SUNDAY. Lock 5 Rufford Branch
The 2008 trip thus far: 354 Locks; 701.5 Miles; 69 Swing\Lift Bridges. Bus pass journeys 35
Back to almost normal boating; we stopped at the new service block by Sparks Bridge.
I emptied the PortaPotti whilst Myra kept an eye on the water tank filling. I collect two bags of rubbish from a passing boat with a travelling post office style handover; they did not need to stop, it was an impressive manoeuvre carried out with much hilarity on both sides!
Myra went up to the lock at Rufford to help a solo lady boater. I went into St James Marina to top up the diesel tank; came alongside, moored up and walked to the reception office. There was a sign on the wall informing all and sundry that the marina was closed on Sundays. Is it beyond the wit of man(agement) to put the same information on a board at the marina entrance?
I moved off and penned up Rufford lock. We moored above and had an early lunch; after which we walked back to Rufford Old Hall. This is a building of half timbered construction dating from 1420. The East wing of the original building, albeit extensively rebuilt, is all that remains today.
It is impressive, with fine furniture and the great hall; 44 feet by 22 feet with a hammer beam roof. One end has a moveable wooden screen, beautifully carved from bog oak. Each side has inset panels with one different design panel on each side; supposedly owing to the fact that only God is capable of creating perfection.
Returning to Martlet, we then moved off. Myra went to a farm shop to restock with fresh vegetables before continuing on our way. There was a lot of aerial activity owing to the International air show at Southport, a few miles away. I managed to take a few photographs, as two Hawks flew directly overhead in company with two Tornados. I managed to take some photographs of the only airworthy Vulcan in the world as it flew away from the show; it was a type B2, service registration XH558.
Deliveries of Production Vulcan B1’s began in 1956; I can remember reading an article about this in the Meccano Magazine. The last time that I had seen a Vulcan was at Shoreham Airport open day, probably in 1958 or 9; it was only on static display. As everyone knows, Shoreham Airport is the oldest licensed airport still in use. It was first used in 1910 and has a grade 2 listed art deco terminal building.
Weather – Dry and overcast with a few sunny intervals.
