The Josiah Wedgwood Experience

We moored by bridge 104 on the Trent & Mersey and walked to the Visitor Centre and factory complex near Barlaston. When we left we had learnt and seen a lot about making artistic pottery. Back in the 1930's the old factory at Stoke on Trent was being undermined by the coal industry and eventually flooded by the canal. This new factory started production in 1940. We watched as girls applied white relief to blue jugs, automatic robot arms sticking handles to mugs and lumps of clay being transformed into plates by machine.

Josiah was apprenticed to a potter and he became an outstanding scientist, artist and engineer. He invented many revolutionary processes. One was to accurately measure the very high temperatures in the ovens. After many experiments he created green glaze. His creamware was later called Queen's Ware after he sold a full service to Catherine 11 of Russia in 1773. He also encouraged the building of canals which he used to great advantage.

Holiday Traffic

The canals were not built for fast motorised boats and is suffering from wash damage. Some holiday makers are showing a lack of respect these days. "We are on holiday so must drink as much as possible and get as far as possible". They seem to rush along even when passing moored boats. Presumably have not experienced mooring pins being pulled out or had their boat lurch backwards and forwards when a fast boat passes them.

Progress

Having got our order back at Tamworth we are now heading north again. Each year requires a general plan to explore favourite canals and discover new ones. We want to get through Stoke on Trent to turn off on to the Caldon Canal. Many boaters have encouraged us to go see it. It is only 15 miles long to Froghall but there are 17 locks. The summit being 484 feet above sea level.

Commercial traffic

The government have suggested that the waterways should become more commercial. Some of the wide canals & rivers may be able to cope but the lack of investment since the railways 'took over' means that it will take a long time to achieve. Perhaps the railways should take more. The commercial boats are much deeper in the water than the average pleasure boat. So the much needed dredging will have to be addressed.

The canals are increasingly being used for recreation these days by many user groups such as bikers, walkers, fisher men and boaters. It is a 'natural' environment now and is very relaxing for hard working people to enjoy. Commercialisation will destroy all this.

One way Street

The length of Coventry canal between Rugeley and Handacre is mainly narrow and slow going. Some parts are only wide enough for one boat. Thankfully we did not meet another head on which is surprising because we met one at most bridges. Apart from trees and bushes creating blind spots many of the new road bridges have been built at an angle to the canal so they too have created permanent blind spots. British Waterways are attempting to cut back the trees and bushes but still have a lot to do.

More pictures on our WEB

Spot the changes.

New item now available; wild life pictures.

More canal pictures.  Now 18 canals to see.

The book 'Life With A Narrowboat' now up to 9 chapters.

Click on www.moore2life.co.uk

Stone turn round

Despite an early shower we set off for Stone a few miles and locks further north west. The rain had stopped when we saw a boat ahead stuck in the shallows. Suggested he reverse off but he did not go far enough and got stuck again. We tried to pull the boat back with a rope but in the end managed to pull the bow off sideways. Stone was full of long term moorings two years ago. Now there are visitor moorings above and below the locks so we were able to explore the towns shops. A boat yard however still fully occupies the mooring in the centre but it does have a good chandlery.

We have decided to turn round here because an order placed at Tamworth needs to be collected soon. We had to go up 3 locks and a mile out of town to a new turning point further away than expected. Many smart new houses at the northern end of town and some good moorings past the boatyard and Stone Brewery. All 3 locks are at least 10 feet deep with a queue of boats waiting. It is Friday and the holiday boaters are in a hurry to return to base. Have not known a day like it. Started off in light drizzle, then hot sunshine, then a very heavy down pour followed by sunshine again. We put on our waterproofs but the holiday boaters remained in shorts and sandals! Eventually found a quiet spot 2 miles out of town having done 4 miles and 8 locks.

Green Life

What chance for the green world? When we started camping under canvas it was the minimal way of life which made it different. Boating is a few steps in that direction, we have survived and enjoy life. Seems that others are not accepting 'less than' when on holiday. The canals are filling up with moving boats as the days get warmer. Problem is that they rush about and require lots of power to exist. Engines are being run 'out of hours' which is unsociable. It is no wonder that mooring near houses are becoming restricted.

Web site

I have now created a web site called www.moore2life.co.uk .  Please have a look.  Just click on the link on the right.  The site has many pictures of the canals we have explored since 2000.  I am still in the process of adding more pictures and intend to expand content to include useful information about living on a narrowboat.

Moorings and Tesco

On down the locks at Hillmorton. The cafe / bistro here is worth a visit. Next stop, Clifton. Were lucky to find our mooring where we are protected by bushes and trees from the golf course. Saw the fox in the field opposite again. Together with long horn cattle and rabbits. Molly had the stitches removed at the local vet. Some boaters are passing too fast, a growing problem in the 'moving' season. Sadly the poor little ducklings and baby moor hens are getting swamped by the wash. Ann was upset to see several dead chicks in the water.

Ansty

Moved on to Brownsover, the Rugby mooring. We had successfully managed to place an order with TESCO using the Net, saving us having to carry all the heavy goods ourselves. The driver found us and was very willing to bring the order to the boat. Despite the fact that his van was too tall to clear the barrier into the car park.  Then moved on up to Ansty for the night.

Shallow waters

Shallow waters

There are 10 miles of level water between Claydon and Marston Doles on the Oxford Canal. But there is only 5 miles between the two places! Such is the way it follows the contours with many bends and turns. It is very shallow making the boat slow and unresponsive. The water is always brown with churned up sediment. This is the summit level and I wonder where all the water is coming from. We had passed the reservoir but no water was being fed from it.

Stopped near Nimrod Bridge 108 and fed the baby ducks.

Banbury Cross

Back at Banbury we took Molly to the Vet to be spayed. A 20 minute walk across town past the famous cross and a statue of the 'fine lady' on a horse. We were amused to see a small frog sitting there by the horses hoof. The original cross was removed in 1602 and replaced in the 19^th century.

Ride a cock horse to Banbury Cross,

To meet a fine lady on a white horse,

With rings on her fingers and bells on her toes,

She shall have music where ever she goes.

Next day we collected Molly and managed to carry her back to the boat. Resting at the Cross and admiring the rather fine statue of that horse. Molly spent a quiet day in her bed. Then we went back to have her checked and the plaster dressing removed. Have arranged to remove the stitches at the Rugby vet.  Meanwhile she is quite wound up with restricted exercise.

Help needed ashore

We stopped at Cropredy, north of Banbury and celebrated Ann's birthday at the Brassenose Arms. The only Pub in Britain with that name. (I'm not surprised). We were half way between Cropredy and Banbury when we got the news about Tracy. Her leg had swollen up due to a burst cyst in her left knee. They need help because Tracy is to rest and cannot walk without crutches.  Our two young grandchildren need our help.

Luckily we could hire a car from 'Enterprise' at Banbury and drive one way home leaving it at a local office.  But first find somewhere to leave the boat in a safe place. We got some diesel at Sovereign Boats who suggested leaving it opposite where they could keep an eye on it. But it was only a 48 hour mooring and BW told us we could not leave it there. Had to go on through the town past the lock and under the bridge. The 14 day moorings there are too public and considered insecure. So on a bit further to a quiet mooring where there are at least some other boats.

'Enterprise' collected us and took us to their office where we got the car. Back at the boat we transferred our luggage and the animals before driving home. Decided to stay with relatives so we were only 20 minutes walk from Tracy, Chris and their children. After breakfast we walked there before half past eight! Later we borrowed mum's car. Spent 10 days getting to know Ben and enjoying some quality time with Josh.

Tracy's leg was getting much better with the use of an ice pack but she was still on crutches when we had to return. Our mooring on the canal is limited to 14 days. Thankfully a friend reported that the boat was OK and he had checked the mooring pins for us as he was passing. Hired another car from 'Enterprise' and returned to Banbury. Got back to find the boat just as we had left it.

Government support

We are cheered by the news that the government has reinstated the grant to BW which was 'lost' last year. This had caused BW to drastically cut back on staff resulting in low morale and an uncertain future. During the election campaign it has been revealed that some MP's have a poor regard of the canal system and it's users and even think it is in decline! How wrong can they be? You have only to read Boating magazines to see how many restorations, improvements and marina's have happened in recent years. The 'opposition' party have plans to sell off BW owned property to pay for a reduction in civil servants. They had previously praised BW for investing in property to increase income. BW get £25 m from this investment so the grant would have to be increased by this amount if the government intend to keep the canals open.

Nesting and a mouse

While at Marston Doles Ann has been watching two Moor Hens helping each other hatch eggs on their nest. They swap over several times during the day. The one in the water is looking for food to give to the bird on the nest. The nest has been built on thin branches and reeds about 2 feet above the water. Passing boats make waves but the nest is OK.

Moved on to Bridge 130 where that mast is. Molly was very interested in her bag of dried food out front. Ann put her hand in to get a titbit for the dog. There inside was a field mouse! Do hope it is the only stowaway and has not been there too long! The mouse was released into the hedge and disappeared.

Braunston Blacking

Before leaving for our winter trip to London and back we had booked a 'slipping' at Braunston Boats by the bottom lock. On our return we asked about when to bring the boat up. As the forecast was rain on Monday and the slip was empty the boat was pulled out a day early. A tractor and trolley did the job as we watched from shore. Inside the TV had been put safely on the bed and other items put on the floor. The bottom of the boat is normally 2 feet under the water but now it is almost that far above ground ! The great advantage here is that we are provided with a platform and steps to get on and off the boat. It was strange being on at boat which did not sway. It just bounced slightly in the middle !

By the end of the day the sides had been pressure washed and one coat of bitumen applied. Much of the original blacking came off in the wash as it had been applied on loose mill scale. This being a new boat and the first time out of water since the survey a year ago. The next day Justin painted the second coat and a day later we were back in the water.

Easter Holiday

Have moved up to the Northampton Arm where we said good by to our friends on No Problem. They are heading down the hill past Northampton and on to the River Nene. We have spent Easter at the top and will head on to Braunston later. Getting on with building two small cupboards in the galley.

When we left to get water at Gayton Junction there were frequent boats passing on the Grand Union Canal. The 2 week holiday has been a popular time for the hire boaters despite the early date. The mild weather has bought them out. There are no locks for 10 miles to Whilton. On the way is one of our favourite villages, Bugbrooke. There, a Millennium Garden is worth a look on the way to the shop.

Got our diesel at Whilton Marina despite the high price of 45p/litre. Would have waited to get it from Ivor on his boat at Braunston but a boater told us he had gone up to Rugby.

We waited in the lock for another boat seen approaching. There are 7 locks to do and it helps if you go up in pairs with the extra crew. It is much quicker and it saves water. On our way up we wondered why several hire boaters came down one by one within sight of each other. Must like hard work? Next day we moved through the tunnel and down to Braunston.  Saw that Ivor was charging 42p/litre.

Blog and Emails

'Orange' are having problems with their network connection so SENDing or UPLOADing data is unreliable. We can get them but cannot answer them for the time being.

Wendover

A canal branches off here heading for Wendover several miles away. This Easter it is to be officially opened to boats and walkers. Ann & Sue spent a whole day walking to the village of Wendover and back along the canal. A pumping station at Tring pumps up 4 million gallons of water from Wiltstone reservoir to keep the summit level full of water. Two large lakes were created to store water and are now a nature reserve.

Bulbourne

From Berkhamsted the canal climes up the Chiltern Hills to the summit level at Cowroast through 6 locks. Before a pump was installed there were long lines of working boats waiting to cross over due to lack of water. Three miles north west gets to Bulbourne in company with a Roman road and a railway. Robert Stevenson had built the railway cutting back in 1834. I may have seen some remains of the broad gauge track covered in grass. Found a space near the 19^th century workshops where BW make lock gates.

As seen in Waterways World !

Thanks to Jim.Shead for spreading the word of boaters blogs. His regular feature 'clicking.on.canals' includes many other sites of interest. 

Water Loss

It had to happen one day. Most locks on this canal are left open as boaters leave them. It then only takes one paddle to be left slightly open or a 'yob' to lift it and overnight water escapes.

We first noticed a problem when the TV picture went off. The aerial had turned round as the boat started to lean over. It was dark, about nine, when it happened. Things got worse. Cupboards opened and the contents started falling out. The water level had gone down a foot. That is a lot of water in a mile between locks. By the time we had loosened off the ropes the boat was almost grounded. It was hard work trying to push the boats off.

A man rushed by from another boat heading for the lock half a mile away. He returned and reported that 3 paddles were up. He had managed to drop two but without a 'windie' he could not drop the third due to the water pressure. So Ann & Sue went off in the dark with a torch and a 'windie'. Water had been flooding over the edge below the lock and the pumping station was working flat out.

By now the boats were starting to shift as the water level came back up. We moored along side No Problem and S n V put a plank out to keep away from the edge.