Sunday, 30 May 2010
SUNDAY 30TH MAY
Marsh Lock.
Very windy this morning, but dry. Chatted to Nigel again today - positions reversed, we were dropping in the lock, he was talking down to us, (physically). The trains were very slow across the viaduct, probably owing to weekend engineering works. Passengers waved to us, they must have been old as well!
Just past the viaduct, there is an old building which reminds me of a series of card building kits for '00' gauge railways, they went under the brand name of 'Bilteezi', amazingly, they are still in production. I think that it is the windows of the building that do it; they look as if they are painted on, rather than glazed.
Most of the way down the river, I was steering about 15 to 20 degrees offset, the wind was strong and our boat has about 170 square feet of effective sail area in the shell and cabin sides.
Arriving at Marsh lock, we were soon sheltered by the bushes and by the lock sidewall, I went down to the Ship canal end, and took some pictures. The weather was very different last weekend, I did not hang around long in the wind. A good modem signal here, so I am uploading some pictures.
Very windy this morning, but dry. Chatted to Nigel again today - positions reversed, we were dropping in the lock, he was talking down to us, (physically). The trains were very slow across the viaduct, probably owing to weekend engineering works. Passengers waved to us, they must have been old as well!
Just past the viaduct, there is an old building which reminds me of a series of card building kits for '00' gauge railways, they went under the brand name of 'Bilteezi', amazingly, they are still in production. I think that it is the windows of the building that do it; they look as if they are painted on, rather than glazed.
Most of the way down the river, I was steering about 15 to 20 degrees offset, the wind was strong and our boat has about 170 square feet of effective sail area in the shell and cabin sides.
Arriving at Marsh lock, we were soon sheltered by the bushes and by the lock sidewall, I went down to the Ship canal end, and took some pictures. The weather was very different last weekend, I did not hang around long in the wind. A good modem signal here, so I am uploading some pictures.
SATURDAY 29TH MAY
Dutton Lock.
We had intended to go to Marsh lock today. Waking at 5.15am to the accompaniment of rain and a male Blackbird beating on the windows. Yes, a slight exaggeration with regard to the rain, but it looks better in print. None with the Blackbird; he was attempting to get rid of the other male Blackbird that he could see in the window. I do not have the ability, nor the patience to explain to him about reflections, so he kept having a go whilst we tried to get back to sleep.
Just before lunch, the fire was lit, and after lunch we both settled down to our reading.
A proper boater, undeterred by the rain, arrived to go down the lock. It was Nigel Payton on Nb.Free Spirit. We had last spoken to him on the Selby Canal three years ago. On with the waterproof jacket and out to chat whilst the lock was draining. He was on a tight schedule and was going to Weston Point to see if there were any differences since BW sold it.
The rain stopped long enough for a walk before supper, so off we went. Just a short one around some of the weir stream and towards the Weaver country woodland. Soon after we arrived on board, so did the rain. Impeccable timing or good luck?
We had intended to go to Marsh lock today. Waking at 5.15am to the accompaniment of rain and a male Blackbird beating on the windows. Yes, a slight exaggeration with regard to the rain, but it looks better in print. None with the Blackbird; he was attempting to get rid of the other male Blackbird that he could see in the window. I do not have the ability, nor the patience to explain to him about reflections, so he kept having a go whilst we tried to get back to sleep.
Just before lunch, the fire was lit, and after lunch we both settled down to our reading.
A proper boater, undeterred by the rain, arrived to go down the lock. It was Nigel Payton on Nb.Free Spirit. We had last spoken to him on the Selby Canal three years ago. On with the waterproof jacket and out to chat whilst the lock was draining. He was on a tight schedule and was going to Weston Point to see if there were any differences since BW sold it.
The rain stopped long enough for a walk before supper, so off we went. Just a short one around some of the weir stream and towards the Weaver country woodland. Soon after we arrived on board, so did the rain. Impeccable timing or good luck?
Friday, 28 May 2010
Thursday, 27 May 2010
Abridged version
MONDAY 25TH MAY
Back up to and through Dutton Lock and another easy day. Chatting to Fred and to various passers by.
Nb.S.K.I. arrived below the lock and as they put the kettle on, we got chatting. After supper, they joined us on Martlet and we had a good old natter until quite late. This, for us, is what boating is all about.
TUESDAY 25th May
To enable us to go shopping in Northwich, We moved off early next day so as to be ready to enter Saltersford lock at 8am. We moored against the wall at Northwich and had to return with rucksacs full of fruit and veg from the market before hitting Sainsburys.
Then up to Hunts lock where three boats were waiting for the lock. One had been waiting since 8am, the others since 9am. It was now 11.40am!
Apparently BW had a meeting to which lock keepers were required to attend. Had BW made suitable alternative arrangements? Of couse not, after all we are only boaters.
Onward and upward through Vale Royal lock and moored opposite the weir.
WEDNESDAY 26TH MAY
Back to Northwich town moorings. We had made contact with Carl and Jane, boating friends who have now left the water. Carl will pick us up and take us to their house for tea; via the laundrette at Weaverham. Myra sat inside reading her book as the washing was being done; Carl and I sat in his car and chatted about railways. Carl had been a driver at Northwich steam shed and I could listen to his interesting stories for hours. Back to their house for tea and swopping our latest news with Jane. All too soon it was time to return to Martlet; another good time in the company of friends.
A telephone call after supper discovered that cruiser 'Miss D Mena' with Duncan and Pauline were now moored at the Anderton visitor moorings. We moved down and soon were engaged in more chatting until midnight, assisted by some malt whisky.
Back up to and through Dutton Lock and another easy day. Chatting to Fred and to various passers by.
Nb.S.K.I. arrived below the lock and as they put the kettle on, we got chatting. After supper, they joined us on Martlet and we had a good old natter until quite late. This, for us, is what boating is all about.
TUESDAY 25th May
To enable us to go shopping in Northwich, We moved off early next day so as to be ready to enter Saltersford lock at 8am. We moored against the wall at Northwich and had to return with rucksacs full of fruit and veg from the market before hitting Sainsburys.
Then up to Hunts lock where three boats were waiting for the lock. One had been waiting since 8am, the others since 9am. It was now 11.40am!
Apparently BW had a meeting to which lock keepers were required to attend. Had BW made suitable alternative arrangements? Of couse not, after all we are only boaters.
Onward and upward through Vale Royal lock and moored opposite the weir.
WEDNESDAY 26TH MAY
Back to Northwich town moorings. We had made contact with Carl and Jane, boating friends who have now left the water. Carl will pick us up and take us to their house for tea; via the laundrette at Weaverham. Myra sat inside reading her book as the washing was being done; Carl and I sat in his car and chatted about railways. Carl had been a driver at Northwich steam shed and I could listen to his interesting stories for hours. Back to their house for tea and swopping our latest news with Jane. All too soon it was time to return to Martlet; another good time in the company of friends.
A telephone call after supper discovered that cruiser 'Miss D Mena' with Duncan and Pauline were now moored at the Anderton visitor moorings. We moved down and soon were engaged in more chatting until midnight, assisted by some malt whisky.
Sunday, 23 May 2010
MARSH LOCK
Here we are again, taking things very easily; chairs and table outside, camera and binoculars at the ready. One of these days, I will figure out why I like this area so much. When that time comes, you will be the first to be told.
We took a floating pootle down to Weston Point docks, a new warehouse sporting the Stobart name has appeared since our last visit, but the general air of dereliction remains. I may have found the UK stockpile for B&Q compost. There were a lot of pallets double stacked, they seemed to go on for ever.
Later, I went beachcombing on the shore next to Marsh lock and found some suitable pieces of wood which have been cut, bagged and stored in the lockers for when the Indian winter arrives. I was happy to bask in this wonderful sunshine until I heard the Met office saying that it was going to be a good week; hence the gathering of firewood.
I was watching three sailing dinghies in the Weaver mouth and ship canal; the wind was strong and they were all planing and enjoying the excellent sailing weather.
With the assistance of the oven, the cabin temperature reached 37 degrees celsius; without, only a measly 31 degrees - phew. It was 17 degrees last night, could we have it a little bit cooler please?
We took a floating pootle down to Weston Point docks, a new warehouse sporting the Stobart name has appeared since our last visit, but the general air of dereliction remains. I may have found the UK stockpile for B&Q compost. There were a lot of pallets double stacked, they seemed to go on for ever.
Later, I went beachcombing on the shore next to Marsh lock and found some suitable pieces of wood which have been cut, bagged and stored in the lockers for when the Indian winter arrives. I was happy to bask in this wonderful sunshine until I heard the Met office saying that it was going to be a good week; hence the gathering of firewood.
I was watching three sailing dinghies in the Weaver mouth and ship canal; the wind was strong and they were all planing and enjoying the excellent sailing weather.
With the assistance of the oven, the cabin temperature reached 37 degrees celsius; without, only a measly 31 degrees - phew. It was 17 degrees last night, could we have it a little bit cooler please?
Saturday, 22 May 2010
ON THE WEAVER
FRIDAY 21ST MAY
7.45 start today, for showers at Anderton service block and then onto the lift.
At Anderton lift, Myra went off to find out when we could go down. She came back and announced the next lift was at 11.15, and we were on it! We moved to the lift moorings and chatted to Steve on Nb.Mignonette.
He was interested in my impressions of the Waterways Museum, I was really positive and suggested that a few more volunteers would make things even better. Wow! Did I say the right thing! He is the chairman of the volunteers and told me that they have over 100 more than last year. I wish them all well in their endeavours.
After a slight delay some 10 feet down, the lift let us onto the Weaver and we turned right to be surrounded by green weed in abundance, it was a 1960's hippie's paradise!
The whole river is covered in varying depths and there is also blue-green algae.
I made a mental note to myself, to avoid falling in if at all possible.
Approaching Saltersford lock, there is a lovely new pontoon on the approach for use when awaiting the lock. We were impressed,but wait a moment, yes, it is almost long enough for two narrowboats, but not quite. The design was obviously heavily influenced by BW. We are sure that they took anvantage of a BOGOF offer; as there is a new pontoon at Marsh Lock, also too short for two narrowboats!
Arriving at Dutton, we headed for the moorings above the lock and were making fast when Fred, the lockkeeper arrived to say Hello. He has now published three books, but denies that he is a millionaire yet. After a good chat, he left to carry on being a lockkeeper for another 12 months.
Dutton lock has always been a mecca for birds, and I managed to get some photos of Blue Tits leaving their well concealed nest.
7.45 start today, for showers at Anderton service block and then onto the lift.
At Anderton lift, Myra went off to find out when we could go down. She came back and announced the next lift was at 11.15, and we were on it! We moved to the lift moorings and chatted to Steve on Nb.Mignonette.
He was interested in my impressions of the Waterways Museum, I was really positive and suggested that a few more volunteers would make things even better. Wow! Did I say the right thing! He is the chairman of the volunteers and told me that they have over 100 more than last year. I wish them all well in their endeavours.
After a slight delay some 10 feet down, the lift let us onto the Weaver and we turned right to be surrounded by green weed in abundance, it was a 1960's hippie's paradise!
The whole river is covered in varying depths and there is also blue-green algae.
I made a mental note to myself, to avoid falling in if at all possible.
Approaching Saltersford lock, there is a lovely new pontoon on the approach for use when awaiting the lock. We were impressed,but wait a moment, yes, it is almost long enough for two narrowboats, but not quite. The design was obviously heavily influenced by BW. We are sure that they took anvantage of a BOGOF offer; as there is a new pontoon at Marsh Lock, also too short for two narrowboats!
Arriving at Dutton, we headed for the moorings above the lock and were making fast when Fred, the lockkeeper arrived to say Hello. He has now published three books, but denies that he is a millionaire yet. After a good chat, he left to carry on being a lockkeeper for another 12 months.
Dutton lock has always been a mecca for birds, and I managed to get some photos of Blue Tits leaving their well concealed nest.
CROXTON FLASH
THURSDAY 20TH MAY
Leaving Mike, Jo, Mo and Vanessa to their travels towards Chester; we attempted to slip away quietly at 7am. Mike waved us goodbye from the hatch; apparently they were awake already, so our start had been fairly quiet!
The sun was bright, a cloudless sky, another reminder of why we like starting early, you seem to catch the best of the weather. Hopefully the weather lore saying 'dry before 7, wet before 11' will ignore us for today. (Yes I know, there should be high cloud visible for the saying to hold good). We turned onto the Middlewich arm and saw nothing moving until Church Minshull, when a boat moved off in our direction, and three came the other way.
Arriving at Wardle lock, Myra stopped to chat to Maureen as we waited for one boat in front to drop in the lock. We filled with diesel from Kings lock chandlery (78p - self declare) and fish and chips from the chippy.
After lunch, the three Middlewich locks took no time with Myra steering, the bottom paddles were as stiff as I had remembered. At big lock, there were four BW men, three in uniform and one in shirtsleeves, who was the engineer; and was also a nice friendly man. A long chat ensued and eventually when their boat cleard the lock, we entered, one of the others helped Myra with the gates and paddles.
Soon we were tying up at Croxton Flash, for a short run tomorrow to the lift at Anderton. Later, the sound of a boat engine revving loudly brought both of us to the windows. A hire boat from Andersen boats had misjudged the turn and gone aground in the flash. I was able to throw a rope to them and pull the back end to the towpath with the assistance of a lot of revs in reverse. Having turned the boat around for them, they went back towards Middlewich with lots of waving of arms and relieved expressions.
Leaving Mike, Jo, Mo and Vanessa to their travels towards Chester; we attempted to slip away quietly at 7am. Mike waved us goodbye from the hatch; apparently they were awake already, so our start had been fairly quiet!
The sun was bright, a cloudless sky, another reminder of why we like starting early, you seem to catch the best of the weather. Hopefully the weather lore saying 'dry before 7, wet before 11' will ignore us for today. (Yes I know, there should be high cloud visible for the saying to hold good). We turned onto the Middlewich arm and saw nothing moving until Church Minshull, when a boat moved off in our direction, and three came the other way.
Arriving at Wardle lock, Myra stopped to chat to Maureen as we waited for one boat in front to drop in the lock. We filled with diesel from Kings lock chandlery (78p - self declare) and fish and chips from the chippy.
After lunch, the three Middlewich locks took no time with Myra steering, the bottom paddles were as stiff as I had remembered. At big lock, there were four BW men, three in uniform and one in shirtsleeves, who was the engineer; and was also a nice friendly man. A long chat ensued and eventually when their boat cleard the lock, we entered, one of the others helped Myra with the gates and paddles.
Soon we were tying up at Croxton Flash, for a short run tomorrow to the lift at Anderton. Later, the sound of a boat engine revving loudly brought both of us to the windows. A hire boat from Andersen boats had misjudged the turn and gone aground in the flash. I was able to throw a rope to them and pull the back end to the towpath with the assistance of a lot of revs in reverse. Having turned the boat around for them, they went back towards Middlewich with lots of waving of arms and relieved expressions.
Thursday, 20 May 2010
RECURRING THEME............
Poor internet connection again, so no pictures for a while. Myra gave blood in Ellesmere Port and after returning to Martlet, we decided to have a kebab and Haddock and chips between us for supper.
Cut to first fish and chip shop, advertising Kebabs, burgers and fish
(enter stage left)
Me- A large Doner Kebab, and one Haddock and chips please.
Assistant We have no kebabs.
Me Well, then two haddock and one large chips please.
Assistant We have no Haddock, only Cod.
Me (looking at the cod in the warming cabinet) I will not bother thank you, but congratulations on your skill, it must be hard to batter such a thin piece of fish.
Cut to second fish and chip shop: same advertisement as above.
(Enter stage right)
Me- A large Doner Kebab, and one Haddock and chips please.
Assistant We have no kebabs.
Me Well, then two haddock and one large chips please.
Assistant We have no Haddock, only Cod.
Me Is Tesco's just around the corner?
So it was a Tesco take away Indian meal for two, which was not too bad really.
A quiet night and away early next morning, mooring at Mill Farm Aqueduct until late afternoon; when the bushes shaded the sun. We moved up to below Wharton Lock and moored for the night.
WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY
We walked to Beeston Castle and spent a couple of hours looking around. The situation is impressive, and the claim that 8 counties are visible from there is easily believable, the visibility was good and with binoculars we spent some time identifying various places and things that we knew.
We had a snack on the move and a bad road; we were following a boat which eventually we caught up with at the Bunbury Staircase.
Two of us were going up and one wascoming down. We passed each other without mishap and moved away heading for Calveley and a shower in the service block.
That was plan A.
As we approached Calveley bridge, I saw Nb.Balmaha and Nb.Sarah Kate moored before the bridge. Mike hailed us from Balmaha, we pulled in and moored for the night. We had a drink with Mike and Mo on Balmaha and soon after, Jo and Vanessa joined us having returned from a visit to Chester and Nantwich by bus.
After dinner, Martlet was the location for everyone to meet and for Mike and Mo to help me to reduce my stock of Caisteal Abhail, whilst Myra, Jo and Vanessa hit the warm drinks side.
A very good evening in good company; excellent craic and excellent Whisky.
Cut to first fish and chip shop, advertising Kebabs, burgers and fish
(enter stage left)
Me- A large Doner Kebab, and one Haddock and chips please.
Assistant We have no kebabs.
Me Well, then two haddock and one large chips please.
Assistant We have no Haddock, only Cod.
Me (looking at the cod in the warming cabinet) I will not bother thank you, but congratulations on your skill, it must be hard to batter such a thin piece of fish.
Cut to second fish and chip shop: same advertisement as above.
(Enter stage right)
Me- A large Doner Kebab, and one Haddock and chips please.
Assistant We have no kebabs.
Me Well, then two haddock and one large chips please.
Assistant We have no Haddock, only Cod.
Me Is Tesco's just around the corner?
So it was a Tesco take away Indian meal for two, which was not too bad really.
A quiet night and away early next morning, mooring at Mill Farm Aqueduct until late afternoon; when the bushes shaded the sun. We moved up to below Wharton Lock and moored for the night.
WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY
We walked to Beeston Castle and spent a couple of hours looking around. The situation is impressive, and the claim that 8 counties are visible from there is easily believable, the visibility was good and with binoculars we spent some time identifying various places and things that we knew.
We had a snack on the move and a bad road; we were following a boat which eventually we caught up with at the Bunbury Staircase.
Two of us were going up and one wascoming down. We passed each other without mishap and moved away heading for Calveley and a shower in the service block.
That was plan A.
As we approached Calveley bridge, I saw Nb.Balmaha and Nb.Sarah Kate moored before the bridge. Mike hailed us from Balmaha, we pulled in and moored for the night. We had a drink with Mike and Mo on Balmaha and soon after, Jo and Vanessa joined us having returned from a visit to Chester and Nantwich by bus.
After dinner, Martlet was the location for everyone to meet and for Mike and Mo to help me to reduce my stock of Caisteal Abhail, whilst Myra, Jo and Vanessa hit the warm drinks side.
A very good evening in good company; excellent craic and excellent Whisky.
Sunday, 16 May 2010
WATERWAYS MUSEUM - SUNDAY
On the upper floor of the island warehouse today; there were displays by various members of the Waterways Craft Guild. We spent a couple of hours asking questions and listening to the answers (there is a first time for everything!). Myra spent ages listening to Jes Inglis and learned some useful things to give her encouragement for painting the milk churn that has been painted ready for decoration.
We moved up into the upper basin, filled the water tank and emptied the PortaPotti and now are ready for an early start in the morning. Mooring in Chester, we will return to Ellesmere Port by bus for Myra to go blood letting.
We moved up into the upper basin, filled the water tank and emptied the PortaPotti and now are ready for an early start in the morning. Mooring in Chester, we will return to Ellesmere Port by bus for Myra to go blood letting.
Saturday, 15 May 2010
PORT SUNLIGHT
What an interesting place; the open spaces, wonderful tended verges and borders and interestingly designed houses. We were impressed. The whole place reminded me of the set for the Prisoner series, which was filmed at Portmerion, which we have yet to visit. Various extra, unnecessary but lovely architectural features have been added to the end terrace houses, hardly any of which mirror another.
William Hesketh Lever, 1st Baron Leverhulme, had a factory producing soap in Warrington; he was unable to expand on that site and settled on some marshy land which became Port Sunlight, named after the brand name of his soap. Construction of the new factory was started in 1887 and first production began in 1888.
He took an active interest in the planning of the village to house his workers, which used the services of no fewer than 30 architects. Between 1899 and 1914, 800 houses had been completed for a total population of 3500. He also built a church, school, cottage hospital, a concert hall and an open air swimming pool.
The Lady Lever Art Gallery was opened in 1922 in memory of his wife, and houses some wonderful paintings together with parts of the extensive personal collection of Lord Lever. We spent over two hours inside and thought that it was well worth the visit.
Christ Church was built of Cheshire sandstone quarried at nearby Helsby, from 1902 to 1904 by Lord Lever in memory of his parents. It is one of the largest churches in the area and has seating for 1000 people: today it had been decorated for a wedding and we were unable to look inside.
The Museum we found a bit disappointing; not much of interest apart from the 20 minute film history of the beginnings of the company; however it did not spoil the overall visit which we found very enjoyable.
William Hesketh Lever, 1st Baron Leverhulme, had a factory producing soap in Warrington; he was unable to expand on that site and settled on some marshy land which became Port Sunlight, named after the brand name of his soap. Construction of the new factory was started in 1887 and first production began in 1888.
He took an active interest in the planning of the village to house his workers, which used the services of no fewer than 30 architects. Between 1899 and 1914, 800 houses had been completed for a total population of 3500. He also built a church, school, cottage hospital, a concert hall and an open air swimming pool.
The Lady Lever Art Gallery was opened in 1922 in memory of his wife, and houses some wonderful paintings together with parts of the extensive personal collection of Lord Lever. We spent over two hours inside and thought that it was well worth the visit.
Christ Church was built of Cheshire sandstone quarried at nearby Helsby, from 1902 to 1904 by Lord Lever in memory of his parents. It is one of the largest churches in the area and has seating for 1000 people: today it had been decorated for a wedding and we were unable to look inside.
The Museum we found a bit disappointing; not much of interest apart from the 20 minute film history of the beginnings of the company; however it did not spoil the overall visit which we found very enjoyable.
WATERWAYS MUSEUM - FRIDAY 14TH MAY
Plan A for today was to go to have a look at Port Sunlight. The weather had another plan, owing to the rain (which had been forecast) we had a lazy day doing small jobs on the boat and reading - oh and of course looking at various bits of the Museum.
During a dry spell, I went to look at the Ship Canal. I could see a narrowboat heading in my direction; it must have come from Marsh Lock and the River Weaver as it was just after 11am. It takes a narrowboat at least 8 hours from Manchester to Ellesmere Port.
As it came closer, there were at least eight people in view and not one lifejacket amongst them. Then one of them walked along the gunwhale from the front to the back; I wonder if he realised that the water there is probably 30 feet deep.
They entered the lower basin of the Museum and after locking up the flight, moved away towards Chester.
The evening proved (again) to be the best part of the day's weather; we had a walk around the area and the water vapour from the cooling towers of a power station was highlighting an inversion and adding to the cloud formation.
During a dry spell, I went to look at the Ship Canal. I could see a narrowboat heading in my direction; it must have come from Marsh Lock and the River Weaver as it was just after 11am. It takes a narrowboat at least 8 hours from Manchester to Ellesmere Port.
As it came closer, there were at least eight people in view and not one lifejacket amongst them. Then one of them walked along the gunwhale from the front to the back; I wonder if he realised that the water there is probably 30 feet deep.
They entered the lower basin of the Museum and after locking up the flight, moved away towards Chester.
The evening proved (again) to be the best part of the day's weather; we had a walk around the area and the water vapour from the cooling towers of a power station was highlighting an inversion and adding to the cloud formation.
Friday, 14 May 2010
WATERWAYS MUSEUM - THURSDAY
We caught the bus from Ellesmere Port to Frodsham, as it was market day, and wandered around the stalls. A few purchases were made and on our previous visits we had neglected the Parish Church; today we found why. It is 850 metres (so the sign informs us) up a steep hill from the main street. By the time that we had arrived, with what little energy remained, we managed to sit down in the churchyard and had our picnic.
The Church of St Laurence is built of red sandstone and dates from 1180. Various additions have taken place in the 14th, 16th and finally the 19th century. The external crennelations to the chancel give a sturdy, balanced look to the exterior.
There are some fine carved wood screens and a fine wineglass pulpit, which was a Victorian replacement.
The columns have Norman capitals, each one with different carvings, a church which rewarded the effort of the hill climb. Musak was the only distraction to our visit;
a few of the pieces were pleasant, but given the choice, I believe that silence would be a better alternative.
Walking back to the main street, the telephone box that we had seen on the way up the hill was of a type not seen very often. It was from three sides, the standard box made by the Carron company near Falkirk; however, the back wall contained stamp issuing machines and a posting box. I had not seen one for years, ah, memories!
Back at the moorings, the evening was spent on Martlet where we were joined by Dave and Ann from Nb. Alberta and much chatting took place.
The Church of St Laurence is built of red sandstone and dates from 1180. Various additions have taken place in the 14th, 16th and finally the 19th century. The external crennelations to the chancel give a sturdy, balanced look to the exterior.
There are some fine carved wood screens and a fine wineglass pulpit, which was a Victorian replacement.
The columns have Norman capitals, each one with different carvings, a church which rewarded the effort of the hill climb. Musak was the only distraction to our visit;
a few of the pieces were pleasant, but given the choice, I believe that silence would be a better alternative.
Walking back to the main street, the telephone box that we had seen on the way up the hill was of a type not seen very often. It was from three sides, the standard box made by the Carron company near Falkirk; however, the back wall contained stamp issuing machines and a posting box. I had not seen one for years, ah, memories!
Back at the moorings, the evening was spent on Martlet where we were joined by Dave and Ann from Nb. Alberta and much chatting took place.
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