2022-05-31-accounts

Officer Reports for the

4[th] Annual General Meeting held on the Thursday 12[th] January 2023

at the King’s Arms Hotel, King’s Arms Street, North Walsham, NR28 9JX 7pm start

OFFICER ANNUAL REPORTS

CONTENTS			Page
David Revill	Trust Chair		2
Barry Mobbs	Trust Treasurer	Financial Statement	3
		Income & Expenditure	4
		Balance Sheet	5
Andrea Lamyman	Membership Secretary		6
Julie Kelleher	Trust Administrator		7
Graham Pressman	Boating Officer		8 - 9
David Batley	Funding Team Leader		10 – 11
Julie Kelleher	ICT Officer		12
Tom Webster	Fisheries Officer		13
Ivan Cane	“Quagmire” Editor		14
Ivan Cane	EAWA Archivist for Canal records		15

1

ANNUAL REPORT FROM THE TRUST CHAIR.

Another year has passed in the life of the Trust and I must say that it has been a bit challenging.

On the positive side, I am very pleased with the substantial progress made and increasing potential for future developments along the canal in the R. Ant valley.

Meetings have been held with the proprietors of the middle and lower pounds, the North Walsham Canal Company and Bindwell Ltd, with a more positive idea of what can be mutually agreed in the restoration field.

A zoom meeting has been held, engaging our local MP, Duncan Baker, together with the Area and Local managers of the Environment Agency.

Our Work Party Leaders have all been working like Trojans through the year, in co-operation with Jeremy Cushion, Director of the Old Canal Company (OCC) but unfortunately with a reduced number of volunteers. This happens at times but in this case, I consider that it is a continuing result of the dreaded Covid-19 pandemic. Habitually the numbers have tended to increase again over a relatively short time.

I am impressed by the efforts and work inputs of the Trustees and Officers, who have progressed through a difficult year with a typical stiff upper lip!

The grounds, upon which fund raising through Grants, are being well laid for future income etc and the Open Days held in August 2022 were inspirational for many reasons, including financial but probably more important, communication with the general public, resulting in more folk joining us as members and volunteers appearing over the horizon.

During the past couple of months, two very important issues have been resolved – the planned lower lock gates for Ebridge and the contract dealing with the dredger “WEASEL”. Whilst the results have yet to be completed, the resolutions are agreed and I thank all who were involved in this matter.

I offer myself to be the Chair for the final time in this coming shorter year to the next AGM and look forwards to a much brighter and progressive year.

Stay true and believe in the cause!

David Revill Chairman 6/12/22

2

Trust Treasurerfs AGM Financial Report FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR 1- JUNE 2021 to 31- MAY 2022 Bank Balance at 1 June 2021- £18.462.66 Bank Balance at 31° May 2022- £25,658.87 The accounts for the year ending 31st May 2022 have been balanced and examined by the Trust's auditor Michael Segon A.C.l.B. I would like to thank Mike for the work he has done and the help he has given me in the preparation of the audited accounts. I recommend Ihat Mike continues as our auditor for the next financial year. The Income & Expenditure sheets together with the Balance Sheet can be found herewth. During this year the total income was £18,478.14 and expenditure £15,868.92 leading to an eX￿sS of income over expenditure of £2.609.22. This is a considerable improvement from the previous Covid-19 affected year when expenditure exceeded income by £7231.45. As can be seen income vras generated from various sources the largest of vthich were Donations and the Trip Boat. Subscriptions Y￿re increased from the previous year and the Ebridge event was again a major contributor. Of the expenditure of £15.868.92 the major iiem was again depreciation at £4988.00 with the rent for the units followng at £3000.00. The value of our tangible assets redU￿d by £4986.00 this year to £37497.00.00 due to the effect of depreciation with no additions during the year. In this financial year 2021 to 2022 things have started to return to something like nomial. The trip boat and donations have made a signtficant contribution and we have once again been shown by others that an open day can be organised to be a major source of incorne. Barry Mobbs Treasurer. North Walsham & Dilham Canal Trust

NORTH WALSHAM AND DILHAM CANAL TRUST FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR THE YEAR tst June 2021 to 31st May 2022 INCOME AND EXPENDITURE SHEET FOR THE YEAR Istjune 2021 to 31st May2022 Income Events Sales of merchandise Grants Donations Subscriptions Trip Boats 2.088.47 121.35 2.850.(K) 4,940.82 3.569.C() 4.908.50 Total Income 18.478.14 Expenditure Subscriptions Rent Rates Insurance Events Merchandise Training Work Parties Admin Marketing Trip Boat Building Maintenan Machinery Repairs & Serviang Ebridge Paypal fee5 Depreciation Total Expendlture 3.000.C(J 291.58 949.53 230.Crf) 48.47 687.16 925.47 1.264.68 184.78 50.86 439.54 2.271.58 366.58 118.69 4.986.CO 15.868.92 Excess of Income over Expenditure 2.609.22

BALANCE SHEET AT 31ST MAY 2022 Ta￿lble {Fixedl Assets At cost Additions durin8 year Les5 Depreciation to 31 May2021 Les5 Depreciation foryear £58.921.84 £0. £16,438.84 £4.986.C¥J £58.921.84 £21.424.84 £37A97.IKI Current Assets Prepayments- ir￿TanCe juTrtrDe￿￿beY 510ck of Merchandise Bank Current Account £739.08 £1,523.53 £25,658.87 £27,921.48 Less Llabllltles Accruals- Rates April & May 2022 Total Assets £30.46 £27,891.02 £65.388.02 Represented By General Fund at l June 2021 Legal Fund at l June 2022 d Excess of Income over Expendtture Genral Fund at 31 May 2022 Legal Fund at 31 May 2022 £61.631.95 £1,146.85 £62,778.80 £2.609.22 £64.241.17 £1.146.8S £65,388.02 Merthandise A¢courrt siock at l June 2021 Stock at 31 May 2022 C05t of sales El,523.53 El,523.53 £0. Sales foryearto 31 May 2022 less cost of sales (sales from pre¥iousty ￿tten off stock) Profit on sales £121.35 £0. £IZl.35 AUDITOR'SCERTIHCATE I have examined the books and vouchers of THE NORTH WALSHAM & DILHAM CANAL TRUSTfor the year ended 3tst May 2022 and certify that the above accounts are in accordance therewith. Signed Michael R Segon ACIR 13 Sept 2022

Membership Secretary AGM Report

As at 18[th] August 2021 total membership records stood at 260, comprising 321 individuals, as some are family memberships.

Memberships as at 4[th] December 2022, stand at 266, comprising 352 members. This reflects the fact that a number of single memberships have been converted to family memberships over the year, the loss of some single members, through natural attrition, and the overwhelming majority of new memberships this year being family memberships. A total of 79 new memberships, (some single, many family) have been created since my report to the AGM, last year. Recruitment is, therefore, in line with previous years.

It is great to welcome so many new faces, and a few welcome returners!

Retention of members remains something on which we must focus.

The MemberMoJo database is now well bedded-in and seems pretty user-friendly for our members. It also makes the role of Membership Secretary far more streamlined. Most members seem to find it beneficial to be able to renew online. Nevertheless, there is still always the option to talk to a ‘real person’ should you need any information about your membership status, or prefer to renew another way!

An increasing number of our members are opting to receive Quagmire in physical format and are happy to donate a little extra to cover print and postage (we suggest £10 p.a. to cover this). Again, this is something you can do online. Simply log into your membership and alter the preferred mailing option - or drop [e-mail] an email and we can arrange this for you.

Andrea Lamyman Membership Secretary, NW&DCT

Access to your personal online membership record is by the link below: https://membermojo.co.uk/nwdct

6

Trust Administrators Report for the AGM

Volunteering for the ‘Trust Admin’ role meant learning quite quickly just how involved the role is. For my information and awareness, I collected the many different folders, files and papers that existed, sorting papers into relevant folder sections. Very interesting for me to read some of the papers from early 2000 that existed before I joined the canal trust.

Another job, especially after the installation of our Unit’s new post box, was contacting various organisations advising of our new ‘Registered Address’ and our main contact email address of [e-mail]

Training Courses arranged for this year and using the same providers were the:

• Chainsaw Maintenance, Cross-cutting and Felling refresher, a two-day course.

• Emergency First Aid at Work, a one-day course.

Very pleased to advise that all participants passed and have the certificates to prove.

Correspondence:

Online email enquiries are regularly received into [e-mail] which I also manage. I pass the enquiry to the Trust Officer if it’s something I’m not able to deal with. We also receive enquiries via our social media accounts.

PayPal report:

I administer the NWDC Trust PayPal account which was created in April of 2021. At the end of each month the monies received are transferred to the Trust bank account.

Julie Kelleher Trustee & Trust Administrator

7

Boating Officer AGM Report

After the long ‘Covid/proximity of people’ problems, things are looking up this year from the passenger boat perspective. We will still only take bookings from groups, and not mix groups unless they are explicitly happy to do that. No doubt the financial report from Barry will give a clearer idea of what the boats have brought in. A large number of folk are now aware of the canal following trips. We have even had a few VIPs aboard. I took out a party of two from the Environment Agency, one person from Norfolk County Council and another of our own Trustees a few weeks ago. They all expressed pleasure at what The Trust is. Things like boat trips, certainly seem to help in these negotiations. They left the boat with a far better understanding of what we do by way of conservation for the benefit of the canal and its corridor and what the canal can provide for the welfare of the public.

We’re approaching Boat Safety Certificate time, which we don’t expect to pose any problems. Ella II is now on much more modern batteries. Whilst a large expense, they are expected to last for around 20 years thus putting an end to the regular replacements which were needed. The long-term saving could be huge, and performance is like chalk and cheese compared with the old-fashioned lead ones! Added to that, these are recognised as being the safest currently on the market. No more Hydrogen for us! The solar panels are, of course, still producing all the power the boat needs. I did 5 trips on one day and 3 days later they were fully charged again despite

having done 2 trips in between.

We have a wonderful addition to our crew in Ralphy. He really has turned out to be a superb steerer, being safe, steady and a good speaker. Thanks for joining us Ralph! I only regret having to share your time with Broads Museums electric passenger boat. I hope that another, existing, steerer will be able to get back behind the tiller soon.

Our stalwart carpenter, David, has, with the help of others I think, painted Ella II in fleet Royal Purple and the WP’s have kept her hull blacked up, for protection and appearance.

There is another boat in the background, which has cost nothing to The Trust, which is a 12-seater rib. There is work to be done before it can be used, but no need has yet arisen, so no hurry!

The Weedeater has performed excellent service again this year. It’s had an engine service (main gasket set and injector overhaul), it’s charging reliably and the hydraulics are working well. Seen here is Fleet Colours (a little worn now, so due for a further coat when there is time). There is some hope that we may be able to obtain grant funding for a Weed Harvester, which would deliver the cut aquatic weed directly ashore,. Raking takes at least 3 or 4 times as long as the

8

actual cutting. Paddlers and swimmers will find it a lot easier if we do manage to get one. The majority of the funding for that is already in place.

We have used Sue B a few times, when we have needed to carry parties of more than 12 and she has been used for some maintenance work.

On a personal note, I am quietly getting on with construction of ‘The Newun’, which is a steel replica of a clinker-built Northern River Wherry (original plans applied and made to fit) of the type which used to trade NWDC. It is expected that it will go on the lower canal between Wayford bridge and Honing (Dilham) lock. Whilst that’s mine, no doubt when I become too old to operate it, the thing can be offered to The Trust as a gift, if they want it by then. In the meantime, I’ll be happy to use it on Trust work if needed and

there will be a wherry back on the canal after nearly 100 years. Oh! It’s electrically powered.

Graham Pressman

Trustee and Boating Officer, North Walsham and Dilham Canal Trust.

9

FUNDING TEAM LEADER AGM Report

After six months in the job, I have learned much and achieved little, I am still a team of one.

In the LONG TERM the canal navigation will return, as we shake off the excitement and confusion that is 2022 the National Funding that will produce improvements to infrastructure and “Levelling Up” will return and we must be ready.

The Trust’s liaison with the four canal owners is producing collaborative results; our neighbours such as the publican at the Crown in Trunch, the Worsted Weavers Guild and Ernest Doe machinery suppliers offer their enthusiastic support and discounts. We will need it as five of our six locks require serious attention where as six of the seven canal bridges are sound Royston Bridge is just a pipe.

I represented the Trust at the Canal and Rivers Trust/Inland Waterways Association national conference when the canal community was roundly chastised for not being prepared for the Governments financial initiatives. It was clear that canals that had won millions of pounds of funding were both unified and working as a team.

In the MEDIUM TERM there will be financial benefit for all our neighbours who can show that land bordering the canal’s green corridor is being managed in a carbon friendly manner. The Trust has already demonstrated its expertise at measuring flora and fauna. Our relationship with the Broads Authority, the Internal Drainage Board, the Environment Agency and Norfolk Wildlife Trust must rest on scientific foundations which will enhance our relationship with the landowners who adjoin the canal.

At our recent Open Weekend, we met and talked with potential members and supporters many began by stressing the emotional benefits they gained by being close to water. Perhaps now, post-covid, we might consider being exhibitors at other local shows and festivals?

In the SHORT TERM we are seeking funding totaling some £50,000 for kit that will help the volunteer working parties to maintain the canal in an industrially safe environment. A 50hp tractor, a battery-operated strimmer and commercial lawnmower and a weed harvester that cuts, stores, transports, and deposits it’s load of aquatic vegetation. I represented the Trust at the Cromer Volunteer Day, the North Walsham Men’s Shed, the North Walsham Vattenfall Funding Meeting and talked to the WRG’ies (‘Waterways Recovery Group’ they built Ebridge spillway) at the Ware Canal Festival and tagged along when Ivan Cane and Graham Pressman introduced the North Walsham Young Farmers to the canal.

The Vattenfall Norfolk Community Fund amounts to £15,000,000 over the 25-year life of the windfarms for local collaborative projects.

North Norfolk District Council are very responsive to our funding requests, I have yet to make successful contact with Norfolk County Council.

10

In the immediate future I believe we must all recognise that as volunteers the canal plays only a part in our lives. There are individuals out there in membership land who want to offer their skills to building the canals future, as trustees we have a responsibility to encourage their participation.

David Batley

– Funding report 2022 David Batley

Fund	Amount	Capital Items	notes
Sheringham Shoal administered by Norfolk Community Foundation	After 12% discount £3,674	STIHL Battery powered strimmer, mower and batteries	Will take delivery by early February 2023 from Ernest Doe and sons North Walsham
Geoffrey Watling Trust, Norwich	£5,000	Part funding of a weed harvesting vessel	Will be of value along the full length of the canal.
Nineveh Charitable Trust	£4,560 + VAT with a substantial discount	BCS 740 with finger mower attachment	Awaiting charity trustees meeting Feb/March 2023
Accord Energy Solutions Community fund administered by their secretary, nominated by an AES employee and North Walsham resident Mark Lowen.	£2,000	Battery powered chain saw	Working party researching best purchase.
Blue Spaces living water administered Essex & Suffolk Water by their ecologist Dr Kim Wallis	Max £25,000	Introduced to the trust by Rory Sanderson from the Environment Agency to compliment Nutrient Neutrality	A fund to encourage public access to the watery environment
Nutrient Neutrality created by Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs administered by Natural England	People asking for planning permission for dwelling construction must show no pollution will result, hence nutrient neutrality, e.g. No pollutant fed algal bloom.	Nutrient sampling and analysis from the Ant catchment	Could this funding support canal restoration?
Several National and European funds associated with canal infrastructure

11

ICT Officers AGM Report

The Trust website – www.nwdct.org

The website is updated frequently especially the EVENTS page and WORK PARTY information page. It’s interesting to note that the WP reports go back to 2008 when the ‘East Anglian Waterways Association’ first managed the NW&D Canal work parties. There are some great photos of the canal BEFORE restoration work.

Social Media

So glad to report that our FB group still receives a huge variety of wildlife and scenic photographs being posted. Thank you to all who post their beautiful photographs and interesting pieces of information.

Thank you to all Trust Facebook group Trustee Admins, for monitoring and posting relevant information for our FB ‘group’ supporters.

Facebook (META) has changed its rules where any profile can reply to a group members post, this has meant that some posts and replies go against our group rules. These ‘spam’ posts are deleted and the profile blocked. Thank you to those who report them.

I don’t use Twitter or Instagram myself so if you’re interested in managing these accounts for us, please contact me.

Social Media stats over the years (to date 29[th] August 2022)

Social Media Stats	2014/2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022
Facebook PAGE	429/600	937	1290	1671	2128	2333	2536	2841
Facebook GROUP				213	407	894	1395	1938
Twitter				91	125	150	167	170
Instagram				69	107	130	181	197

FINALLY:

A huge thank you once again to Darren Rogers of Broadland Computers, Stalham.

His patience in dealing with technical calls is endless, all of which is very much appreciated. A huge thank you from me Darren.

Julie Kelleher Trustee and ICT Officer

12

Fisheries Officer’s Annual Report 2022

We continue to have lots of catches of roach, rudd, bream, tench, pike, perch and dace, in what is now an upwards continuing year on year trend. Our year-on-year trend of dead pike surfacing after winter continues to drop, all credit to our anglers and the Trusts adopted fishing policies. It’s very pleasing to be able report the numerous evidenced catches of specimen fish which is credit to the thriving ecosystem that restoration of the Ebridge section has created.

Still a concern is the silt levels and the causes of silt at Spa Common. This presents a significate danger to the canal ecosystem and especially our fish stocks as it’s a spawning ground. I greatly support the Trust in trying to resolve this ongoing problem and causes with urgency.

Membership amongst our regular anglers is increasing and we continue to work to included anglers into the Trust and its work. I am pleased to receive many reports from other canal users that our anglers are amongst the friendliest they have come across.

I continue with my efforts to promote the canal on social media.

Tom Webster - Fisheries Officer

13

Quagmire Editor’s Annual Report - August 2022

Quagmire has continued to be an important communication between the Trust, its members and the community at large. The November 2021 (5.4), February and May 2022 (6.1 & 6.2) editions were edited by Ivan Cane, and, following his move to the more national restoration scene, the August 2022 (6.3) by Andrea Lamyman. We look forward to a new editor taking the helm in the coming year.

The quarterly magazine has continued to be available either in a hard edition (for which members are asked to contribute an extra £10 p.a. to cover printing, p&p), and an electronic version, which is issued both as a pdf and published on the ISSUU platform. The November edition covered the background and exciting planned future for Dilham Lake, February looked at Ebridge and the history of the Stop Notice whilst for his last edition, Ivan took the theme of “What Next” showing the challenges and opportunities for the Canal in the future. Andrea’s August edition included articles on the new Trustees and officers, and the up-andcoming Open Weekend, as well as a focus on the weekend’s venue – Ebridge Staithe. Quagmires have also given updates on the work party news, sadly, some obituaries of previous stalwart supporters of the Canal’s restoration and a look at the wider world of restoration projects elsewhere.

Q - Extra has filled the intervening months, by keeping members up-to-date with the events of the past few weeks. Both publications have relied, heavily, on photographs and articles from the Trust’s membership – and the editors have been most grateful for all their help. Further contributions and comments are always welcome.

Ivan Cane

Quagmire Editor 2020-2022

23 August 2022

14

East Anglian Waterways Association’s Archivist for the NW&DC Records

The discovery of older pictures, not seen before, is becoming a rarity. However, the archives were extremely lucky to have the Stanley Watt’s Collection of original papers, relating to the Canal, donated by his grandson, Jon Watts. The July Q-Extra Newsletter 10 , outlined the many documents that the collection held, including a new picture of Bacton Wood Mill, with the pleasure wherry in the background, complementing the well-known picture of the

wherry in the millpond. However, the main bundle concerns The Canal Company Ltd, of 13 Hanger Lane, Ealing, being taken into receivership by Walker and Walker. These court hearings lasted over a year (1913/14) and later involved the General Estates Company and seven of the Percy Family. This had previously been a “gap” in the Canal’s history, and we are very grateful for Jon Watts to have rescued and handed them to the EAWA for safe keeping. These, like many other original documents, will, after scanning, be passed to the Norfolk Record Office for safekeeping.

On the other side of the coin, the archivist has received, and welcomed many enquiries for searches and information

The EAWA always welcomes the loan or gifts of any pictures or papers relating to the Canal. Please contact the Archivist at [e-mail]

Ivan Cane

EAWA Archivist for the NW&DC Records 23 August 2022

15

NORTH WALSHAM AND DILHAM CANAL TRUST FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR THE YEAR tst June 2021 to 31st May 2022 INCOME AND EXPENDITURE SHEET FOR THE YEAR 1st June 2021 to 31st May2022 Income Events Sales of merchandise Grants Donations Subscriptions Trip Boats 2.088.47 121.35 2.850.1 4.940.82 3.569.(Kl 4.908.50 Total Income 18,478.14 Expenditure Subscriptions Rent Rate5 Insurance Events Merchandise Training Work Parties Admin Marketing Trip Boat Building Maintenance Machinery Repairs & SeNicing Ebridge Paypal fees Depreciation Total Expendlture 3.000.IXJ 291.58 949.53 230.00 48.47 687.16 925.47 1.264.68 184.78 50.86 439.54 2.271.58 366.58 118.69 4.986.00 15.868.92 Excess of In¢ome over Expenditure 2.609.22

BALANCE SHEET AT 31ST MAY 2022 Ta￿lble {Fixedl Assets At cost Additions during year Less DepretiatioA to 31 May 2021 Les5 Deprecwtion foryear £58.921.84 £o.c#J £16.43B.84 £4,986. £58.921.84 £21,424.84 £37A97.fyJ Current Assets Prepayments. lrnirance Jur-December Stock of Merchandise ank Currem ￿CoUnt £739.08 £1.523.53 £25.658.87 £27.921.48 Le55 Liabilitie5 Accruals- Rates April & May 2022 Total Assets £30.46 £Z7.891.02 £65.388.02 Repr¢sntÈd By General Fund at l ju￿ 2021 Legal Fund at l June 2022 d Éxcess ol Ir￿orne ovef Expenditure Genral Fund at 31 May 2022 Legal Fund at 31 May 2022 £61.631.95 £1.146.8S £62.778.80 £2,609.22 £64.241.17 £1,146.85 £65.388.02 Merchandlse kcount Stock at l June 2021 Stock at 31 May 2022 Cost of sales £1.523.53 Él.S23.53 £O.IK) Sales foryearto 31 May 2022 less cost of sales (sales from pre¥ioUstyt￿ltteTh off S￿Ck) Profit on s*$ £121.3S £0. £121.35 AUDITOR'SCEThHCATE I have examined the books and vouchers ofTHE NORTh WALSHAM & DILHAM CANAL TRUSTfor the year ended 31st May 2022 and certify that the above accounts are in accordance therewith. Signed Michael R Se8on ACIR 13 Sept 2022

FINANCIAL STATEMENT ST FOR THE YEAR 1 JUNE 2021 to 31 MAY 2022 s¢ Bank Balance at 1 June 2021- £18,462.66 Bank Balance at 31" May 2022 - £25.658.87 The accounts for the year ending 31st May 2022 have been balan￿d and examined by the Trust's auditor Michael Segon A.C.l.B. I would like to thank Mike for the work he has done and the help he has given me in the preparation of the audited accounts. I recommend that Mike continues as our auditor for the next financial year. The Income & Expenditure sheets together wth the Balance Sheet can be found herewith. During this year the total income was £18,478.14 and expenditure £15,868.92 leading to an excess of income over expendtture of £2.609.22. This is a considerable improvement from the P￿vIouS Covid-19 affected year wthen eXpeThjitu￿ exceeded income by £7231.45. As can be seen income was generated from various sources the largest of vthich were Donations and the Trip Boat. Subscriptions were increased from the previous year and the Ebridge event was again a major contributor. Of the expenditure of £15,868.92 the major Item was again depreciation at £4986.00 with the rent for the units followng at £3000.00. The value of our tangible assets redU￿d by £4986.00 this year to £37497.00.00 due to the effect of depreciation with no additions during the year. In this financial year 2021 to 2022 things have started to retum to something like normal. The trip boat and donations have made a significant contribution and we have once again been shown by others that an open day can be organised to be a major SOU￿ of income. Barry Mobbs Treasurer. North Walsham & Dilham Canal Trust