Because I have turned off the engine. We have arrived back at base on the Caldon and can try to relax a bit. The diesel problem has taken the edge off the return from the Thames as we just wanted to get back. Myra, so that she could get home and begin to make mince pies, puddings and cake for Christmas; myself, so that I could arrange a number of 20 litre drums to contain the diesel that I will drain from the boat tank in order to clean it. Can life get any better?
Well, another boating year has passed; highlights were the week that we spent moored in the boat museum at Ellesmere Port and of course the eight days in Albert Dock, Liverpool.
Pride of place is given to the crossing of the Mersey to Eastham and along the Manchester Ship Canal to the River Weaver; the weather could not have been better.
Thank you again, Ian Fletcher and Mike Carter for all your hard work and our safe crossing.
We enjoyed our eight weeks on the Thames, our alternative to the severely restricted and eventually closed Leeds and Liverpool canal owing to water shortages.
Myra and I have our land legs back and fully functioning, walking around our block we still stop and admire the beautiful countryside which is the Derbyshire Dales.
We may have a few days on the boat with engine trials, but no serious journeys until next year.
Thanks for taking the trouble to follow the blog and for your kind comments.
I hope to bore you to a standstill again next year.
Happy Christmas!
Friday 8 October 2010
Wednesday 29 September 2010
UNCLEAN, UNCLEAN............
I refer to the diesel in Martlet's tank; not to Myra and myself. I have been emptying the water trap every couple of hours to enable forward motion to continue; the novelty has worn off. We are currently at Barlaston and given a bit of luck, we should be on the Caldon and nearly back at Endon tomorrow.
I have included some photographs taken en route, I am not writing much at present as it is quite tiring waiting for the next series of splutters from the exhaust signalling my next visit into the engine 'ole.
You will be the first to know of our return.
I have included some photographs taken en route, I am not writing much at present as it is quite tiring waiting for the next series of splutters from the exhaust signalling my next visit into the engine 'ole.
You will be the first to know of our return.
Sunday 26 September 2010
BACK ON THE SHALLOW CANALS
The first lift bridge that we encountered after leaving the Thames was fitted with one of the new lockng devices which require a BW water-mate key to release. This done, the bridge is lifted up and pulled down again FROM THE TOWPATH SIDE! What an improvement for single handed boaters; it must have been a mistake by someone in an office somewhere.
We found a space at Thrupp, and had an enjoyable afternoon, evening and next morning in the company of cousin Jane and husband Justin. A lot of chatting took place and we will do it again sometime. We moved off after lunch and were surprised at how few boats were on the move.
One boat we did recognise: Mick was on his own and as we drew near her told us that Kate had died one month after he had retired in 2008, so sad. We will remember her as another one who was always smiling.
We stopped for the night above Dashwood lock and were treated to an amazing cloud display over the next hour, the heavy rain kept just missing us, but it was definitely all around.
Early start next day saw us through Banbury after a few coughs from the engine, whcih I suspect is caused by dirt or water in the diesel. It allows about three hours before it plays around again. We are carrying on and will clean it all out when we return to the Caldon canal.
The next morning was cloudless and clear, great boating weather and having done 18 locks and 21 miles we tied up at Flecknoe after appreciating the lovely surrounding countryside and a lovely sunset set off the day.
Sunday saw us stopping to chat to Karen on her boat at Barby straight and then to Mick and Crystal at Clifton before eventually tying up for the night at Hungerfield next to Brian Holmes in Tuesday's child. A brief chat and then it was time for supper.
We found a space at Thrupp, and had an enjoyable afternoon, evening and next morning in the company of cousin Jane and husband Justin. A lot of chatting took place and we will do it again sometime. We moved off after lunch and were surprised at how few boats were on the move.
One boat we did recognise: Mick was on his own and as we drew near her told us that Kate had died one month after he had retired in 2008, so sad. We will remember her as another one who was always smiling.
We stopped for the night above Dashwood lock and were treated to an amazing cloud display over the next hour, the heavy rain kept just missing us, but it was definitely all around.
Early start next day saw us through Banbury after a few coughs from the engine, whcih I suspect is caused by dirt or water in the diesel. It allows about three hours before it plays around again. We are carrying on and will clean it all out when we return to the Caldon canal.
The next morning was cloudless and clear, great boating weather and having done 18 locks and 21 miles we tied up at Flecknoe after appreciating the lovely surrounding countryside and a lovely sunset set off the day.
Sunday saw us stopping to chat to Karen on her boat at Barby straight and then to Mick and Crystal at Clifton before eventually tying up for the night at Hungerfield next to Brian Holmes in Tuesday's child. A brief chat and then it was time for supper.
Tuesday 21 September 2010
GOODBYE THAMES
Our last full day on the river dawned misty and a bit on the chilly side. We bade our farewells to Tim and Daphne Brown at Pinkhill lock, Myra came away with some large cooking apples; they (apparently) are just asking to be baked as we have visitors in the shape of cousin Jane and cousin in law Justin staying overnight with us on Wednesday.
Then it was down to Eynsham where we then moored below the lock and caught the bus into Oxford to stock up the larder for our homeward journey. On our return, we said farewell to lock keeper John and then moved away closer to Dukes cut; we will be moving off early in the morning hopeful of finding a space at Thrupp where we will meet our visitors.
Then it was down to Eynsham where we then moored below the lock and caught the bus into Oxford to stock up the larder for our homeward journey. On our return, we said farewell to lock keeper John and then moved away closer to Dukes cut; we will be moving off early in the morning hopeful of finding a space at Thrupp where we will meet our visitors.
Sunday 19 September 2010
THE SIT DOWN COMEDIAN...........
Bus passes in hand, we boarded the bus at Lechlade. 'Where to' asked the driver in a lovely rounded Gloucestershire accent.
Cirencester I replied.
'What do you want to go there for?'
To have a look around
What bus are you getting back?
The 13.25
'Better walk slow then'
This exchange set the pattern for an interesting journey, every passenger was greeted in a friendly manner, and the driver waited until everyone was sitting down before he moved off. At Fairford, where a good number got on, as he was about to move away he looked around the pillar at all of us and said ' I must have done something terrible bad in a previous life to be lumbered with you lot' It was an enjoyable journey; as was the return with the same driver.
In Cirencester it was market day; about a dozen stalls confirmed our thoughts that most street markets have shrunk considerably over the last few years. The buildings around the market are an interesting mix and the magnificent parish church of St John the Baptist dominates.
Present day Cirecester was once the Roman town of Corinium. The first church is believed to have been established here in about 300 AD. In 577, the church and the town were destroyed by Saxons; who built another on the site in 700 AD.
This was subsequently demolished and a Norman church was built in 1117 AD, only the chancel remains today. The nave was rebuilt between 1515 and 1530 in the late perpendicular gothic style and the height of 57 feet creates a very large church.
For us, one of the more impressive parts of the interior is the pulpit; stone carved beautifully in the wineglass style and dating from 1440 AD.
Another treasure is the Boleyn Cup, made of silver gilt for Anne Boleyn in 1535, the year before her execution. The church is massive and claims to be the largest parish church in England. A full restoration was undertaken in 1865-7 by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott.
We then had a look around the Corinium Museum which displays the history of the Roman town. It has a large collection of interesting artefacts and has well set out displays and information, from pre history up to the 19th century including an Anglo Saxon burial site discovered in Lechlade which contained 219 bodies.
A short wander around the town centre, picnic in the churchyard and it was time for the return journey. The driver certainly earned his money as the bus wound its way around ever smaller lanes and villages partially obstructed by badly parked cars.
Back aboard Martlet and moving down river, we said our goodbyes to John at Buscot lock and on to Grafton where the farewell took longer. Keith Webb will have retired by the time that we return to the Thames; he is a lovely man and we will miss his smile as well as his quiet and kind personality.
We wish him a healthy and happy retirement in his bungalow on the coast.
We moored above Rushey lock; only one other boat moored between here and Radcot, it is very quiet and we are not complaining.
Cirencester I replied.
'What do you want to go there for?'
To have a look around
What bus are you getting back?
The 13.25
'Better walk slow then'
This exchange set the pattern for an interesting journey, every passenger was greeted in a friendly manner, and the driver waited until everyone was sitting down before he moved off. At Fairford, where a good number got on, as he was about to move away he looked around the pillar at all of us and said ' I must have done something terrible bad in a previous life to be lumbered with you lot' It was an enjoyable journey; as was the return with the same driver.
In Cirencester it was market day; about a dozen stalls confirmed our thoughts that most street markets have shrunk considerably over the last few years. The buildings around the market are an interesting mix and the magnificent parish church of St John the Baptist dominates.
Present day Cirecester was once the Roman town of Corinium. The first church is believed to have been established here in about 300 AD. In 577, the church and the town were destroyed by Saxons; who built another on the site in 700 AD.
This was subsequently demolished and a Norman church was built in 1117 AD, only the chancel remains today. The nave was rebuilt between 1515 and 1530 in the late perpendicular gothic style and the height of 57 feet creates a very large church.
For us, one of the more impressive parts of the interior is the pulpit; stone carved beautifully in the wineglass style and dating from 1440 AD.
Another treasure is the Boleyn Cup, made of silver gilt for Anne Boleyn in 1535, the year before her execution. The church is massive and claims to be the largest parish church in England. A full restoration was undertaken in 1865-7 by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott.
We then had a look around the Corinium Museum which displays the history of the Roman town. It has a large collection of interesting artefacts and has well set out displays and information, from pre history up to the 19th century including an Anglo Saxon burial site discovered in Lechlade which contained 219 bodies.
A short wander around the town centre, picnic in the churchyard and it was time for the return journey. The driver certainly earned his money as the bus wound its way around ever smaller lanes and villages partially obstructed by badly parked cars.
Back aboard Martlet and moving down river, we said our goodbyes to John at Buscot lock and on to Grafton where the farewell took longer. Keith Webb will have retired by the time that we return to the Thames; he is a lovely man and we will miss his smile as well as his quiet and kind personality.
We wish him a healthy and happy retirement in his bungalow on the coast.
We moored above Rushey lock; only one other boat moored between here and Radcot, it is very quiet and we are not complaining.
Friday 17 September 2010
TALK TALK.......
THURSDAY
Into Lechlade for the Tesco free bus. Bert (95 and a half) was in his usual place at the back so I joined him and we chatted nearly all the way there and back whilst Myra chatted to Audrey and Gloria. It is a friendly crowd that use the bus which is why we enjoy going even when we don't need much.
Returning to Buscot, we walked into the village, called in at the tea room where we sat in the garden with our cream tea. Very civilised and pleasant. We assisted the owner to put her broken washing machine into her car; the postman had disconnected it for her when he called to empty the box outside. You cannot beat the village life!
We stopped and chatted to John at the lock; the second owner of his old boat 'Popacatapetl' had brought it up to the lock a short while ago and John had driven it in. He said that it did feel strange, but it was not in as good a condition as when he had sold it - such is life. Before we knew it, it was time for supper. This boating malarkey does give one an appetite!
Into Lechlade for the Tesco free bus. Bert (95 and a half) was in his usual place at the back so I joined him and we chatted nearly all the way there and back whilst Myra chatted to Audrey and Gloria. It is a friendly crowd that use the bus which is why we enjoy going even when we don't need much.
Returning to Buscot, we walked into the village, called in at the tea room where we sat in the garden with our cream tea. Very civilised and pleasant. We assisted the owner to put her broken washing machine into her car; the postman had disconnected it for her when he called to empty the box outside. You cannot beat the village life!
We stopped and chatted to John at the lock; the second owner of his old boat 'Popacatapetl' had brought it up to the lock a short while ago and John had driven it in. He said that it did feel strange, but it was not in as good a condition as when he had sold it - such is life. Before we knew it, it was time for supper. This boating malarkey does give one an appetite!
PHUT PHUT SPLUTTER SPLUTTER
WEDNESDAY
At 8am we were heading for Northmoor lock as we wanted to reach Buscot by early afternoon. The wind had been very strong yesterday and more of the same was promised for today, another reason for moving off early.
Rounding the bend approaching the lower lock landing I heard phut phut, splutter splutter from the exhaust and then silence. Martlet had a bit of way on, although my hopes of reaching the landing were dashed by the wind as we were blown into the bank some five or six boat lengths short. Oh well, up to the front and grab the long shaft, initially pushing off the bank and then off the other side successfully reaching for the river bed. Soon I was mooring up front and middle to the landing. Off with the engine covers and reach for the replacement fuel filter. Old filter removed, new one duly filled and fitted. Wait a few minutes with the fuel turned back on and Hey presto - noise once more and we were back in business. Total time from first silence was 20 minutes, all that remained was dealing with the wind; not difficult but tiring.
We had our mid day food on the move, and very nice it was too as the crumbs no sooner landed on the deck than they were whipped away by the obliging wind!
I was glad to arrive at Buscot where we tied up and I sat down to verify that both of my arms were the same length: they were, both had been stretched!
At 8am we were heading for Northmoor lock as we wanted to reach Buscot by early afternoon. The wind had been very strong yesterday and more of the same was promised for today, another reason for moving off early.
Rounding the bend approaching the lower lock landing I heard phut phut, splutter splutter from the exhaust and then silence. Martlet had a bit of way on, although my hopes of reaching the landing were dashed by the wind as we were blown into the bank some five or six boat lengths short. Oh well, up to the front and grab the long shaft, initially pushing off the bank and then off the other side successfully reaching for the river bed. Soon I was mooring up front and middle to the landing. Off with the engine covers and reach for the replacement fuel filter. Old filter removed, new one duly filled and fitted. Wait a few minutes with the fuel turned back on and Hey presto - noise once more and we were back in business. Total time from first silence was 20 minutes, all that remained was dealing with the wind; not difficult but tiring.
We had our mid day food on the move, and very nice it was too as the crumbs no sooner landed on the deck than they were whipped away by the obliging wind!
I was glad to arrive at Buscot where we tied up and I sat down to verify that both of my arms were the same length: they were, both had been stretched!
Monday 13 September 2010
OXFORD OPEN DAYS - SUNDAY
Here we are again; it is a nice day and as the earliest opening building today is 11am, we have a later start. First stop the delicatessen for a pair of filled rolls, then the building spotting begins.
The Bodleian Library is a collection of lovely buildings, the Divinity school dates from 1427, the present library configuration dates from 1612 with additions in the late 17th century. By the late 18th century, the shortage of space caused the library to take over the adjacent Radcliffe Camera. This iconic building was designed by James Gibbs and the foundation stone was laid on 17th May 1737 and the building was eventually completed in 1748.
A college was founded by William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester in 1379 and was thus called New College. The grounds (which house the largest herbaceous border in the United Kingdom) and buildings have taken pride of place in our Oxford excursions.
The chapel is breathtaking, the 62 misericords date from the 14th century, the high hammer beam roof, glass by Sir Joshua Reynolds and a portrait by El Greco and the east wall filled with niche statues. The dining hall is wonderful with a square clerestory centrally positioned for additional light.
St Edmund Hall is a smaller but beautifully formed for all that. The buildings have a welcoming feel, perhaps the size is a factor. Again, the grounds beautifully laid out
and maintained. We had a picnic soaking up the sunshine in the grounds of the Chapel, very tranquil and almost no road noise.
Years ago I had occasion to visit a Synagogue in Holland Road, Hove and was taken aback by the beauty and amount of gold and gold leaf in the interior furnishings. Seeing that the Oxford Jewish Congregation had opened their doors to visitors on the Sunday I had suggested that a visit could be quite spectacular. I was wrong as the Oxford Synagogue is housed in a new building, refurbished in 2004.
However, it was the first occasion that Myra has had to submit her handbag for a search by plain clothed security staff before we were allowed to enter the building!
We had not visited as many buildings as we did yesterday, but we had covered quite a distance and decided to wander back and get our feet up. Almost back at Martlet which was moored at Christ Church Meadow, we saw Nb Nye Bevan with Jamie and Kat. They live aboard in the Oxford area and we have met them a few times. We chatted until my legs began to threaten a strike, then we did get back and put our feet up.
The Bodleian Library is a collection of lovely buildings, the Divinity school dates from 1427, the present library configuration dates from 1612 with additions in the late 17th century. By the late 18th century, the shortage of space caused the library to take over the adjacent Radcliffe Camera. This iconic building was designed by James Gibbs and the foundation stone was laid on 17th May 1737 and the building was eventually completed in 1748.
A college was founded by William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester in 1379 and was thus called New College. The grounds (which house the largest herbaceous border in the United Kingdom) and buildings have taken pride of place in our Oxford excursions.
The chapel is breathtaking, the 62 misericords date from the 14th century, the high hammer beam roof, glass by Sir Joshua Reynolds and a portrait by El Greco and the east wall filled with niche statues. The dining hall is wonderful with a square clerestory centrally positioned for additional light.
St Edmund Hall is a smaller but beautifully formed for all that. The buildings have a welcoming feel, perhaps the size is a factor. Again, the grounds beautifully laid out
and maintained. We had a picnic soaking up the sunshine in the grounds of the Chapel, very tranquil and almost no road noise.
Years ago I had occasion to visit a Synagogue in Holland Road, Hove and was taken aback by the beauty and amount of gold and gold leaf in the interior furnishings. Seeing that the Oxford Jewish Congregation had opened their doors to visitors on the Sunday I had suggested that a visit could be quite spectacular. I was wrong as the Oxford Synagogue is housed in a new building, refurbished in 2004.
However, it was the first occasion that Myra has had to submit her handbag for a search by plain clothed security staff before we were allowed to enter the building!
We had not visited as many buildings as we did yesterday, but we had covered quite a distance and decided to wander back and get our feet up. Almost back at Martlet which was moored at Christ Church Meadow, we saw Nb Nye Bevan with Jamie and Kat. They live aboard in the Oxford area and we have met them a few times. We chatted until my legs began to threaten a strike, then we did get back and put our feet up.
Sunday 12 September 2010
OXFORD OPEN DAYS - SATURDAY
We are both a bit foot weary at present. As part of the national Heritage weekend; various places in Oxford opened their doors to admit the public free of charge.
We had decided to look at a few of them.
First was the church of St Mary Magdalen; the north aisle and chancel were rebuilt on the Saxon foundations by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott in 1841-2. A lovely building and even with busy roads on both sides, a very peaceful place.
Then to Rhodes House, the headquarters of the Rhodes Trust, which administers the scholarships which were set up under the will of Cecil Rhodes, settled in 1907 and which was valued at £3,345,000. The current value is in excess of £130,000,000.
Rhodes House was finished in 1928 as his memorial, the site having been purchased from Wadham College.
Next was St John's college, which had beautiful grounds and quadrangles, we had expected the Chapel to be larger, however it was sufficiently pleasant.
It was founded in 1555 by Sir Thomas White, a merchant; it is reputed currently to be the wealthiest college in Oxford. The original building was formerly the monastery of St Bernard which had been subjected to the Dissolution: later additions were made in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.
Our next visit was to St Barnabas Church, Jericho in the village like part of Oxford.
It was built to the Italianate basilica form in 1868-9 funded by Thomas Coombe, printer to the University with the strong support of his wife Martha. They were supporters of the Oxford movement or Tractarianism which opposed the liberalism and laxity in the early 19th century Church of England. Thomas's instructions to the Architect, Arthur Bloomfield, was that he should 'design a church to hold a thousand persons for a small sum as possible'. Most of the University press employees lived in the surrounding area.
Oxford Oratory, or the church of St Aloysius Gonzaga was built in 1875 to a design by Joseph Hansom in the Gothic revival style for the Jesuit parish of central Oxford.
They left the building in 1980 and the Archdiocese of Birmingham took over. In 1990, the members of the Oxford Oratory replaced them and now, it is an independent congregation.
Blackfriars Hall was established in 1921 by the English order of Dominican friars after an absence from Oxford of 400 years, having been suppressed by the reformation. The site became a permanent private hall in 1994.
Our final visit was to the Town Hall for a guided tour of the Gothic revival building which, in 1893 replaced two earlier ones; the 1292 Guildhall and the 1752 Town Hall. The courtroom is in regular used as a setting for film and television programs thus providing an income for the city council; as do weddings and this afternoon, the Mad Hatter's Tea Party. The council would have additional income from this as the scrumptious cakes advertised on the flyer were priced at £2.00 per slice; a bit heavy for parents with more than one child.
Back to Martlet and gallons of tea, feet up and relax: for tomorrow, we will do it all again!
We had decided to look at a few of them.
First was the church of St Mary Magdalen; the north aisle and chancel were rebuilt on the Saxon foundations by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott in 1841-2. A lovely building and even with busy roads on both sides, a very peaceful place.
Then to Rhodes House, the headquarters of the Rhodes Trust, which administers the scholarships which were set up under the will of Cecil Rhodes, settled in 1907 and which was valued at £3,345,000. The current value is in excess of £130,000,000.
Rhodes House was finished in 1928 as his memorial, the site having been purchased from Wadham College.
Next was St John's college, which had beautiful grounds and quadrangles, we had expected the Chapel to be larger, however it was sufficiently pleasant.
It was founded in 1555 by Sir Thomas White, a merchant; it is reputed currently to be the wealthiest college in Oxford. The original building was formerly the monastery of St Bernard which had been subjected to the Dissolution: later additions were made in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.
Our next visit was to St Barnabas Church, Jericho in the village like part of Oxford.
It was built to the Italianate basilica form in 1868-9 funded by Thomas Coombe, printer to the University with the strong support of his wife Martha. They were supporters of the Oxford movement or Tractarianism which opposed the liberalism and laxity in the early 19th century Church of England. Thomas's instructions to the Architect, Arthur Bloomfield, was that he should 'design a church to hold a thousand persons for a small sum as possible'. Most of the University press employees lived in the surrounding area.
Oxford Oratory, or the church of St Aloysius Gonzaga was built in 1875 to a design by Joseph Hansom in the Gothic revival style for the Jesuit parish of central Oxford.
They left the building in 1980 and the Archdiocese of Birmingham took over. In 1990, the members of the Oxford Oratory replaced them and now, it is an independent congregation.
Blackfriars Hall was established in 1921 by the English order of Dominican friars after an absence from Oxford of 400 years, having been suppressed by the reformation. The site became a permanent private hall in 1994.
Our final visit was to the Town Hall for a guided tour of the Gothic revival building which, in 1893 replaced two earlier ones; the 1292 Guildhall and the 1752 Town Hall. The courtroom is in regular used as a setting for film and television programs thus providing an income for the city council; as do weddings and this afternoon, the Mad Hatter's Tea Party. The council would have additional income from this as the scrumptious cakes advertised on the flyer were priced at £2.00 per slice; a bit heavy for parents with more than one child.
Back to Martlet and gallons of tea, feet up and relax: for tomorrow, we will do it all again!
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