to noon
23rd. MAY 2003
Quiz Night at Hawk Green Cricket Club 7-30pm.
6th.SEPTEMBER
All day collection at Marple CO-OP
12th. SEPTEMBER
Quiz Night at Hawk Green Cricket Club 7-30pm.
*PLEASE NOTE , THAT DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL , THIS EVENT WILL NOW TAKE PLACE ON 3rd. October 2003*
The `Friends` are always looking for fund raising ideas and also new members to help organise them.
Credit and thanks must be given to the small army of volunteers who assist and make it possible to continue tripping throughout the year.
Particular credit should be given to Nancy and Warwick Royle who handle all our bookings in a most efficient manner , and to crew member Dave Capp who also manages the mailing list and keeps it up to date.
It is such mundane and unglamourous tasks that keep things running smoothly!.
Quite independently of the `Friends`, the Ring O` Bells pub, adjacent to New Horizons` mooring, hold regular Quiz Nights on the 1st. & 3rd. Wednesdays of each month in aid of local charities. The proceeds of at least two nights have been donated to `New Horizons`.
During the winter 2002/3 . . .
all the usual mundane `behind the scenes` maintenance, which enables a trouble-free cruising season, was carried out.
In addition, all the large viewing windows (which had been rather leaky and causing deterioration of interior fittings) in the passenger seating areas have been replaced.
In September 2002 . . .
the boats gearbox failed. It had been due for an overhaul during the winter following a `temporary` modification in 1982!!,
since when the boat has travelled the equivalent of a road vehicle doing some 600,000 miles--good service indeed.
T. W. Marine , however , came up trumps and did a complete overhaul in three days and only one booking was lost.
It should be noted that Willie Webb (of T. W. Marine) has been a friendly fount of technical wisdom to the Trust since before
`New Horizons` was even built and continues to be so.
15/6/02 . . .
40th. MARPLE ANNUAL CARNIVAL . . . was attended by `New Horizons`, and was open for public viewing as usual.
This year`s Carnival Queen is the granddaughter of the skipper, Mike, and her chosen charity for her year of office is `New Horizons`.
For a full report visit the Marple website.
Visitors and guests inspect New Horizons.
Carnival Queen Rose.
Carnival Queen Rose with Amber, one of her attendants.
Carnival flags.
Promotional material, boat model and video on display.
Volunteers awaiting visitors.
FRIENDS OF NEW HORIZONS . . .
TRIPS FOR FAMILIES, SMALL GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS 2002 . . . The `Friends` are once again organising some trips for smaller groups and singles who would not be able to
fill the boat on their own.
These are aimed at any small group, eg. a family that has a member with a disability that prevents them all travelling together on a conventional boat and individuals with any necessary carers.
The dates of these trips are:-
28th. June, Afternoon only.
17th. August, All day.
8th. September, Afternoon only.
For further details `phone 0161-427-0068
JUNE 2002 . . .
40th. MARPLE ANNUAL CARNIVAL . . . will be attended by `New Horizons` on 15th. JUNE. For more details
visit the Marple website.
16/03/02 . . .
FUNDRAISING EVENTS , COMING SOON . . . QUIZ NIGHTS - The Friends of New Horizons will be hosting QUIZ NIGHTS at HAWK GREEN CRICKET CLUB
on Friday 12th April and Friday 4th. October, both at Hawk Green Cricket Club 7-30 pm. for 8-00 pm start.
For any enquiries: Telephone
Adrian Taylor on 0161 427 5161
Come and make up a team, or bring your own team (4).
£2-50 pp. including supper. An evening of good fun.
Also "COMING SOON", a MOCK AUCTION (probably in the autumn) , for fund raising, details to be announced in the future.
January `02 . . .
DONATION . A generous donation of £500-00 has been presented to the Friends of New Horizons by the Altrincham, Cheshire, Freemasons.
22/12/01 . . .
END OF SEASON REPORT
The 20th. year of operation got off to a slow start due to the foot & mouth disease outbreak but this didn`t prevent the occasion being marked appropriately. There were even some Jeremiahs twenty years ago who predicted that the
project wouldn`t last five years!
Gordon Bayley , the originator and first chairman of the trust would have been very proud.(See report below)
Bookings this year have been about 20% down , this can be directly attributed to low bookings in the months of April & May following restrictions on boating and other rural activities due to the outbreak of foot & mouth disease . There have been a couple of incidents of vandalism.
On a brighter note , this year has seen passengers coming from New Zealand! We`ve had passengers from various European countries and Canada in previous years but no-one from so far away , I`d like to think that this website helped to arouse their interest. Having been to New Zealand myself recently , I can imagine what an effort it is just to make the journey to the UK(Webmaster).
Crew with visitors from New Zealand on the Macclesfield Canal.
`New Horizons` has now returned from the drydock having undergone its biennial underwater clean , re-paint and insurance survey. All necessary winterizing has been carried out and covers , funded by the `Friends of New Horizons`are in place.
07/11/01 . . .
FUNDRAISING EVENT , COMING SOON . . . QUIZ NIGHT - The Friends of New Horizons will be hosting a QUIZ NIGHT at HAWK GREEN CRICKET CLUB on FRIDAY, 23rd. NOVEMBER 2001, 7-30 pm. for 8-00 pm start.
Come and make up a team, or bring your own team (4).
£2-50 pp. including supper. An evening of good fun.
26/06/01 . . .
EMPLOYEES OF ASTRAZENECA . . . have generously donated £500 to the trust following the celebration of an award for the standard
of the company`s facilities .
16/06/01 . . .
MARPLE ANNUAL CARNIVAL . . . was attended by `New Horizons` on a rather cool day. For a full report
visit the Marple website.
02/06/01 . . .
VOLUNTEERS WEEK . . . As part of national volunteers week , Andrew Stunnell M.P. , whose constituency includes Marple and much of the area that New Horizons operates in for day trips , was invited to join a special invitation trip which included some of
the regular volunteers (several of whom have disabilities themselves) and invited guests, to see the facilities that the Trust offers to our community.
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Guests being welcomed aboard
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. . . and discussing matters of state.
The weather turned out to be dry but rather cool and those who wished, were snug inside the heated cabin whilst a hardy few braved the low temperatures and a number of novices tried their hands at steering.
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The Macclesfield Canal is particularly pretty at this time year when the hawthorn towpath hedges are coming into full blossom and a pleasant trip was had by all.
14/04/01 . . .
FUNDRAISING EVENTS , COMING SOON . . . The`Friends of New Horizons` are organising the following fund-raising efforts:-
18th. April `01 . . . QUIZ NIGHT . 8-00pm. at the Ring`O Bells ,Church Lane, Marple, canalside.
12th. May `01 . . . COFFEE MORNING . 10-00am. at the Senior Citizens Hall, The Memorial Park, Marple.
30th. June `01 . . . STRAWBERRY FAYRE . 2-00pm. at the Senior Citizens Hall.
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04/04/01 . . .
FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE UPDATE . . . Please note that `New Horizons` will be operating as usual from 19th. April `01 since restrictions on boat movements due to foot & mouth disease have now been eased.
24/3/01 . . .
ANNIVERSARY RECEPTION . . . A reception to mark the 20th. anniversary of the naming of `New Horizons` by H.R.H. Prince Charles , was held at the Marple Senior Citizens Hall in the Memorial Park , in the presence of the Worshipful The Mayor of Stockport (Maureen Rowles) and her Mayoress , Ms. Maxine Rowles.
Cake-cutting , 24/03/01.
L. to Rt. , Mike Heap(Skipper) , Jean Heap(Chairman, Friends of New Horizons) , Maureen Rowles(Mayor of Stockport) , James Dunlop(Chairman, Stockport Canalboat Trust).
It was good to meet so many old friends again and especially Mrs. Gwen Bayley , the widow of the late L. G. (Gordon) Bayley M.B.E. who founded the Trust during his year of office as Mayor of Stockport.
Unfortunately , the proposed trip on board `New Horizons` with the Mayor had to be cancelled due to the restrictions imposed because of the current outbreak of foot & mouth disease but we look forward to another twenty years of service to the community.
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21/01/01 . . .
20th.ANNIVERSARY . . . It is proposed to mark the 20th. anniversary of the naming of `New Horizons` by H.R.H. Prince Charles , with a short cruise and reception , to which the present Mayor of Stockport will be invited .
This will take place on 24/03/01 and will celebrate 20 years of service to the community and also inaugurate the start of the new cruising season .
30/12/00 . . .
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
24/3/01 . . . will be the 20th anniversary of the naming of `New Horizons` by H.R.H.Prince Charles and it would seem appropriate to mark this in some way . Suggestions Please!
12/5/01 . . . The `Friends of New Horizons` will be holding a coffee morning at the Senior Citizens Hall in the Memorial Park , Marple .
16/6/01 . . . `New Horizons` will be attending the annual Marple Carnival and will be open for public viewing .
The Carnival Committee gave the `Friends` a substantial donation out of the proceeds of last years carnival , which will go towards the upkeep of `New Horizons`, this is gratefully acknowledged .
24/11/00
. . .
END OF SEASON REPORT . . .In terms of passengers carried , this has been the busiest season for some years with 1,816 people enjoying the delights of the Peak Forest and Macclesfield Canals , all this despite a summer notable for its record rainfall! This has been made possible not only by the hard work of the skipper Mike
but also by his volunteer crew and qualified volunteer skippers .Unfortunately there has been no use of the boat for cruises involving overnight stays.
Mention should also be made of the efforts of the army of volunteers who also beaver away behind the scenes , many of whom never set foot on board `New Horizons`, carrying out a multitude of supporting roles , not the least important being fund-raising .
There has been a small amount of vandalism this year in the form of a broken window , which whilst not hugely serious is an added expense and work which could be done without.
`New Horizons` is now winterised and the usual winter maintenance programme will be carried out .In addition , the Certificate of Compliance survey will be carried out immediately prior to the next boating season which will be the 21st. year of operation , it is hoped to mark the occasion in some suitable manner.
FRIENDS OF NEW HORIZONS . . . The Quiz Nights in September and October raised almost £150-00 .
The Marple Methodist Ladies Association ran a cake stall , the proceeds of which were donated to the `Friends of NH`.
The `Friends` will be funding new fireproofed interior curtains and upholstery repairs to the exterior seating during the winter `close season` .
The trips arranged for smaller groups , families and individuals , which were part-funded by the `Friends` , were all fully booked and they are expected to be repeated next year.
THE NEW CONTACT FOR THE FRIENDS OF NEW HORIZONS IS :-
The Treasurer to the Trustees , Graham Holmes , retired this year and has moved back `north of the border`, he has been a very able and conscientious treasurer and his successor will have a hard act to follow!
23/08/00 . . . QUIZ NIGHTS . . . Fund-raising quiz nights will be held at the `Ring `O Bells` public house , adjacent to `New Horizons` mooring , on Wednesday 20th. September and Wednesday 18th. October .All welcome , come and give us your support .
FRIENDS OF NEW HORIZONS . . . More supporters and committee members are always welcome , if you are willing to help in any way please contact the information officer (see address below) .
28/03/00 . . . Trips on the following dates are available to individuals who may not belong to an organisation large enough to book the full boat , and small family groups (usual eligibility conditions apply).
- Saturday 22nd.July-an afternoon trip , costing £4-50p per person.
- Sunday 20th.August-an all day trip , costing £7-50p per person.
- Saturday 16th.September-an afternoon trip , costing £4-50p per person.
Tea and coffee will be available on all trips .
On the full day trip , passengers can either bring a picnic lunch or visit the `Miners Arms` or canalside cafe at Adlington ,where lunches are available .
Provisional Bookings can be made via. the Information Officer by `phone 0161 430 8082 or email Marion Eyers . Bookings will be confirmed on receipt of payment by cheque or postal order , payable to "Friends of New Horizons".
15/03/00 . . . The `Friends of New Horizons` are organising the following fund raising events:
- 14/04/00 . Quiz Night at the `Navigation Hotel` in Marple , starting 19-30 hrs..
- 14/05/00 . Coffee morning at the Senior Citizens hall in Marple , starting 10-00 hrs..
- 18/11/00 . Family Social at the Marple Bridge W.I. hall.
`New Horizons` will once again be visiting the Marple Carnival and will be open for public viewing .
08/01/2000 . . . Bookings are now being accepted for spring and summer cruises on "New Horizons" Prices are
being held at the 1998 level of £80 for a day,£50 for an afternoon and £40
for a morning cruise.
This year cruising will start on April 1st and continue to mid October, April and October cruises being half price.
To book phone Warwick Royle on 01663 742796.
For more information phone 0161 449
7787 or email Marion Eyers .
09/11/99 . . .
