All Change

That’s it then. British Waterways is no longer to be a Public Corporation, and instead will be a charitable body, similar in structure to the National Trust.
We’ll have to wait and see how it all turns out, but most of the reaction from “stakeholders” seems to be fairly positive. Inland Waterways Association press release here.

Although if the new BW is to follow the NT model and use a lot of volunteer labour in the future, then it’s going to have to change it’s attitudes. These two stories from Nottingham and Loughborough show what I mean.

These last couple of nights have been cold, haven’t they! Unseasonable, they call it. I hope it’s not a sign of things to come, we could do without another winter like the last one.

Our shady mooring spot was not ideal. We should really have moved back a quarter mile so we had the benefit of the bright sunshine that followed the frosty nights, but inertia set in….

We moved into Mercia Marina today. It’s a lot fuller than when we were in here last time. We’re toddling up to Yorkshire for the weekend, so the boat will be secure here. Had a bit of trouble reversing alongside the pontoon, though, with the brisk breeze pushing us sideways. We got in finally, with the help of a couple of guys on a nearby boat pushing us round.
Enterprise tomorrow for a car, then it’s back on the mayhem of the road system again. It takes me a few miles to adjust….

Locks 0, miles 2

Passing visitors

We didn’t move today, but plenty of other boats have been out and about. Among them were Dot and Derek, temporarily on Andrew Denny’s NB Granny Buttons.

We were expecting them to come past at some point today, and heard the unmistakable sound of mooring pins being hammered in before 12 o’clock.

They were nearing the end of their delivery trip from Banbury up to Mercia Marina. In fact, they should be moored up there now. Andrew needed his boat bringing up, work commitments not allowing the time to do so himself, and the two D’s, now boatless, jumped at the chance. This will probably be their cruising swan-song.

We’ve met briefly before, at Great Haywood, but didn’t get the chance to have a proper chat. We made up for that this afternoon!
Over lunch we got to know them, and can see now why this couple are so well thought of in the cruising community. They’re going to be missed when they return home to NZ next year.

They arrived in one of today’s frequent showers, and left in one too.

Dot and Derek
At least they didn’t have much further to go.

Locks 0, miles 0

A sniff of hops….

After the weekend moored at Willington watching the boats go by, we needed to move a bit ourselves today. It’s been fine weather, but the cold nights have brought a lot of leaves off the trees.

We got off today at around 11, heading west to Burton after winding at Mercia Marina’s entrance.

After a couple of miles the river Dove is crossed on a wide, deep aqueduct.

River Dove Aqueduct
The old road was carried over the river on a stone bridge, now bypassed by the busy dual carriageway of the Derby Road.

Old Dove Bridge.
Goose Convoy at Stretton.
Just one lock today, although we did it twice. Dallow Lock is the first of the narrow locks on the way uphill to Stoke.

Into Dallow Lock

It’s good to be back in narrow locks. 3 minutes to fill, 2 minutes to empty. Magic! And easy gates!

Under the railway bridge over the lock there’re murals depicting the local industries.
Coming closer to Burton we could smell the distinct aroma of hops in the air. Either Coors, Marstons or the independent Burton Bridge Brewery were making mash…

These three, and a couple of “microbreweries”, are all that remain of the over 30 breweries that used to thrive in Burton, together accounting for a quarter of all beer sales in Britain towards the end of the 19C.

We reversed into the entrance to Shobnall Basin to fill up with diesel and replace a gas bottle at Jannel.
It’s a bit tight, but I made it without touching the sides.
The basin, now the home of Jannel Cruisers, was the terminus of the Bond End Canal, running down to the Trent and built for the brewery trade.
There's an interesting historical section on Jannel's website.

We managed to squeeze 100 litres in, so we qualified for the 5p per litre discount for “bulk buying”.

We pulled back out from under the towpath bridge and retraced our steps, stopping near Bridge 24a where it’s a bit quieter than at Willington.
We’ll probably stay put tomorrow, then move back down to Willington, before going into Mercia Marina on Thursday. We’re heading for Yorkshire at the weekend for Mag’s annual MOT….

We've been woken occasionally by animal noises outside the boat, but this chap must have had a surprise when he opened the curtains....

Locks 2, miles 10¼

On to Willington

John Smith, Coal Merchant of Melbourne (01332 862744), delivered as promised on Thursday morning, so we’ve now a roof full of Excel Smokeless. That should do us for a while. Still on the lookout for wood, though.

After the delivery we moved to the water point and filled up, then another 100 yards or so to grassy towpath. Where we were was good for the delivery, the truck was able to pull right alongside on the tarmacced access road, but not so good for Meg’s late evening pee.

Today we’ve moved on up to Willington. Both loo tanks needed emptying, and we needed a bit of shopping.

It’s been cool but dry. We seemed to have avoided the odd shower that was supposed to be knocking about, but the sky has stayed pretty grey. If it stays as cool as this I’ll seriously have to consider packing my shorts away!

We had a gentle cruise, not much above tick-over, to Stenson Lock. This is the last of the broad locks going up to Stoke, from here we’re back onto narrow locks, the first being at Burton.

In Stenson Lock

They’ve been a few boats about, but no-one to share with when we arrived here. As the navigation climbs up from Shardlow these broad locks have been getting steadily deeper. At 12 foot something this is quite a daunting chamber, especially for first time hirers.
A quick calculation - this lock uses about 90,000 gallons of water at a time....

The rebuilt Bridge 20, with NB Remindme just coming through.

This is the bridge that was damaged when a trailer full of “organic fertiliser” (cow s**t) went through the parapet and deposited it’s load in the canal.

Another gentle 40 minutes saw us coming into Willington.

A brave show of Crisanthymums on the allotments.
We emptied the loos, then had to turn around to go back the way we’d come to get a mooring spot. This is always a busy spot, but with over half of the piling now given over to winter moorings there are only about six spaces for visitors left on the hard edge. All of these were occupied, unlike the length for winter moorings. There is just one boat on there…

I see that the ticket prices for the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics have been announced. It’s an odd coincidence that the cost per seat has been calculated to be £2012. Or maybe there wasn’t a lot of calculation involved…..
With 80,000 seats available in the main stadium, even at 75% capacity the £120m raised will go someway to paying the £537m cost of the structure.

Locks 1, miles 5

The coal man cometh..

On the move again today. We’ve spent three days moored above Derwent Mouth Lock, visited by Carol and Sealey (the dog) a couple of times. We’ve not seen her for over a year, so it was good to catch up. She lives on her boat at Shardlow with Sealey and Reg the cat.

It’s got to that time of year when I like to get a load of coal on board, just in case the wood foraging doesn’t go very well.
We’ve used a coal merchant from Melbourne (that’s Derbyshire not Victoria!) before, so I gave him a call and he’ll deliver to us at Swarkestone tomorrow.
So today we pulled pins and headed into Shardlow.

Fringe–cut willow
Through Shardlow

Clock Warehouse just below Shardlow Lock

We had a curious incident at Shardlow Lock. As we arrived a boat was in the lock ready to come down. I tied up and waited for them to empty and leave the lock.
As they motored past I gave them a good morning, but the reply was unexpected; a sarcastic “Thanks for helping with the lock”. I was taken aback. Bearing in mind that there were three of them on board, one of whom spent the lock operation stood on the roof while another managed the gates and paddles, I considered any assistance unnecessary. And by the time we were secured on the landing, they’d already drawn the paddles and were emptying the lock. I guess he got out of bed on the wrong side this morning.
As Mags will witness, I’m more likely to help other folk, than let them struggle.

We shared this lock with a Canaltime hire out of Sawley, then caught up with another and went up Aston Lock with them. Both times elementary lock operation instructions were the order of the day.
By the time we reached Weston we’d lost our last lock companion (he’d probably finished up on a mud bank somewhere) and there were boats waiting to come down, so we did this one solo.

Then finally at Swarkestone Lock we arrived behind yet another Canaltime, just as the lock was vacated by a boat coming down.

In Swarkestone Lock
We shared this one, then pulled over on the visitor moorings before the lengthsman’s cottage above the lock. Carol’s Mum and Dad used to live here when he worked for BW.

The local coal merchant will be delivering to us here sometime tomorrow.

Why did we not cruise during the last days of fine weather? Well, I’ve not been idle.

Old door linings

New door liningsNow that’s better

And I finished and fitted the occasional table in the cratch. You can just see it folded up through the doors in the above photos…..

Here it is in “working” position.

That’s about it for pre-winter jobs. I could just do with slapping some black paint on the scratches below the gunwhales, but I’ll have to play that by ear. Not only do I need suitable weather for that, but also a low bank.

I bet they’ll be some celebrations in Copiapo, Chile tonight. After over 8 weeks trapped 2000 feet underground, the first of the miners saw daylight today. A heroic achievement on the part of the rescue team and the miners themselves.

Locks 4, miles 6½

Two days, three navigations.

Yesterday morning we were on the Soar, the other side of Loughborough, this afternoon we’re on the Trent and Mersey, near Shardlow.

Dry but cool is the best description for the weather, there’s been a bit more wind today than yesterday, but it’s still not bad for the time of year.

We had a stop/start day yesterday after leaving the Millers Bridge moorings. First was 2 trips to B&Q, handily just through the hedge and across the road from the canal. Then we turned down into the basin for a visit to Tesco to top up the larder, finally at Bishop Meadow Lock we filled and emptied the appropriate receptacles. Though I suppose this doesn’t really count, as we had to stop for the lock anyway.

Heading out of Loughborough, looking back at the Albion Inn.
We fetched up at Zouch, mooring just below the bridge before the lock. If we’d gone through, we’d have been mooring right behind Mo and Ness on NB Balmaha, but we didn’t know this until Ness came along the towpath to see if we’d arrived.
We took up an invitation for a brew, a spent a pleasant couple of hours catching up with the news. Although we’ve spotted each other a couple of times this year, we’ve always been travelling in opposite directions. We still are, but at least this time we were moored up!

We got off just before 10 this morning, shouting our goodbyes to Mo and Ness as we went past.

See you next year!

There was a lass walking 3 dogs on the towpath towards the lock, carrying something odd. Closer inspection revealed a pair of Black Headed Caiques!
“They enjoy a walk in the fresh air” she said, “snacking on berries as we go along”. They’d probably enjoy a fly in the fresh air more, but maybe only the once…..

Parrot walking.
Zouch Lock was the first today, and set the scene. All of them today were in our favour.

Zouch Lock
There was a boat just about to exit Kegworth New Lock with another waiting to go up as we came down, and with the water at normal levels Kegworth Shallow was open at both ends.

More good fortune as we approached Ratcliffe Lock. Two boats just leaving.

Near Ratcliffe Lock
You know you’re getting near the Trent when Ratcliffe Power Sation dominates the view….
Out past the moorings and marina at Redhill, another chance to covet one of the riverside properties below the ridge which gives this spot it's name……

And you keep left to avoid the large Thrumpton Weir.

Thrumpton Weir
(Hugh, Pugh, Barney McGrew, Cuthbert, Dibble and Grub). I always remember the Trumpton Firemen when we go past here.
They don't make 'em like they used to....

We turned left at the junction now pushing upstream on the Trent. There’s a Scout outdoor pursuit centre just along here, so the river was busy with dinghies, kayaks and Canadian style canoes.

Busy, busy, busy.
A bit of care was required, I think there were some novices out on in the water…..
Once again our luck held as we came up to Sawley Locks. A boat was ready to go up in the left hand one of the pair and waved us in to join them.

Leaving Sawley Locks.
Then it was the cruise past the moorings on Sawley Cut before going through the open flood lock and back onto the river proper.

Looking back under the M1 bridge, Sawley weir and Sawley church spire in the background.
No drama today as we crossed Derwent Mouth where the River Derwent completes it’s journey down from the Dark Peak in Derbyshire. It has been dammed to create three large reservoirs in the Peak District, which were used during WWII to practice for Operation Chastise, popularly known as the DamBusters Raids.

Crossing Derwent Mouth. The Derwent comes in from the right, the Trent comes in from the left and the Trent and Mersey Canal is straight on.
The last lock today took us officially back onto the canal system.

Derwent Mouth Lock, Lock 1 of the Trent and Mersey Canal.
We moored just up from the lock, there’s a nice wide grass towpath here, and Armco to hang on to. It’s been busy this afternoon, mostly Canaltime boats from Sawley setting off on their holidays.

Over the 2 days, locks 7, miles 13.

Purposeful Cruising

For the last few weeks we’ve been aimlessly ambling, toddling up and down the Soar, meeting family at various places. But now we’re on the move properly again, heading north and east to North Cheshire. Unless anything changes we’ll be wintering up there, around Chester, Nantwich and Middlewich, with maybe a side-trip up the Llangollen if winter stoppages permit.

You could argue that we’ve not made a very good start though, just 2 hours today from Sileby to just outside Loughborough! Still, we’re in no rush.

The day started chilly and misty, but by late morning the sun was making itself known and it’s turned out a really pleasant day.

We’ve been lucky with the locks. (All4!) A boat was coming up Sileby Lock at 11:00, so we hastily turned around and took advantage of the full lock they left.

Arriving at Mountsorrel the lock was 3 parts full, so that didn’t take too long.

Mountsorrel Weirs, glistening in the sun.
There’s an extensive housing development just out of Mountsorrel. The guy who’s had his old butty in a backwater for years was not for moving out during the construction, and I think it’s unlikely he’ll be moving any time soon.

A little overgrown….

A gaggle of hounds enjoying the shallows.
Meg was just itching to go and join in!

Meadow Farm Marina and caravan site.We stayed here in our touring caravan several years ago. It was a lot quieter then....

We arrived at Barrow Deep Lock just as a couple of boats were leaving, so that was another full lock for us.

Good timing at Barrow Deep.
From here it was a short cruise along the wide river section to Pillings Lock, then along the cut a ways to Millers Bridge. We’re here for the night, then through Loughborough tomorrow, with a bit of shopping on the way.

I’ve been making a drop down table for the front well deck. It’s always been a bit of a porch, somewhere to hang wet jackets and dry the dog. But with the new cratch board and modified cover fitted, I’ve decided it’d be a nice place to sit of an evening. So I’ve had a good tidy up and chuck out, and there’s a lot more room. I’ll take some pics when it’s all done.

Locks 4, miles 5

Crackin’ Willows, Gromit!

Along the riverbank heading towards Mountsorrel there are several isolated willows standing close to the water’s edge. They all have split trunks, caused by the weight of the branches reaching out sideways.
Some have trunks bisected right down to the ground, but all seem to be in good health.

The drooping branches, having initially caused the damage, are now acting as props supporting the trees.
Oddly, on the far bank, trees of apparently the same species seem to be behaving as you would expect. I wonder if it’s to do with water availability? The ground on this bank is regularly inundated when the river floods.

We had a surprise visitor today. Maggie, from NB Forever Young came to say hi this morning. She’d read yesterday’s post and drove to Barrow to see if we were still there. We’d met before, but not had a chance to have a good chat. Made up for that this morning!

Canoes from the outdoor pursuit centre at Quorn Hall are frequent sights on this stretch of the river. They paddle up the navigation, then use the backwaters to return to base. This involves getting around or over the weirs. The instructors take the boats over, while the kids have to stand and watch. I bet they’d really enjoy it, but I suppose the Safety Elves would have a heart attack if they had a go.

Lining up
Going, going…..
Gone.
No 2 follows on.

We finally moved out at around noon, cruising just a couple of miles to Sileby Mill where we bought some solid fuel then moored just above the lock.

Still no sign of them pesky Injuns….

Although there is that teepee at Mountsorrel….

The fine railway bridge which carries the conveyor from Mountsorrel quarry to the gypsum works above Barrow is being repointed.

Tidying up work.
There’ve not been many boats on the move today. Maybe the river levels are putting some folk off, the water is still on amber on the indicator boards.

Locks 2, miles 2¾

A bit of a change at the sharp end…..

We stayed in Loughborough Thursday and Friday nights, during the day shopping at the new Tesco on the Rushes and topping up the hardware stocks from B&Q, then in the evening we met sister Kay and her partner Paul for a meal at The Albion.

We all had a good time, the food was nothing exotic, but good, honest fare, the beer was good and the company enjoyable. Kay has been a bit down recently. Her daughter (and my God-daughter) Samantha has gone off to university in Harrow, and they’re missing each other. Sam has been suffering a bit from homesickness, a common affliction for “freshers” at this time of year. But she’s settling in now so Kay’s feeling more relaxed, too.

We moved out of town on Saturday morning, just a couple of miles to Millers Bridge. It was a fine day, so I set to dismantling the old cratch board.

Cruising around Loughborough
Surprised to see the Peter Le Marchant Trust trip boats all tied up on a fine Saturday...
We crossed paths with Kev and Ann on NB 4Evermore, exchanging greetings as you do. They're stuck at Redhill at the moment.

Off with the old…..

And on with the new.
While I was on with this Chris from Tops Tarpaulins in Sileby rang to say the cover was ready to collect after being modified, so I arranged to pick it up today.

With this in mind we set off yesterday with the intention of getting to Sileby Mill. From there it’s a short walk up into the village.

Pillings Lock is in use again now. Through the summer it stands open unless the river floods, but from October to March it performs as an ordinary lock. The level marker shows just below amber (Navigate With Caution) after heavy rain all night.

Pillings Lock
Alongside the lock and it’s attendant weir is one of the automatic flood control sluices. These were installed to manage the river levels during wet weather, and the flashing indicator light showed that this was just opening as we passed.

Pillings Flood Sluice

The heavy rain continued all the way to and through Barrow Deep Lock, so we decided to call it quits and stop just above the lock on the lock cut. Soon after we moored the lockie switched on the red light at the lock, effectively closing the stretch we just came up.

We decided not to press on, even though the evening brightened up. The Soar in flood is not to be trifled with!

This still left us with needing to get to Sileby today, but that problem was solved by a phone call to Dad, who agreed to pick us up at Barrow, take us to pick up the cover, then lunch at their place before dropping us back at the boat. Nice one Pops.

TV is poor to none-existent on the lock cut so first thing this morning we moved on to Barrow Mill, filled and emptied and moored just above the weir. We had a couple of games of Scrabble last night, but I took pity on Mags. We can get TV here, so I won’t have to thrash her again tonight! Anyway, it’s Monday Soap Opera night, and she likes to keep up to date with the doings in the Dales, Walford and Wetherfield.

We got back after lunch at around 3, giving me time to fit the modified cover and mount the tunnel light and horn back onto the new cratch board.

Modified cover and new cratch board.
And the old set up so you can see the difference.
Certainly an improvement I reckon. Chris at Tops has done a good job, well worth a visit if you need something canvassy making.

Now we’re just waiting for a last mail delivery before we up sticks and head up to the Trent and Mersey. Water levels permitting, of course.

Locks 2, miles 4¼