Friday, 21 August 2009
LOCKING AGAIN
Swindon (the other one), Friday 21st August
Wednesday.
We made an early start from the Severn at Stourport, the staircase being the first narrow locks since July 12th when we arrived in Stratford. We enjoy working locks and are pleased to be back amongst them.
The sun was making an appearance as we left the basins and producing a pleasant glowing light effect on the buildings.
A single handed boater was moving away from the moorings above the basin, Myra did not mind helping him at the locks as he was doing his fair share and of course unlocking the anti vandal gear for us.
Approaching the Bird in Hand pub, there is a row of canal cottages. One of them is occupied by one of the all too familiar ‘every one else is out of step’ idiots. He has a sign on the wall ‘Please do not moor outside overnight’ Well, if you buy a cottage on the canal bank the last thing that you want to spoil your view is boats isn’t it?
We spoke to a boater who moored outside his place. The boat was not even tied up when the man appeared and told him to turn his engine off. When the boater went into the pub, he was told ‘He does that to everyone, we don’t understand why he bought it’
Approaching Kidderminster, there is a large housing development at a standstill and all boarded up; closer to the centre, the canal side looks to have been cleaned up and quite inviting. The only pointer as to the suitability of overnight mooring is that all of the moored boats have heavy duty plastic covers over the windows, and one of these has a large hole and crack in it.
We found a quiet spot north of Wolveley and had stopped for the day at 10am.
2009 Totals: 435 Locks – 830.5 miles – 29 Bus pass uses.
Wednesday.
We made an early start from the Severn at Stourport, the staircase being the first narrow locks since July 12th when we arrived in Stratford. We enjoy working locks and are pleased to be back amongst them.
The sun was making an appearance as we left the basins and producing a pleasant glowing light effect on the buildings.
A single handed boater was moving away from the moorings above the basin, Myra did not mind helping him at the locks as he was doing his fair share and of course unlocking the anti vandal gear for us.
Approaching the Bird in Hand pub, there is a row of canal cottages. One of them is occupied by one of the all too familiar ‘every one else is out of step’ idiots. He has a sign on the wall ‘Please do not moor outside overnight’ Well, if you buy a cottage on the canal bank the last thing that you want to spoil your view is boats isn’t it?
We spoke to a boater who moored outside his place. The boat was not even tied up when the man appeared and told him to turn his engine off. When the boater went into the pub, he was told ‘He does that to everyone, we don’t understand why he bought it’
Approaching Kidderminster, there is a large housing development at a standstill and all boarded up; closer to the centre, the canal side looks to have been cleaned up and quite inviting. The only pointer as to the suitability of overnight mooring is that all of the moored boats have heavy duty plastic covers over the windows, and one of these has a large hole and crack in it.
We found a quiet spot north of Wolveley and had stopped for the day at 10am.
2009 Totals: 435 Locks – 830.5 miles – 29 Bus pass uses.
Wednesday, 19 August 2009
ARCHIDIDASCALOS
Worcester, Tuesday 18th August
I had mentioned Henry Powe in connection with Worcester Cathedral. This morning, accompanied by Rosemary, his wife, they joined us aboard for tea and conversation.
We then moved off and took them on a boat trip; it was a lovely morning and also very enjoyable, both of them taking turns to point out various items of interest at Worcester. Just North of the Cathdral is a building that had half of one window blocked off by a wall when additions were made. Henry explained that every Monarch since the time of King John had visited the building. We said goodbye to them at some convenient riverside steps and the two of them stood waving until we were lost to view, some 5 minutes in all. A lovely and very interesting couple.
The title is a word that Henry had seen written on a stall behind the choir in the Cathedral and has been intending for months to find out the what it means.
I was able to give him the answer; a school principal, by using the internet.
As we continued up river to Stourport, we passed a terrace with lovely river access; I wonder how many have trouble renewing their insurance and what the premiums are?
The banks were lower and some good views can be enjoyed. Leaving Bevere lock, we soon passed the entrance lock to the Droitwich canal where construction work was in progress.
We saw a houseboat named VIC 99. This was constructed to the general Clyde Puffer design 'improved' by the Admiralty at John Harker's Knottingley yard in July 1945. The acronym VIC stands for Victualling Inshore Craft; one of the design limitations of the original was that it had to be able to navigate the Forth and Clyde canal. The main advantage was that being flat bottomed, it could be run aground on a high tide, unloaded and refloated on the next; without the need for a convential harbour or slipway. If you would ask Dougie, he would tell you. (Sorry, that last sentence came to mind as I enjoyed reading Para Handy!)
A boat was leaving when we arrived at Stourport, creating a space on the visitor mooring pontoon that we gratefully occupied.
We had a wander around Stourport, which didn’t take long. The former Tontine Hotel is in the process of conversion to housing of the 1,2,3 and 4 bedroom varieties.
We then passed the time chatting to other boaters on the moorings; a quiet evening for our last one on the Severn.
2009 Totals: 425 Locks – 823 miles – 29 Bus pass uses.
I had mentioned Henry Powe in connection with Worcester Cathedral. This morning, accompanied by Rosemary, his wife, they joined us aboard for tea and conversation.
We then moved off and took them on a boat trip; it was a lovely morning and also very enjoyable, both of them taking turns to point out various items of interest at Worcester. Just North of the Cathdral is a building that had half of one window blocked off by a wall when additions were made. Henry explained that every Monarch since the time of King John had visited the building. We said goodbye to them at some convenient riverside steps and the two of them stood waving until we were lost to view, some 5 minutes in all. A lovely and very interesting couple.
The title is a word that Henry had seen written on a stall behind the choir in the Cathedral and has been intending for months to find out the what it means.
I was able to give him the answer; a school principal, by using the internet.
As we continued up river to Stourport, we passed a terrace with lovely river access; I wonder how many have trouble renewing their insurance and what the premiums are?
The banks were lower and some good views can be enjoyed. Leaving Bevere lock, we soon passed the entrance lock to the Droitwich canal where construction work was in progress.
We saw a houseboat named VIC 99. This was constructed to the general Clyde Puffer design 'improved' by the Admiralty at John Harker's Knottingley yard in July 1945. The acronym VIC stands for Victualling Inshore Craft; one of the design limitations of the original was that it had to be able to navigate the Forth and Clyde canal. The main advantage was that being flat bottomed, it could be run aground on a high tide, unloaded and refloated on the next; without the need for a convential harbour or slipway. If you would ask Dougie, he would tell you. (Sorry, that last sentence came to mind as I enjoyed reading Para Handy!)
A boat was leaving when we arrived at Stourport, creating a space on the visitor mooring pontoon that we gratefully occupied.
We had a wander around Stourport, which didn’t take long. The former Tontine Hotel is in the process of conversion to housing of the 1,2,3 and 4 bedroom varieties.
We then passed the time chatting to other boaters on the moorings; a quiet evening for our last one on the Severn.
2009 Totals: 425 Locks – 823 miles – 29 Bus pass uses.
Tuesday, 18 August 2009
Monday, 17 August 2009
WORCESTER AND DIESEL TO OUR DOOR!
Worcester, Monday 17th August
We spent last evening at Upton with 8 other boats, not bad on a pontoon of two and a half narrowboats in length! Les and Janet from Nb. George joined us for an evening of chatter about boating and things in general. The time passed quickly as it seems always to do in good company. They had bought their boat through ABNB a year ago and are very pleased with it.
We had a shorter day today, travelling only 10 miles to Worcester. The moorings next to the racecourse are charged at £3.20 per 24 hours; as we wanted to have another look at the Cathedral we looked big and paid our money to the council man and were given a receipt.
Our last visit was made really enjoyable by the knowledge and passion of Henry Powe, one of the guides for this magnificent building. We met him again today; our conversations more than made up for antics of the chapter house. They charge an extortionate £1.20 for a cardboard container of hot water in which was floating a tea bag. No cup, no saucer, no teapot - no imagination. The dean and chapter should be ashamed of themselves allowing this state of affairs; bring back some dignity to this Cathedral as soon as is possible!
After supper we saw Julia Cook and her crew on Nb Towcester headed downstream; a yell across the water brought them around and alongside; we bought diesel and a replacement gas bottle. We prefer to buy from boats whenever possible – keep waterbourne trade afloat!
2009 Totals: 422 Locks – 811 miles – 29 Bus pass uses.
We spent last evening at Upton with 8 other boats, not bad on a pontoon of two and a half narrowboats in length! Les and Janet from Nb. George joined us for an evening of chatter about boating and things in general. The time passed quickly as it seems always to do in good company. They had bought their boat through ABNB a year ago and are very pleased with it.
We had a shorter day today, travelling only 10 miles to Worcester. The moorings next to the racecourse are charged at £3.20 per 24 hours; as we wanted to have another look at the Cathedral we looked big and paid our money to the council man and were given a receipt.
Our last visit was made really enjoyable by the knowledge and passion of Henry Powe, one of the guides for this magnificent building. We met him again today; our conversations more than made up for antics of the chapter house. They charge an extortionate £1.20 for a cardboard container of hot water in which was floating a tea bag. No cup, no saucer, no teapot - no imagination. The dean and chapter should be ashamed of themselves allowing this state of affairs; bring back some dignity to this Cathedral as soon as is possible!
After supper we saw Julia Cook and her crew on Nb Towcester headed downstream; a yell across the water brought them around and alongside; we bought diesel and a replacement gas bottle. We prefer to buy from boats whenever possible – keep waterbourne trade afloat!
2009 Totals: 422 Locks – 811 miles – 29 Bus pass uses.
Sunday, 16 August 2009
GOING UPSTREAM
Upton in Severn, Sunday 16th August
Please do not adjust your set, the interference is purely temporary.
We have gone boating again!
We did 20 miles against the flow from Gloucester dock to Upton on Severn, all of the way at 1500 RPM. At these revs. in still water, Martlet is travelling close to 6 MPH; we were making good 4.5 miles in one hour across the ground today. Therefore, I conclude that the Severn was running at about 1.5 MPH. Certainly, the engine sounded sweeter after a hour or so having had to work for a living.
I think that the Severn is a bit uninteresting until Ashleworth Quay is reached; owing to the trees obscuring a lot of what views are available.
I called up the keeper at Upper Lode lock, and it was almost ready as we approached.
Holding onto the risers, and just before he opened the top gates, we was shouting to a boat above the lock ‘There is a boat coming out, you’ll have to wait’
Well, there is a red traffic light and there were two boats waiting on the pontoon; but I suppose it was an easy mistake to make – especially if you are a person of restricted brain power… As we left the lock, the narrowboat, steered by a woman (fact: no slur or denigration intended, purely included for the sake of accuracy) was at right angles and there was no room for me to pass.
No movement was noticeable on her part nor that of her boat, so I stopped our boat and shouted ‘What are you trying to do? She gesticulated wildly and her boat began to move backwards. We were still unsure of what she meant; but I was able to grab a fistful of revs and pass in front close to the weir wall.
The first of some beautifully proportioned bridges came into view above the River Avon junction; this one is Mythe Bridge. It is a cast iron arch bridge; the span is 170 feet the width 24 feet, designed (of course) by Thomas Telford and completed in April 1826. It was cast by William Hazledine; the total cost including the approaches was £14,600. I am not alone in my thoughts of the bridge. Telford is reputed to have written 'I reckon this the most handsomest bridge which has been built under my direction' so there. I am no Thomas Telford, but I know what I like!
Arriving at Upton on Severn, the visitor moorings were full, but one boat was moving away from the inside position above the link span. We drifted back into the spot after he had left and managed to moor despite the fact that there is no cleat or bollard for the back end.
2009 Totals: 421 Locks – 801 miles – 29 Bus pass uses.
Please do not adjust your set, the interference is purely temporary.
We have gone boating again!
We did 20 miles against the flow from Gloucester dock to Upton on Severn, all of the way at 1500 RPM. At these revs. in still water, Martlet is travelling close to 6 MPH; we were making good 4.5 miles in one hour across the ground today. Therefore, I conclude that the Severn was running at about 1.5 MPH. Certainly, the engine sounded sweeter after a hour or so having had to work for a living.
I think that the Severn is a bit uninteresting until Ashleworth Quay is reached; owing to the trees obscuring a lot of what views are available.
I called up the keeper at Upper Lode lock, and it was almost ready as we approached.
Holding onto the risers, and just before he opened the top gates, we was shouting to a boat above the lock ‘There is a boat coming out, you’ll have to wait’
Well, there is a red traffic light and there were two boats waiting on the pontoon; but I suppose it was an easy mistake to make – especially if you are a person of restricted brain power… As we left the lock, the narrowboat, steered by a woman (fact: no slur or denigration intended, purely included for the sake of accuracy) was at right angles and there was no room for me to pass.
No movement was noticeable on her part nor that of her boat, so I stopped our boat and shouted ‘What are you trying to do? She gesticulated wildly and her boat began to move backwards. We were still unsure of what she meant; but I was able to grab a fistful of revs and pass in front close to the weir wall.
The first of some beautifully proportioned bridges came into view above the River Avon junction; this one is Mythe Bridge. It is a cast iron arch bridge; the span is 170 feet the width 24 feet, designed (of course) by Thomas Telford and completed in April 1826. It was cast by William Hazledine; the total cost including the approaches was £14,600. I am not alone in my thoughts of the bridge. Telford is reputed to have written 'I reckon this the most handsomest bridge which has been built under my direction' so there. I am no Thomas Telford, but I know what I like!
Arriving at Upton on Severn, the visitor moorings were full, but one boat was moving away from the inside position above the link span. We drifted back into the spot after he had left and managed to moor despite the fact that there is no cleat or bollard for the back end.
2009 Totals: 421 Locks – 801 miles – 29 Bus pass uses.
TEWKESBURY
Gloucester Docks, Saturday 15th August
Tewkesbury market day was in full swing as we arrived.
Myra stocked up with vegetables and I did the same for socks; we did a bit of building spotting before eating in a fish and chip shop than a boater had recommended.
We agreed with him, they were very good although a bit pricey. A walk alongside the River Avon took us via the old mill and a nice riverside terrace to the Abbey, the main reason for our visit.
A Saxon Abbey was founded around the year 715AD, declining fortunes saw the absorption by Cranbourne Abbey in Dorset: the present abbey was founded and completed in the last decade of the 11th century. The west front has a magnificent recessed Norman arch 65 feet in height, excellent glass of varying ages are some of the notable features of this wonderful building.
We returned to Gloucester via Cheltenham as the direct bus was not due for 40 minutes; it was a lovely ride through some new countryside.
2009 Totals: 420 Locks – 781 miles – 29 Bus pass uses.
Tewkesbury market day was in full swing as we arrived.
Myra stocked up with vegetables and I did the same for socks; we did a bit of building spotting before eating in a fish and chip shop than a boater had recommended.
We agreed with him, they were very good although a bit pricey. A walk alongside the River Avon took us via the old mill and a nice riverside terrace to the Abbey, the main reason for our visit.
A Saxon Abbey was founded around the year 715AD, declining fortunes saw the absorption by Cranbourne Abbey in Dorset: the present abbey was founded and completed in the last decade of the 11th century. The west front has a magnificent recessed Norman arch 65 feet in height, excellent glass of varying ages are some of the notable features of this wonderful building.
We returned to Gloucester via Cheltenham as the direct bus was not due for 40 minutes; it was a lovely ride through some new countryside.
2009 Totals: 420 Locks – 781 miles – 29 Bus pass uses.
Friday, 14 August 2009
LACK OF CONSIDERATION - TWICE!
Gloucester & Sharpness canal, Friday 14th August
We saw a farmer’s market had been set up in Cheltenham as we alighted from the bus today. A few vegetables and a pork pie went into the rucksack, after due payment.
The town reminded us of Leamington Spa, but on a larger scale. A lot of good buildings, together with reasonable planning constraints have produced a well balanced effect.
The Regent arcade shopping centre has both entrances well in keeping and not at all intrusive. There is a wonderful ‘Wishing Fish’ clock which reminded me of the style of Emmett; on the hour, bubbles are blown from the mouth of the fish and children have a whale (sorry!) of a time chasing them.
The well tended Imperial gardens are home to a full size bronze statue of Gustav Holst, who was born close by in 1874.
The church of St. Mary was well worth a visit as the glass was stunning. My favourites were the west window depicting the last supper and the Rose window. The 1915 wooden carved reredos by William Nash was beautiful.
Waterstones bookshop is arranged over three floors, yet managed to display only 14 books on railway subjects; absolutely shameful.
Myra will be borrowing my MP3 player for our bus journeys, everyone fitted with these non-personal players has the volume so loud that she is able to hear them; my tinnitus (and the turning off of both hearing aids) is a blessing on such occasions.
This evening, we were treated to an example of the lamentable lack of care taken by certain people in the matter of contraceptives. Had they behaved in a responsible manner; then three 13year old yobs would not have seen the light of day and grace this earth with their presence. They threw a large stone at the cabin window from about six feet away whilst Myra was reading on the bunk below: fortunately, they missed the window but managed to remove a good sized chunk of paint just above the frame.
2009 Totals: 420 Lock s – 781 miles – 26 Bus pass uses.
We saw a farmer’s market had been set up in Cheltenham as we alighted from the bus today. A few vegetables and a pork pie went into the rucksack, after due payment.
The town reminded us of Leamington Spa, but on a larger scale. A lot of good buildings, together with reasonable planning constraints have produced a well balanced effect.
The Regent arcade shopping centre has both entrances well in keeping and not at all intrusive. There is a wonderful ‘Wishing Fish’ clock which reminded me of the style of Emmett; on the hour, bubbles are blown from the mouth of the fish and children have a whale (sorry!) of a time chasing them.
The well tended Imperial gardens are home to a full size bronze statue of Gustav Holst, who was born close by in 1874.
The church of St. Mary was well worth a visit as the glass was stunning. My favourites were the west window depicting the last supper and the Rose window. The 1915 wooden carved reredos by William Nash was beautiful.
Waterstones bookshop is arranged over three floors, yet managed to display only 14 books on railway subjects; absolutely shameful.
Myra will be borrowing my MP3 player for our bus journeys, everyone fitted with these non-personal players has the volume so loud that she is able to hear them; my tinnitus (and the turning off of both hearing aids) is a blessing on such occasions.
This evening, we were treated to an example of the lamentable lack of care taken by certain people in the matter of contraceptives. Had they behaved in a responsible manner; then three 13year old yobs would not have seen the light of day and grace this earth with their presence. They threw a large stone at the cabin window from about six feet away whilst Myra was reading on the bunk below: fortunately, they missed the window but managed to remove a good sized chunk of paint just above the frame.
2009 Totals: 420 Lock s – 781 miles – 26 Bus pass uses.
LARDY CAKE AT LAST!
Gloucester & Sharpness canal, Thursday 13th August
On the bus again from Gloucester; our destination – Ross on Wye.
It was slightly more hilly countryside than the Cinderford journey, but beautiful with long views. The market town of Ross on Wye has a market hall dating from the 17th century; also good condition half timbered and other old buildings.
There are a good selection of local shops including an excellent bakery.
We bought a lardy cake; it was good and sticky and tasted wonderful.
A newsagent and stationers shop had a very interesting selection of stove enamelled signs on the front of the building. (I apologise for the mark on the camera lens
which has been cleaned)
We looked around the parish church of St. Mary which dates from 1430; very nice windows, most were damaged by fire in the 18th century and some were later restored.
Our return was by a different route, but the views were just as good.
2009 Totals: 420 Locks – 781 miles – 24 Bus pass uses.
On the bus again from Gloucester; our destination – Ross on Wye.
It was slightly more hilly countryside than the Cinderford journey, but beautiful with long views. The market town of Ross on Wye has a market hall dating from the 17th century; also good condition half timbered and other old buildings.
There are a good selection of local shops including an excellent bakery.
We bought a lardy cake; it was good and sticky and tasted wonderful.
A newsagent and stationers shop had a very interesting selection of stove enamelled signs on the front of the building. (I apologise for the mark on the camera lens
which has been cleaned)
We looked around the parish church of St. Mary which dates from 1430; very nice windows, most were damaged by fire in the 18th century and some were later restored.
Our return was by a different route, but the views were just as good.
2009 Totals: 420 Locks – 781 miles – 24 Bus pass uses.
Wednesday, 12 August 2009
HEALTH HAZARDS AND CINEMAS
Gloucester & Sharpness canal, Wednesday 12th August
Having managed a mega breakfast(me)and a standard one(Myra) in the Gloucester indoor market cafe, we staggered to the bus station, where we caught the Stagecoach service 31 to Cinderford. I am used to various notices, some informative, some in my opinion puerile, on their buses. However, until today I had remained blissfully unaware of the serious health hazards to which I could be exposing myself by using this company. I was about to occupy a seat when my attention was diverted by reading the question posed by a notice on the window: ‘Are you running the risk of infection from Hepatitus C?
I immediately chose another seat; whatever next, will the driver have a supply of surgical gloves, masks and wet wipes? I know that Ann Gloag, one of the founders of the company was a theatre sister in Dundee, but honestly!
The journey passes through beautiful countryside and we had occasional glimpses of the places that we had visited next to the Goucester and Sharpness canal.
Cinderford is a nice small town situated high in, and surrounded by, the Royal Forest of Dean. I was in the habit of calling in to a bakery when in the area on deliveries as they produced wonderful lardy cakes. A local informant told me that that bakery closed some 7 years ago, and in her opinion, the new bakers version is not as good.
Well, Cinderford may not have good lardy cakes, but they are more fortunate than a lot of small towns in that they have a thriving cinema, in the original building.
A reasonable selection of locally owned shops, but the inevitable few that seem to have been recently closed and boarded up.
2009 Totals: 420 Locks – 781 miles – 22 Bus pass uses.
Having managed a mega breakfast(me)and a standard one(Myra) in the Gloucester indoor market cafe, we staggered to the bus station, where we caught the Stagecoach service 31 to Cinderford. I am used to various notices, some informative, some in my opinion puerile, on their buses. However, until today I had remained blissfully unaware of the serious health hazards to which I could be exposing myself by using this company. I was about to occupy a seat when my attention was diverted by reading the question posed by a notice on the window: ‘Are you running the risk of infection from Hepatitus C?
I immediately chose another seat; whatever next, will the driver have a supply of surgical gloves, masks and wet wipes? I know that Ann Gloag, one of the founders of the company was a theatre sister in Dundee, but honestly!
The journey passes through beautiful countryside and we had occasional glimpses of the places that we had visited next to the Goucester and Sharpness canal.
Cinderford is a nice small town situated high in, and surrounded by, the Royal Forest of Dean. I was in the habit of calling in to a bakery when in the area on deliveries as they produced wonderful lardy cakes. A local informant told me that that bakery closed some 7 years ago, and in her opinion, the new bakers version is not as good.
Well, Cinderford may not have good lardy cakes, but they are more fortunate than a lot of small towns in that they have a thriving cinema, in the original building.
A reasonable selection of locally owned shops, but the inevitable few that seem to have been recently closed and boarded up.
2009 Totals: 420 Locks – 781 miles – 22 Bus pass uses.
Sunday, 9 August 2009
JUST THE TWO OF US AGAIN
Gloucester & Sharpness canal, Sunday 9th August
After son in law Tim had collected grandson Caleb; we had the luxury of browsing the Saturday paper as we recovered from the visit. It is lovely having grandchildren with us, as we collect the years; the constant stream of questions and desire for knowledge tire us more than when our children were that age. We would have it no other way. The last time that we looked at a Saturday paper was in June; the radio and television page is well and truly worn out. At last, it seems as though the weather has run out of rain; that could be the reason, it could be that we have stopped listening to the forecast on Radio 4. Whatever the reason, we have been sitting out of an evening and watching the light slowly fading over the Severn and the Forest of Dean; the views are almost as good as Derbyshire – almost!
2009 Totals: 420 Locks – 765 miles – 20 Bus pass uses.
Gloucester & Sharpness canal, Sunday 9th August
After son in law Tim had collected grandson Caleb; we had the luxury of browsing the Saturday paper as we recovered from the visit. It is lovely having grandchildren with us, as we collect the years; the constant stream of questions and desire for knowledge tire us more than when our children were that age. We would have it no other way. The last time that we looked at a Saturday paper was in June; the radio and television page is well and truly worn out. At last, it seems as though the weather has run out of rain; that could be the reason, it could be that we have stopped listening to the forecast on Radio 4. Whatever the reason, we have been sitting out of an evening and watching the light slowly fading over the Severn and the Forest of Dean; the views are almost as good as Derbyshire – almost!
2009 Totals: 420 Locks – 765 miles – 20 Bus pass uses.
Gloucester & Sharpness canal, Sunday 9th August
Thursday, 6 August 2009
PURTON, BOATS AND VINTAGE CARS
Gloucester & Sharpness canal, Thursday 6th August
Tuesday
An overload of precipitation caused us to remain dry and comfortable inside, we therefore have nothing of interest to report.
Wednesday.
We had a long chat with a narrowboat owner from Sharpness who was out for a walk; he told us that the Berkeley Arms pub was closed as the landlord is ill. We had intended to visit this original pub as so many people had told us about it. We stood at the gate across the car park and took in the wonderful view across the Severn which is almost a mile wide above Purton and close to Slimbridge.
We then had a enjoyable chat with the bridge keeper who lives in the village; we learnt a lot about the village. We then walked to the church of St. John the Evangelist. It is a very small church, but one that has a lovely warm feeling about it. I had a strong feeling of Déjà vu on entering: the size, construction and furnishings were almost identical to that of the chapel at my school. That brought on a lot of good memories.
Leaving the church, we crossed the road and helped to launch an old Enterprise dinghy that had been repaired for use as a general fun boat. One of the men used to own a Drascombe lugger; I saw Myra’s eyes roll upwards on hearing this news; she walked off to talk to someone else. I chatted about Drascombes; Myra had found a man that has a 1954 Ford Zephyr; in that small period of time we both were enjoying interesting conversations.
At 2.30pm daughter Clare arrived with her children Caleb and Madeleine. Caleb is staying with us until Saturday, this will keep us from nodding off for a few days.
We passed a 'Caraboat', these are quite rare as I believe that only some 25 were ever made.
2009 Totals: 420 Locks – 749 miles – 20 Bus pass uses.
Tuesday
An overload of precipitation caused us to remain dry and comfortable inside, we therefore have nothing of interest to report.
Wednesday.
We had a long chat with a narrowboat owner from Sharpness who was out for a walk; he told us that the Berkeley Arms pub was closed as the landlord is ill. We had intended to visit this original pub as so many people had told us about it. We stood at the gate across the car park and took in the wonderful view across the Severn which is almost a mile wide above Purton and close to Slimbridge.
We then had a enjoyable chat with the bridge keeper who lives in the village; we learnt a lot about the village. We then walked to the church of St. John the Evangelist. It is a very small church, but one that has a lovely warm feeling about it. I had a strong feeling of Déjà vu on entering: the size, construction and furnishings were almost identical to that of the chapel at my school. That brought on a lot of good memories.
Leaving the church, we crossed the road and helped to launch an old Enterprise dinghy that had been repaired for use as a general fun boat. One of the men used to own a Drascombe lugger; I saw Myra’s eyes roll upwards on hearing this news; she walked off to talk to someone else. I chatted about Drascombes; Myra had found a man that has a 1954 Ford Zephyr; in that small period of time we both were enjoying interesting conversations.
At 2.30pm daughter Clare arrived with her children Caleb and Madeleine. Caleb is staying with us until Saturday, this will keep us from nodding off for a few days.
We passed a 'Caraboat', these are quite rare as I believe that only some 25 were ever made.
2009 Totals: 420 Locks – 749 miles – 20 Bus pass uses.
Monday, 3 August 2009
SHARPNESS AND THE GENERATOR
Purton, Gloucester & Sharpness canal, Monday 3rd August
Sharpness was our destination today. Having passed through Splatt bridge, I was waiting for Myra who had taken our rubbish to the bin. I have always been anti SUSTRANS taking over the towpaths, I have enough trouble walking without having to dodge low flying cyclists. Today, I discovered a use for one of their signs and have taken a photo in order that it may be of use to somebody.
We moored just past Purton in the middle of nowhere and walked the rest. At Sharpness junction, there were six or seven boats moored on the visitor moorings, two with generators on the deck. The generation game contestants produce the main reason for our choosing to moor away from other boats. The approach to the tidal basin locks now forms permanent moorings on both sides; the now disused tidal basin was very interesting as was the 40 foot plus drop to the water in the river outside. It was almost low water and the number of mudbanks in the river showed why it can be a treacherous place. At low tide you can see the bases of the pier supports of the Severn Bridge, the railway one of 1879.
The bridge was severely damaged in a tragic accident in fog on the 25th October 1960; two tanker barges were involved; Arkendale H was loaded with 300 tons of black oil and Wastdale H loaded with 350 tons of petroleum spirit. They both missed the entrance to Sharpness docks and did not know their exact positions. They were carried by the incoming tide into each other and then into a pier supporting the bridge which collapsed and brought down a girder onto Wastdale H causing severe damage and igniting the petroleum. The fire quickly spread to Arkendale H and of the crews, eight men in total, five were drowned.
The bridge was not repaired, eventually demolition took place in 1967 and the iron girders sold to Chile, where it has been reused in the construction of a road carrying viaduct.
Returning to our boat, we were not alone! One boats length in front was a narrowboat moored up. Well, there was only ¾ mile in front of us all good solid straight edge that he could have used. The icing on the cake appeared after supper. A generator was produced from inside the boat (sneaky), set up on the towpath at the back and started up! What on earth is wrong with people – are they really that insensitive or are they just plain old fashioned stupid? Anyway at 8.10pm it was still running, we knocked on the boat and asked him when he was going to turn it off. He did so there and then.
Hopefully he will not moor close to us again.
2009 Totals: 420 Locks – 746 miles – 20 Bus pass uses.
Sharpness was our destination today. Having passed through Splatt bridge, I was waiting for Myra who had taken our rubbish to the bin. I have always been anti SUSTRANS taking over the towpaths, I have enough trouble walking without having to dodge low flying cyclists. Today, I discovered a use for one of their signs and have taken a photo in order that it may be of use to somebody.
We moored just past Purton in the middle of nowhere and walked the rest. At Sharpness junction, there were six or seven boats moored on the visitor moorings, two with generators on the deck. The generation game contestants produce the main reason for our choosing to moor away from other boats. The approach to the tidal basin locks now forms permanent moorings on both sides; the now disused tidal basin was very interesting as was the 40 foot plus drop to the water in the river outside. It was almost low water and the number of mudbanks in the river showed why it can be a treacherous place. At low tide you can see the bases of the pier supports of the Severn Bridge, the railway one of 1879.
The bridge was severely damaged in a tragic accident in fog on the 25th October 1960; two tanker barges were involved; Arkendale H was loaded with 300 tons of black oil and Wastdale H loaded with 350 tons of petroleum spirit. They both missed the entrance to Sharpness docks and did not know their exact positions. They were carried by the incoming tide into each other and then into a pier supporting the bridge which collapsed and brought down a girder onto Wastdale H causing severe damage and igniting the petroleum. The fire quickly spread to Arkendale H and of the crews, eight men in total, five were drowned.
The bridge was not repaired, eventually demolition took place in 1967 and the iron girders sold to Chile, where it has been reused in the construction of a road carrying viaduct.
Returning to our boat, we were not alone! One boats length in front was a narrowboat moored up. Well, there was only ¾ mile in front of us all good solid straight edge that he could have used. The icing on the cake appeared after supper. A generator was produced from inside the boat (sneaky), set up on the towpath at the back and started up! What on earth is wrong with people – are they really that insensitive or are they just plain old fashioned stupid? Anyway at 8.10pm it was still running, we knocked on the boat and asked him when he was going to turn it off. He did so there and then.
Hopefully he will not moor close to us again.
2009 Totals: 420 Locks – 746 miles – 20 Bus pass uses.
Sunday, 2 August 2009
FRAMPTON ON SEVERN AND CREAM TEA
Splatt Bridge, Frampton, Gloucester & Sharpness canal, Sunday 2nd August
I managed to get two coats of polish on the right side of the cabin this morning; now all of the boat has been done. There has been a constant stream of people on the towpath, all have passed the time of day; some have stopped for a good old chat.
One recurring theme has been the fact that all of the villagers remark on the beauty of the area; it is lovely especially the views across the Severn. We set off after lunch for a walk around Frampton; chatting to the bridge keeper he said that in the grounds of the old house by Fretherne bridge, cream teas were not to be missed (of which more later).
First stop was the parish church of St. Mary, which was dedicated in 1315; the lead bowl of the font is believed to date from the late 1100’s and one of six fonts in Gloucestershire from the same pattern. There is an effigy of a knight from the Clifford family against the north aisle wall; his descendants still live in the area and own substantial quantities of land. The churchyard is well kept with a number of grand memorials.
Between the church and village is the 15th century tithe barn; continuing through the village, there is a wonderful variety of houses of all types, construction and sizes.
The village green claims to be the longest in England at half a mile in length and 22 acres in total, with two lovely ponds. One of the cottages along the green has a beautiful traditional garden overloaded with blooms and a thriving vegetable patch; chickens roaming freely over it all. In a fenced off part were two Gloucester Old Spot pigs half grown, very relaxed and sleeping in the sun.
At the top of the green a cricket match was in progress; the bowler had the most strange action that I had ever seen. He began his run in with the ball held low in his right hand as if preparing to bowl underarm. Two steps from the crease, he skipped the first step and whilst so doing, threw his arm upwards and back before delivering the ball from the top of his swing as his foot reached the crease. The batsman had the measure of him and hit three fours off five balls and running two off the final one.
One of the fours caused the driver of a passing car to stop quickly and watch the ball carry to the other side of the road and into long grass.
Returning to the canal, we found the gate in the hedge next to the sign advertising cream teas and made our way into the garden. A wonderful, quirky, typically English scene met our eyes. Tables of all types and sizes were set out amongst the orchard with odd chairs dotted around. We shared a table and conversation with a man who had been born in Rhodesia and had left with his parents in the early 1970’s. We were supplied with a complimentary pot of tea as the scones were still in the oven; we had a relaxing time before the cream tea and warm scones arrived. They were very good and the atmosphere combined to complete our enjoyment. We waddled back to the boat and moved all of half a mile along the canal to a new viewpoint. After supper, one of the passers by that we spoke to was the son of the chief designer for Bailey caravans; his father had developed the 10’ 6” Maru, one of which my Dad had bought in the early 1970’s.
2009 Totals: 420 Locks – 743 miles – 20 Bus pass uses.
I managed to get two coats of polish on the right side of the cabin this morning; now all of the boat has been done. There has been a constant stream of people on the towpath, all have passed the time of day; some have stopped for a good old chat.
One recurring theme has been the fact that all of the villagers remark on the beauty of the area; it is lovely especially the views across the Severn. We set off after lunch for a walk around Frampton; chatting to the bridge keeper he said that in the grounds of the old house by Fretherne bridge, cream teas were not to be missed (of which more later).
First stop was the parish church of St. Mary, which was dedicated in 1315; the lead bowl of the font is believed to date from the late 1100’s and one of six fonts in Gloucestershire from the same pattern. There is an effigy of a knight from the Clifford family against the north aisle wall; his descendants still live in the area and own substantial quantities of land. The churchyard is well kept with a number of grand memorials.
Between the church and village is the 15th century tithe barn; continuing through the village, there is a wonderful variety of houses of all types, construction and sizes.
The village green claims to be the longest in England at half a mile in length and 22 acres in total, with two lovely ponds. One of the cottages along the green has a beautiful traditional garden overloaded with blooms and a thriving vegetable patch; chickens roaming freely over it all. In a fenced off part were two Gloucester Old Spot pigs half grown, very relaxed and sleeping in the sun.
At the top of the green a cricket match was in progress; the bowler had the most strange action that I had ever seen. He began his run in with the ball held low in his right hand as if preparing to bowl underarm. Two steps from the crease, he skipped the first step and whilst so doing, threw his arm upwards and back before delivering the ball from the top of his swing as his foot reached the crease. The batsman had the measure of him and hit three fours off five balls and running two off the final one.
One of the fours caused the driver of a passing car to stop quickly and watch the ball carry to the other side of the road and into long grass.
Returning to the canal, we found the gate in the hedge next to the sign advertising cream teas and made our way into the garden. A wonderful, quirky, typically English scene met our eyes. Tables of all types and sizes were set out amongst the orchard with odd chairs dotted around. We shared a table and conversation with a man who had been born in Rhodesia and had left with his parents in the early 1970’s. We were supplied with a complimentary pot of tea as the scones were still in the oven; we had a relaxing time before the cream tea and warm scones arrived. They were very good and the atmosphere combined to complete our enjoyment. We waddled back to the boat and moved all of half a mile along the canal to a new viewpoint. After supper, one of the passers by that we spoke to was the son of the chief designer for Bailey caravans; his father had developed the 10’ 6” Maru, one of which my Dad had bought in the early 1970’s.
2009 Totals: 420 Locks – 743 miles – 20 Bus pass uses.
Saturday, 1 August 2009
PINCH,PUNCH,FIRST OF THE MONTH
Frampton on Severn, Gloucester & Sharpness canal, Saturday 1st August
Hello August, thank you for the welcoming rain. We are now looking forward to an Indian summer – the eternal optimists, that’s us!
I wonder where all of the boats have gone, there are very few moving and even at Saul Junction which is home to a near 300 boat marina, not even one.
We have moored below Fretherne bridge on the opposite bank to Frampton village, a good view across the Severn in between the showers.
A tug from Rotterdam pushing a high pressure water jet dredger headed past us in the Sharpness direction, it has been working in the dock area at Gloucester.
The BW man that we spoke to could not see how the system can work better than a bucket dredger. I share his view and we both concluded that the cost of maintaining a dredger in house could be the reason for outside contractors doing the job, never mind the end result.
2009 Totals: 420 Locks – 742.5 miles – 20 Bus pass uses.
Hello August, thank you for the welcoming rain. We are now looking forward to an Indian summer – the eternal optimists, that’s us!
I wonder where all of the boats have gone, there are very few moving and even at Saul Junction which is home to a near 300 boat marina, not even one.
We have moored below Fretherne bridge on the opposite bank to Frampton village, a good view across the Severn in between the showers.
A tug from Rotterdam pushing a high pressure water jet dredger headed past us in the Sharpness direction, it has been working in the dock area at Gloucester.
The BW man that we spoke to could not see how the system can work better than a bucket dredger. I share his view and we both concluded that the cost of maintaining a dredger in house could be the reason for outside contractors doing the job, never mind the end result.
2009 Totals: 420 Locks – 742.5 miles – 20 Bus pass uses.
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