Time for maintenance

Some jobs in life need doing to protect an investment but require incentive, ability and a round ‘Tuit’, whatever that is. “Must have found all three because paint has been applied to the boat”. A bright sunny calm day and a hard edge with cut grass was essential to make the work possible. A few days later we moved on to turn at Napton Junction and found similar conditions to paint the other side. Sue n Vic on No Problem were doing the same. While the work was being carried out a boat came by with a friendly ‘toot’ and stopped. It was Maffi on Milly M. A boater never seen before, but well known on the internet among the boating bloggers. He stayed a few days so once again there were several bloggers having a meeting. Eventually we all parted as we headed to Braunston to be taken out of the water for ‘blacking’ and a safety survey. “Yes our boat is already four years old and is due for another certificate”.

Had to make sure that nothing can fall over inside when the boat is pulled up out of the water. It will be out of the water for a few days so we checked that we had enough water in the tank. Cannot run the engine so will use the land line for mains power. This will keep the batteries charged and heat water. Must remember not to let water out of the sink, bath or basin. “Don’t want our painter to get wet!”. Justin pressure washed the sides, applied two coats of ‘black’ to the lower sides and after 2 nights we were back in the water.
While on dry land Hadar went by going up the hill. Then our friends from back home came to visit with their campavan moored in the marina. Jo n Keith had stopped half way up the flight and walked back down to see us. Our social life continues despite the maintenance. Nice to see them all.
I had removed the weed hatch lid and cleaned out the box. Replacing the rubber seal is an important part of keeping the boat afloat. The Boat Safety man made his inspection and gave us a new certificate. The only problem was low gas pressure. No wonder our gas bottles lasted so long! Another job for Justin to sort out then we will be able to burn toast faster.

Friends, family and Easter

We stayed in one place for a whole week with our friends Sue n Vic. Took our cat to the vet for a check up as she has an overactive thyroid which is being controlled by medication. The vet had seen her several months earlier and did a blood test to confirm the diagnosis.
I have been spending some time sorting our pictures on the computer and sending them to our web site. I suppose you can still call them photographs because they are a record of focused light in a camera. Such is the march of progress that our pictures are now digital and stored on a hard drive in a computer and displayed on an electronic screen. A printer can be used to produce a copy on card using coloured ink. Previously a chemical process was used to record and print the pictures. Sadly many of those prints have faded and lost their bright colours over the years. However the old black and white ones have lasted much longer and still have those recording family faces for over 100 years. Only time will prove the survival of the digital picture revolution.
Arrangements were made using the magic of the internet for a family visit and another of those Sunday lunches in the Bistro at Hillmorton. Brod drove mum up for an enjoyable day staying for tea and cake while Brod introduced me to the wonders of ‘Flickr’ and picture sharing on the internet.
Having received and sorted a Tesco delivery we moved on to Barby where we stayed for yet another week. Spent the time going for a few walks and continuing with the picture sort. Sunny days, windy days, wet days, and finally cold days followed by some snow was our view of the outside world while keeping warm with our diesel fire inside the boat.

Thankfully ‘Gosty Hill’ stopped to fill our tank again this time charging 68p a litre; such is the variability of oil prices these days. As Easter approaches more boats are on the move rushing about causing waves that rock the boat and damage the canal banks, much of the canal becoming wider and shallower causing some boats to run aground.

A week or so of events

We have moved back down to Braunston. The land slide by the entrance to the tunnel is still slipping down due to an underground stream and we nearly ran aground getting out of the tunnel. Hedge laying is making Braunston look tidy but the canal is now more exposed.
While visiting friends we discovered that a local group called ‘Braunston Pickle’ will be playing their music at ‘The Old Plough’ so we went up there one evening. Next day, being ‘Mother’s Day’ we returned for a meal out.
Ann went off by bus n train to visit Sue n Vic who were at Polesworth. She helped them up the locks to Atherstone before returning a few days later.
Needed some more diesel and decided to move down to Napton Junction to fill up in Wigrams Turn Marina. Stopped for a few days near Nimrod bridge and while it was sunny we walked across the fields to Calcutt locks and back along the canal. Molly was very good when walking through a field of sheep with their lambs.
A text message arrived on our phone. Sue n Vic had got to Hillmorton already. The Bistro is open for Sunday lunch and a table is booked. We set off early and did the 11 miles arriving just in time to meet our friends at the table. Been 5 months since last seen in Wales last year.
Serious Storms: Oh the March winds do blow, caused by a deep low of 28.5, normally 29 to a high of 31. The canal is looking more like the sea with breaking waves. The boat is securely tied to rings and we have removed various items from the roof in case they get blown off into the water.

www.moore2life

Much effort is being made updating pictures on our web site. It is intended to be a record of the waterway system as we have found it over a period of several years and a diary of events in our life while living on our narrowboat called ‘Moore 2 Life’. The web site contains a list of over 20 canals and rivers and over 1000 pictures. Other subjects include wild life, old working boats, boat systems, Post Office addresses vets and surgeries.

Yelvertoft, Northants

Birdie on the nuts

A half hour walk down the bridleway leads across fields past allotments, a field of horses, cricket and football pitches.

Turn left past a lovely cottage garden full of spring flowers.

Across the high street we see this fine example of an ancient village water pump a reminder of a different age. Some parts were removed during the 1st. world war but it has now been restored. The old wooden case is apparently original. Dates seen on a plate indicate that it was constructed AD MCM and restored AD MM. We think that MCM is 1900.

Nearby is the old school house dated 1792 with a bell on the roof and a sun dial on the wall. The building is now used as a reading room and community centre. The old blackboard and easel out side the door indicated that ‘Lent Lunches’ were being served.

The wide high street has rows of houses either side, one of which is occupied by a small shop and Post Office. Further on is the local butcher. Towards the end of the street stands the 16th. Century Manor House and church. So it seems that the structures of an old way of life still exists, left behind during the industrial revolution.

Moving south

We got up and out from Foxton a few days after Balmaha left. Got through Bosworth tunnel with our Bimini folded down and continued on to Welford junction. Here the visitor moorings have a concrete edge, rings and dry grass. Lovely to also find shelter from the wind. Next day we moved on and passed this seriously broken bridge.

Why are we seeing more of this damage? Is it due to lack of maintenance or increased boat traffic? A testament to the strength of these old brick built bridges is that they are still standing after suffering such damage.

This mooring by Barn Bridge 27

Stopped by Skew bridge to get water and met Peter n Pat from Molly May II. They have been travelling the waterways longer than we have. First met at Braunston and happen to meet at least once a year somewhere on the system. We moved on to near Yelverton and stayed a few days waiting for post. A few birds have found our feeders hung in the bushes.

Stuck in ice

Five days in one place and unable to move because the hire boats from Market Harborough are not going past us to break up the ice. The fog and frost making a blanket of white among the trees and grass. Just hoping the forecast of rising temperatures will arrive soon to remove the ice.

Diesel and water are becoming low. After 2 weeks we usually start looking to fill them up. Checked the tanks to find the water half full and the diesel half empty. “Or was that the other way round”? When the ice became soft after 2 days of above freezing temperatures we were able to move on to the facilities. Then on through the swing bridge to get diesel at Foxton Boat Services for 65p/litre. Then on to the visitor moorings where Les popped in for a cuppa and chat. The day before we had helped Mo n Vanessa up through the locks. They had broken ice to get out of Market Harborough.

Sheep in a cold and frosty field.

The last time we were at Foxton the site was under development. Now it has become a wonderful place full of interest and public amenities and is clearly popular.

Warm friends and cold ice

Mo n Vanessa suggested going off on a bus to town next morning at 10. A good day out in warm sunshine with our friends showing us around and enjoying a snack at ‘Joules’, a little cafe found down a narrow side street. After a fruitless search for printer ink we returned to the boats.

After a Tesco delivery both boats moved half way to Market Harborough stopping at a quiet place with a hard edge, dry tow path, a few trees and a hedge to hang the bird feeders on. Those last few days started cold with some ice on the cut which did not stop us moving. So took our boat down to Market Harborough to use the facilities. A few low bridges were squeezed under without having to lower the ‘bimini’. Looked for one of those caches, got bread n milk from a local shop and returned later to enjoy an evening on ‘Balmaha’.
Next day we left Mo n Vanessa to meet Terry n Myra at Foxton who arrived by car to stay on board for a few days. We got away from the still very public lock area to turn before the tunnel and stopped near Smeeton Westerby. Myra has kindly provided our first meal together which we enjoyed with a drop of wine. It became cold and frosty outside and the ice returned. After a breakfast of warm porridge we all went for a morning stroll returning to find the ice nearly gone. A few boats had passed by so we moved back to Foxton after lunch. The forecast was suggesting even colder evenings and we did not wish to be trapped away from the facilities. Just as well as the temperature dropped rapidly to – 7 over night.
We did not move at all next day and enjoyed a game of Mah-Jongg together. We joined the public to explore the recently cleared Inclined Plane and got refreshments at the cafe. The ice stayed all day and became cluttered with debris as the public kept throwing stones on to the ice. Even removing them from the very path they were walking on! “Must have been amused by the strange sound the ice makes when hit by large stones”. Just hope that British Waterways are taking their money at the ‘Foxton Locks’ pub and museum here to help maintain the attractions.

Foxton facilities

We both walked 6 miles there and back to Foxton. It was a sunny Saturday and when we got there were surprised to find it so busy. “Well it is half term and all the hire boats are coming out of Market Harborough”. Most of them joining the queue to go up the locks. Two lock keepers were on hand to offer advice and assist. One dressed with a bowler hat. We got there at midday and enjoyed a snack from the cafe by the top lock. Boaters tended to stop at the top for a rest by occupying both water points! There is also a pub and a boater’s cafe at the bottom. There is a car park at the top and bottom as well. That Saturday was a wonderful start for their holiday but what did they think when waking up to frost n ice in the morning?

The site of the Inclined Plane has been cleared of trees and undergrowth so can be seen for what it is, a derelict area. Much of the equipment has been lost or destroyed many years ago. It was operating in 1900 to bypass the locks. Powered by steam proved very uneconomical so was soon closed. The planned widening of the Watford locks never took place so the link between the wide north and south Grand Union canals remained narrow to this day.

We took our boat down a few days later. Ice had formed over night but was nearly gone when we moved. Got water at the top lock and waited a while for one boat to come up. Then it was our turn to go down the ‘stair case’ locks. By now it was a sunny warm day and many ‘gongoozlers’ were watching and helping as we went down. Each lock has a foot bridge across it and our biminy only just went under most of them but had to lower it a few inches for one bridge. At the bottom we turned right and opened that new swing bridge to head towards Market Harborough. But then stopped before a bridge where ‘Balmaha’ was waiting with Mo n Vanessa.

More wind, sunshine and walks

While it was windy we stayed put tied securely to rings ashore. Some weekenders ventured out but struggled to navigate along the canal with the wind pushing the boat off course. The water was whipped up into breaking waves. The sun came out next day and we moved on to Mill Bridge 40. A complete contrast to the previous days weather.

We walked up to North Kilworth, down past a farm following a very muddy bridle way. In places seeing signs of an early spring. The Katkins are out. The village was only a mile away but was mainly uphill and when we got there discovered no shop so walked round the church and returned to the boat. The wind and rain returned during the night and our fire was blown out! That anti down draft chimney was simply ineffective so it got removed.
We have been hanging up containers of nuts, seeds and a fat ball on the hedge. So we can watch the birds as they gather round sometimes being possessive about their discovery. An interesting assortment of types appeared and we looked them up in our book of birds. A robin, blue tits, coal tits, blue finch, hedge sparrow......Have all been identified. When we leave, a fat ball is left behind.
‘The old gent has been following the Jurassic Way and getting his leg over those styles again’

Down at Welford there are many walks to do. Like ‘round the reservoir’ or go on the ‘Jurassic Way’. “Why not look for the source of the Avon”. The locals provided confusion. Some said it was several miles away, while others said it starts at the reservoir. So we really do not know. The reservoir was created to supply water for the canal and in turn gets water from the surrounding hills which are dripping wet with several springs. So the Avon does start somewhere round here.

We did see some Grebe, Greylag & Canada geese and Coot. A fisherman pulled out a huge pike.

Walk about and storms

Back up the Watford flight of locks we decided to explore as it was a sunny day. Ann got the electronic map out and created a ‘route march’ of 3 1/2 miles to Watford and back. Down to the locks on the tow path then across a muddy field, under the motorway, up round the church and back to the boat. Proved difficult to get ones ‘leg over’ some of those stiles!

Next day we moved on to Crick through that wet tunnel. “It is always raining in there”. Then we discovered that the marina was closed on Mondays. “Needed diesel you see”. Will just have to stay overnight on those empty reserved winter moorings. They are apparently controlled by Crick Marina and not British Waterways. By the way we now have our new Gold Licence having collected our post. Having got the tank filled for 56p a litre we moved on to be near Yelvertoft, passing another broken bridge. It seems that some marinas are just profiteering.

A walk to Yelvertoft found a small Post Office / Shop with plenty of local fruit n veg and just up the road an excellent butcher. The walk was along a well kept bridle way which connects Yelvertoft and Crick in a straight line crossing the canal twice and passing Crack Hill. That hill looks a bit unnatural and it turns out that it was created when the tunnel was dug out!

Then the storm came through. We had to go out in the morning to tie down our back cover which was flapping about in the high winds. Thankfully no damage was done. Back inside the boat we felt secure as the storm continued to rage outside. Had breakfast and by noon the storm had passed.

We had done a local search for Geocaches and found one near the tunnel. We cut across on that bridle way and actually located the box using our GPS map. The trip took a full hour and 20 minutes there and back. It was sunny but with a cold wind and we got back to the boat just before a snow storm. Next day we woke to find ice had formed on the canal.

Rain, rain, computers and Bloggers

The Oxford canal at Braunston has turned muddy brown. So much water is running off the fields. It is just as well that the canal system can move the water away. Once again many rivers are in flood all over the country. The towpaths have become saturated and soft with mud provoking many complaints. Went to see Les while at Braunston as ‘Valerie’ was nearby. Good to catch up with his news after passing several times last year.

Next day proved to be a complete contrast weather wise, being right warm and dry. So we set off up the flight joining a boat called ‘Aboatime’. Always makes it easy when going up wide locks.

Then we saw that landslide just by the west end of the tunnel. I think BW must have removed trees and bushes but only a narrow boat can get by because of all the earth still in the canal. The land slide occurred last year and it seems that is the best B W can do for now. For the first time we put our back hood down in order to get through the ‘bent’ Braunston tunnel.

We turned left to go up on the Leicester line of the Grand Union canal and got diesel at Weltonfield Marina for an expensive 70 pence a litre. Such a pity that the supply boat Gosty Hill was down south on the Oxford canal for they were charging 50 pence! Our boat arrived at the Watford locks just in time to get up before they lock up for the day. The lock keeper was kind enough to assist on our way up. Then it was through Crick tunnel before stopping just past the marina. It had been a long day doing over 20 lock miles ending when we saw Mo n Vanessa on Balmaha. Spent several days in each other’s company and even going out for walks.

We have decided that more walking and less computing is better for us when it is a dry day. This is what we were happy with before the computer and internet seemed to absorb so much time. A new computer running Vista has been providing problems and absorbing time trying to get the printer working again. This is why a blog has not been written for a while.

A day out on a bus
The Daventry Dart bus is a 2 hourly service between Long Buckby and Daventry. Having taken the boat down the Watford locks, we walked down to the wharf to catch the bus. After 12 minutes we were in Daventry to see the Dentist do a bit of shopping and get a quick bite to eat. Got on the bus to return but did not recognise the way it was going! The driver did not know where we wanted to get off and after 20 minutes the bus had gone over the canal and beyond. “What should we do”. We got off at Long Buckby and luckily that was less than two miles from the canal so we walked back. Once on the boat the map was studied to see where the bus had gone. It was actually on a circular route passing different villages on the way. Had we stayed on board it may well have gone back over the canal again heading to Daventry!

Another Blogger

We noticed that Gypsy Rover was near us. So we tapped on the boat and introduced ourselves. Dot and Derek were pleased to see us and came round for a cup of tea and a chat. They are a lovely couple from New Zealand who have been touring our canals for a while.

A few days later we went north and they went west agreeing to meet up again soon.

Then the TESCO man arrived.

And we saw these early spring lambs.

Just another year !

We are back on our boat after spending several weeks with family and friends. Last minute changes to our plans were required as we could not get to our pre arranged mooring at Calcutt Marina before Christmas. British Waterways were repairing a culvert and a section of canal had been drained. Ice had formed on the canal in December as we tried to get from Ansty to Braunston so we just had to crunch through it. Once at Braunston we asked at the marina if they could fit us in. Always a problem in the winter months but as it happened a boat was to leave so we were able to go in. A car had been booked at Enterprise in Daventry and they came to collect us the same day. So after all the uncertainties we had our Christmas present and can go home to play with our grand children.

We then set about packing and shutting down the boat systems. Defrost the fridge, pump the water out of the pipes, shut down the fire and clean it out, turn off the gas and isolate the batteries before leaving. With the cat in a cage, our luggage loaded and the dog on the back seat we were off. Our life went up a few gears as we rushed along the roads trying to keep up with the traffic and managed to see family & friends back home. Also saw our Doctor for that all important medical review which is required to keep us registered.

We stayed with Chris n Tracy so that we could enjoy watching the boys open their presents on Christmas morning. Thankfully they did not wake too early. Then we all had lunch together and poured hot burning brandy on the pudding that Ann had made a few months earlier. At tea time we even had some of Ann’s Christmas cake! A few days later we moved up to stay with mum to celebrate my birthday and the New Year.

It was also Ben’s birthday so we stayed to go to his party which was held in a village hall in the New Forest. The theme was based on ‘Lazy Town’ and most of the children dressed up as various characters. It is a children’s program on the TV. Pass the parcel was enjoyed while sitting in a circle before eating at the long table. Ben managed to blow out all the candles on his cake.

By the time we had returned to the boat we had travelled 562 miles in the Ford Focus. More than enough in that short time.

England’s waterways may be in decline

The government is reducing financial support. Vital repair and maintenance is being reduced and allowing the system to collapse. Many old brick built bridges are cracked and damaged like this one at Ansty.

Already the Monmouth and Brecon Canal in Wales has suffered a catastrophic collapse. It was ‘cut in half’ when the bank gave way at Gilwern. That canal may remain closed next year. Many hire boat companies and businesses will suffer. British Waterways are wanting to increase the boat licence above inflation in an attempt to gain extra income from boaters. But we are not the only users of the waterways. Walkers, fishermen and even cyclists can come and enjoy the natural world of the waterways. It is a haven for wild life.

But the Oxford Canal Walk, 48 miles between Coventry and Oxford, has become impossible to walk as in many places it is overgrown or has collapsed into the canal as at All Oak Wood for example.

Half a mile of repair work has been carried out near Ansty which is a start and shows what the path could be like.

Icy days of winter
Ice formed on the cut over night as the temperature dropped below freezing for a couple of nights.

During breakfast a few swans were breaking the ice by trying to walk up on to it. We threw out some bread to encourage them. Then later a couple of boats came crunching by. We set off following the path of broken ice. Eventually the warm sunshine dispersed the majority of the ice sheets. Managed to get to our intended destination before the short day became cold again as the sun went down by mid afternoon. It is very important in these uncertain conditions to keep the water tank topped up. Had to pour warm water over the tap to un freeze the pipes. On our way under similar conditions next day we stopped to fill up with diesel. T. F. Yates was charging 63 p a litre which is less than Rose Narrowboats but more than the supply boat Gosty Hill. Seems that if you can get it for less than 60 p you are lucky these days. Mr Yates was thinking about packing up next year when diesel is set to jump up to ‘road prices’. Claiming that many boaters will get their fuel from the likes of Tesco in containers and pour it into their tanks. I do not want to think about the environmental damage that could occur when it spills into the waterways.

BW Service Standard, Survey

British Waterways have issued a 'Customer Service Standard' document. A surprisingly high standard to achieve in a couple of years. NABO have setup a survey on their web site. Your chance to put your view to BW through the National Association of Boat Owners. Have a look by clicking on our link.

Problems on the ‘cut’

We are members of the National Association of Boat Owners which has just had its AGM. Sadly membership is not growing despite there being so much going wrong with our lovely waterways. They are there to represent us in this time of need. The chairman has been to a lot of meetings with BW and the new Waterways Minister. BW have been ‘going through the motions’ of consulting but are insulting. Their consultations over mooring fees and licence fees are really ‘Take it or leave it’ situations. We have written to our MP about the sad state of our waterway system which is falling apart due to lack of investment. BW, in their wisdom, have issued a ‘Customer Service Standards’ document. IF all that it contains is achieved we may be happier boaters but who is going to pay for it all? Not just us poor boaters. Do click on our link to NABO to see what is going on.

Events between Braunston & Rugby

We are now limited by winter stoppages. British Waterways planned maintenance. Down at Braunston we got the bus to Daventry. Nearly missed it because Geof Amos had changed the time table. Just happened to be market day so we got some fresh veg. Tried to get our flu jabs at the medical centre but they could not give us an appointment yet. Did some Christmas shopping though.

Then family came up to see us. Wonderful to see our grand children and their parents on the boat again. Felt the need to get out of Braunston but the only way was north with the nearest turning point proving to be a long 5 miles distant. Stopped a mile out for an enjoyable meal together. Then on a few miles more till it was getting cold. Josh & Ben are growing up fast as expected. We played football outside for a while then with their toys inside. They both drew some pictures for us before we put them to bed. Next day we had to travel up to the turn and back to a few miles out of Braunston for lunch. It was a horrible cold damp day. With the benefit of hindsight it would have been better to stay in Braunston. Never mind, it was an enjoyable visit and ‘family’ enjoyed the trip on board.

For us now, a return to Rugby next day. Stopped at Hillmorton to see Reg and Elaine on Relain who provided tea and chat. Got gas for £18 and diesel for 60p a litre at Clifton before stopping at the almost empty Brownsover moorings. Yobs were seen chucking a shopping trolley into the canal. A fellow boater and Ann managed to return it to Tesco. Felt happier to move over to the other side for the night but still got a tap on the roof as people passed by. Perhaps a reason for the lack of boats here this winter. Another is the closure of damaged facilities.

Next day Tim and Lisa came to fit our new folding ‘biminy’ cover. That is what Tim called it. The frame had been fitted a few weeks earlier. It was quite a challenge for them but the result was fine. Unusual to be on a ‘traditional’ stern. Now we can travel about in the winter without getting cold and wet.

Bus, train, bloger, shop and friends

And so we progress slowly south now on the Oxford canal. We stopped at Ansty where Ann got a bus, train, bus all the way back to Gnosall. She got there and back in one day with time to enjoy the visit. It took us all of 12 days to do the same by boat on the canals! Just had to go back to see No Problem’s latest crew member namely a puppy called Meg. Also of course to say hello to Sue, Vic and Lucy. Sue’s homemade soup was consumed on board.

Next day we moved on down to Clifton. When passing through All Oaks Wood we recognised the name painted on the bow of ‘Khayamanzi’ and exchanged greetings with Andy as the blogers passed. Stopped at Brownsover near Rugby where only one other boat was moored. Usually many boats occupy both sides of the canal here. Went to Tesco to stock up. A very busy store on a Saturday afternoon. Bit of a culture shock with so many people about.

Continuing south we noticed that T. F. Yates was closed. Just hope it was because it was the weekend. Clifton Cruisers was open for business but on enquiry not Sundays over the winter months. Our navigation is limited now that Hawkesbury Lock is closed in the north and the canal is drained down at Lower Shuckburgh. We got filled up with diesel from Gosty Hill, a supply boat operating on the Ashby, Coventry and Oxford canals. Iain and Alison have been operating for a few years and have now painted their boat. They loaded up at Hawkesbury with the diesel and coal and found it slow going in the shallow canal. So we were pleased to see them as our tank was getting quite low. Always try to use the supply boats if we can. They won’t be back for three weeks so expect to fill up from one of the boat yards, marinas or hire fleet operators. The diesel price is going up due to extra duty.

Down at Barby we met up with Terry & Myra on Juno. Spent a few days in their company and walked up to Barby and back on a warm sunny morning.

New pictures of the Llangollen Canal

I have up loaded a new set of pictures. Please see our web site by clicking the link and go to the Canals page.
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Atherstone Locks

After our visit we moved up two locks of the Atherstone flight of locks and stopped for the weekend, not normally recommended because the water level goes up and down as boats go through the locks. In the evening a boat came up in the dark. Next day the lock keeper found that the gates and paddles had all been left open. All the water had drained out over night. Luckily we were OK being near the bottom lock. In the morning the lock keeper reset the paddles and shut the gates so it was not long before the entire flight was navigable again. We eventually got to the top ourselves where the keeper lives in the lock cottage.
He is a real asset to the system making sure that the flight of eleven locks are kept in working order. He also cuts the grass and keeps the flight neat and tidy. The top lock is treated as an extension to his garden with flower beds and boxes making a pleasant sight even at this time of year. He has a sense of humour as there is a well head in the corner with what appears to be people looking in and climbing out!

It must be said that the canal system would benefit greatly if there were more lock keepers and length men employed. They would be able to spot potential problems before becoming dangerous and threaten the navigation.