IWA has successfully completed the final details in setting up the new charity designed to increase support for the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation in Essex.
In November 2024, plans were announced by IWA’s trustees and the board of Essex Waterways Ltd to form a new charity, whose objectives were the continued success of the Navigation. With the share in Essex Waterways Ltd transferred to Essex Waterways Navigation Trust on 31st March, the arrangements are now complete.
Managed by IWA’s wholly owned subsidiary, Essex Waterways Ltd, the Navigation has been a great success. It has gone from a position of near bankruptcy and poor maintenance to a much-loved amenity enjoyed by an appreciative local population and promoted as a star attraction of the county by both Visit Essex and the local authorities.
Not only has the historic waterway been enjoyed by many visitors and locals, it has also provided significant employment with trip boats and waterside businesses, as well as maintenance work. The Navigation has become a model of efficient operation and sustainable management.
IWA and Essex Waterways Navigation Trust will maintain close relations, and some of the charitable activities performed by Essex Waterways Ltd will transfer to the new charity. Freehold ownership of the Navigation remains with the Company of Proprietors of the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation, established in 1793 by Act of Parliament, which has contracted Essex Waterways to manage the Navigation for as long as Essex Waterways Ltd wishes to do so.
Mike Wills, IWA national chair, said: “After a joint review by both IWA’s trustees and the directors of Essex Waterways Ltd a new chapter has started, and all the final details have now been satisfactorily settled. IWA’s commitment to the Navigation is undiminished, and we are pleased that it will stay connected as part of a wider IWA family.”
Roy Chandler, chair of Essex Waterways Ltd, said: “Taking on management of the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation was a courageous decision by IWA’s trustees in 2005, and we are grateful for the confidence and support for our endeavours over the past 20 years. We believe that we have demonstrated how an inland navigation can be managed to a high standard on a modest budget, in sympathy with the local environment and support and goodwill of appreciative users We have faced many challenges over the years, and no doubt there will be many more to overcome in future years. “We appreciate the recent encouragement of Chelmsford City Council to extend Navigation into Chelmsford City Centre outlined in its recently published draft Local Plan, and we look forward to operating the recently restored historic lighter ‘Susan’ on the Navigation. At the heart of this are our enthusiastic staff and dedicated volunteers, without whom none of this would have been possible.”
[The photo shows ]
