Category Archives: Trent and Mersey Canal

Strauss Is Taking Credit For All My S**t. 19th September

Derwent Mouth Lock to Cranfleet Cut

Conkertastic

Late last night a new annotated props list landed in my inbox. This morning it was time to arrange a meeting with Min the Props Maker and find out what the props budget is. This done, breakfast consumed and Tilly back on board we pushed off to drop down Derwent Mouth Lock. The Chestnut tree here producing some serious conkers, all glowing brown fresh from their shells, things of beauty. I picked up a few to enjoy for a while until they grow dull as they dry out. Long gone are the days when kids would be seen throwing sticks up into trees to bring down what might turn out to be a truly legendary conker.

M1 ahead

Now to cross where the Derwent meets the River Trent. I’d checked the level board this morning, the level had dropped by at least a bricks worth since yesterday, yet the push of the current coming down stream had us skidding to keep going straight ahead to Sawley.

Sawley

Through the flood lock, past all the moorings, space for visitors, but we didn’t want to stop. Volunteers were keen to help at the locks down onto the river, but we wanted to offload some of our rubbish as it was starting to take over the stern of Oleanna.

We managed to place some of it in the bins which were already quite full. According to the volunteer, they have problems with bin collections here at the moment. Between Sawley and Fradley there is now only Willington where there are bins, since we last did this stretch two bin sites have gone, no wonder these bins are getting overwhelmed. We kept some back to add to the next bins.

Down the lock and back on the river, no space on the pontoon today, but we weren’t wanting to stop there anyway, our second mate would complain about the lack of friendly cover and trees close by. Down to the junction of the Erewash, Trent, Cranfleet cut and the River Soar, we headed right, south, a kingfisher darting along in front of us and an Egret watching on.

Coming in to moor

Through the flood lock at Red Hill, named as the sandy bank behind the houses on stilts is very red. Then we looked for a space to pull in, just enough room for us. A lorry arrived with a narrowboat sat on its trailer, what looked like a fresh coat of paint above the gunnels, but old blacking below. The lorry nudged back and forth on the slipway getting into position for the boat to be lifted off.

We walked round and found the office. Mandy welcomed us in, we’d said we’d be calling in for a chat. Oleanna is booked in with Tom at Gibson and Kentwright for a repaint early next year and we wanted to sus out about coming out of the water early to wait for our slot on the hard, which will save us money on our CRT licence.

Lorry lining up for the boat to be lifted off

Mandy was very straight with us about the marina and their rules. It is a very busy boat yard, with boats moving around on the hard most days. Several builders and painters on site, so it’s not a place that suits everyone. No dogs or kids allowed, too dangerous to have them running around. They would need to know if we wanted to do any work on Oleanna whilst she’s out of the water so she’s blocked up appropriately. Would we want power? We’d need a long lead as the meter may not be next to the boat. Don’t expect them to drop everything should you want something moved as they are very busy. They also charge 6 months land storage when you arrive, then if there are any months unused when you leave you get them refunded. Our quote from Tom includes three moves, so we’d be adding another one. Coming out of the water, laying up and six months storage would come to just under £2000, all payable the day we arrive! Gulp!!

We chatted about dates, all possible. We chatted about being still on the water whilst we move off, then being lifted out, less stress for Tilly, also all possible. We left with a mooring contract to fill in and her quote.

Back we go

The boat on the lorry was now being lifted by the big crane, just high enough to get the lorry out, then it was lowered, ropes handed down to chaps waiting so that when the boat is back in the water they can move her about. We wanted to go back the way we’d come. Where to wind? Ahead not really enough room and with a narrowboat about to be launched we’d be in the way! A winding hole back through the flood lock, Mick reversed us back then did his best to wind in between the banks of pennywort.

Back to Trent Lock where we pulled in to try out the new mooring rings that have recently been added, much better spacing than of old and not too big a step off Oleanna. Tilly was given the rules and off she went to explore whatever lies behind the hedge. CRT notices came in regarding the South Oxford, Coventry and Grand Union Canals, these will not be opening yet, but they hope to open them for a window of two weeks at the end of October for boaters to return to their moorings. If we positioned ourselves well we’d be able to make it to Oxford or Banbury for me to commute from the boat to work on Panto. But then we might find ourselves getting stuck at the wrong end of the country and miss our paint slot. The CRT notice just reinforced the decision we’d made a couple of weeks ago, to keep the boat north and if possible I’ll have a long weekend back home, if not Mick might come to Chippy or London for a weekend instead.

After lunch Mick headed off into Long Eaton to pick up his prescription and I got myself ready for my meeting with Min. At 4pm the meeting started. Getting to know each other, how we both work, when things will be needed for rehearsals was one side of the meeting. Then there was the nitty gritty of each item, a long long list for a pantomime.

More panto lists

Mick arrived back a little after 5, we’d not got half way through Act 1. We jumped about a little, some props having things in common with items later in the show. 6pm, we’d not reached the interval. Tilly came home wanting food, Mick fed her. We could break the meeting and carry on some other time, maybe over the weekend. 7pm, Mick was happy to wait for food, he had a shower. Four hours after we’d started Min and I reached the end of the list, both of us with lists of questions for other people, but a very good thorough meeting. Thank you Min.

What to do for food? Emergency tuna pasta or see if one of the pubs was still serving food, it was possible it being a Friday night. We tried The Steamboat Inn first, no-one at the bar, a few people sat drinking, no signs of any food being served, we turned round and walked on to The Trent Lock.

Tonights naughty meal

Yes they were serving food, quite a few tables occupied, we picked up menus and ordered. A glass of wine to accompany a bacon chop, egg and chips, just a different name for Gammon really, but it was very nice and saved cooking late, just that bit more expensive than the dhal I had been going to make this evening!

Back on Oleanna we had another glass of wine and ended up as we quite often do on a Friday watching old music programs. Tonight there was one about great guitarists. Jimi Hendrix was playing something that sounded remarkably like Smoke on The Water. Had he written it? Or was it Deep Purple? Jimi died in 1970, Deep Purple recorded it around 1971. Mick checked on line and came across a forum, this had started a spat.

Jimi wrote the song and then the singer from deep purple found a tape laying on the ground, played it, and it was the song. so they learned it and gave themselves credit.

The “tape” as he specified was not considered an ideal medium to record music because it was too primitive be used for anything that requires detail. The cassette tape was primarily used for diction. It was not until ’71 that companies began to modify and tinker with the technology to make it suitable for different applications i.e. music recording.

Don’t try to bring logic and facts to this thread, Jimi Hendrix wrote Smoke on the Water, PERIOD.

No, I wrote Smoke on the Water. PERIOD. He stole that song from me, just as The Beatles took my idea for Sgt. Peppers, The Rolling Stones took my “Satisfaction”, and that prick Beethoven stole my Ninth. And don’t get me started on those bastards, Mozart and Bach. The Vienna Waltz? That was mine too. I dropped my USB key in Autstria, and the next thing I know, Strauss is taking credit for all my sh*t.

2 locks, 3 flood locks, 3.6 miles, 2 rights, 1 wind, £2k, 4 hours props meeting, 2 A4 sheets of notes, 2 late to make dhal, 5 minutes brisk walking! 2 bacon chops, 2 glasses of wine, 1970, 1971, 1972? 1 Mrs Tilly stamp of approval.

https://what3words.com/crazy.rides.rigid

No Running! 18th September

The Wharf, Shardlow to above Derwent Mouth Lock

A damp morning, the precipitation managed to increase just as the Sainsburys van arrived with our shopping, meaning Mick and the driver got slightly soggy along with our shopping. Despite this it was a good place for a delivery as the van could park right alongside us.

Pushing off

Once things had dried up a touch we pushed off and headed to moor above Derwent Mouth Lock to give Tilly some shore leave. I walked and Mick brought Oleanna, there’s not much further for me to walk as we’ll be back on the rivers soon.

Tilly was granted shore leave for the remainder of the day. It’s okay here I suppose!

After lunch I headed out for a walk. A quick check of the river level, under the green marker so we should be okay for a while longer. Then across the top of the lock joining a footpath that follows the bywash then cuts across a field to the banks of the River Derwent.

I seemed to have caused a mass exodus, all the sheep walking in line to the next field. One stopped to look at me, ‘You go on ahead, I’ll follow you’ I said. I waited for them all to pass before cutting across the field.

The River Derwent

The flow down the river was pretty good, it should aid us heading down stream tomorrow. Across more fields, flood banks marking the edges. Horses came for a nosy. A glimpse of Shardlow Hall, now an old peoples residence. I made sure I didn’t run anywhere, although there weren’t any cows in the field. Down a snicket back to the main road through Shardlow.

I then chose to walk round the rest of The Wharf, passing some lovely houses, a few conversions and some modern. Shardlow is a very pretty place, one that was once a major trans-shipment river port, with goods moving from river to canal in the 18th Century.

House to the left. House to the right.

We pottered away the rest of the day. Me waiting for an approved props list from John for panto. A few emails were sent regarding boating plans and phone calls were made too.

Pretty cars too

I then had a hunt for the scans of my Dad’s diary from 1943 to 1946. I wanted to see if he’d ever been posted to King’s Newton. The nearest he’d been was a camp on Bowbridge Road in Newark. I looked to see where he’d been on the 18th September 1945. Sailing through the Bay of Biscay headed for India, it was a very rough journey, his description of the way the ship was rolling in the swell makes me even more wary of lumpy waters. He did however manage to down two servings of afternoon tea, a cuppa and a bun, then his evening meal. He and the other officers were travelling in the first class accommodation and he was enjoying the food, well, when he wasn’t seasick!

September 18th 1945

Tonight we had salmon crumble, this should have been a fish crumble but Sainsburys didn’t have the fish pie mix so we got salmon steaks instead.

0 locks, 0.6 miles, 3 boxes wine, 2 salmon steaks, 1 squash, 0 new toothbrush! 0 neighbours, 69 brisk minutes, 0 cows, 39 sheep, 0 running, 1 props list at 10pm, 13 years without my Dad.

https://what3words.com/label.freely.palm

That’s Not Castle Howard! 17th September

Massey’s Bridge 12 to The Wharf, Shardlow

Wet overnight and still wet this morning. We opted to wait a few hours before making a move, it’s always hard getting going when there is wet stuff in the air.

That’s not Castle Howard!

Mick got a text from the GP’s. An appointment would be made for him locally to see an Ophthalmologist to check his eye sight before there can be a decision regarding his driving licence, and another appointment to see a stroke person. Come the 28th September it will be a month since he was admitted to hospital and this is when his month of not being allowed to drive started, a standard thing after a stroke.

That’s Castle Howard!

Just three minutes later he received an NHS message inviting him to an Ophthalmologist appointment in Derby! Ah, what had local meant? Had this appointment come about from the GP? Or was this on the cards anyway and been organised by Derby Hospital? Was this Micks original appointment to the Ophthalmologists at Derby that he’d waited a weekend for? Thank goodness they’d not kept him in until this appointment as it’s not until the end of October! If it’s not from the GP, will he be offered another one locally in York or Scarborough? We’ll wait and see, at least there’s an appointment in the diary.

Ohh Betty!

By about 11 we were making ready to push off, waterproofs donned as we didn’t trust the weather. I walked ahead to Weston Lock as Mick brought Oleanna behind. A touch damp, but also quite warm, so striding out meant I was getting hot legs. The water tank needed a refill so we pulled in at the tap above the lock. Chance to catch up with Frank, last night he’d been to press night at the SJT to see our lodgers in the latest Ayckbourn play, he’d really enjoyed it.

Don’t let this gate open!

What ever you do don’t open the off side bottom gate! The lock was full, we descended. I opened the near side gate. Yes I’d be walking to the next lock, but could Mick loiter to see if I was going to be able to close the gate? I tried and tried, but the big chunky oak gate leans back into it’s recess and the beam is just a touch too short to comfortably use the bridge wall to push off with. It was obvious I wouldn’t manage it, so Mick pulled in below and came to assist.

Swapping with a rather smoky boat at Aston Lock

Should we pause for lunch above Aston Lock or carry on to Shardlow. If we delayed would we loose a possible mooring where a delivery was booked to arrive. We opted to carry on. A boat was coming up Aston Lock, we swapped and headed down. The same happened at Shardlow Lock, although as they left Oleanna wasn’t to be seen as she’s slowed to pass a line of permanent moorings including one that had come adrift and was being tied back up.

A view of the lock beam

The extension to the lock cottage is still being worked on, they will have a good view of the top gates through their window.

Going down Shardlow Lock

Now what to do? There was space outside the Clockhouse, but would there be space at The Wharf where our delivery was booked? I walked ahead to check things out. Thank goodness, there was space for two 58ft boats. Once moored up we broke the news to Tilly that there’d be no shore leave this afternoon due to the proximity of cars, one being parked right outside our side hatch.

Shardlow

Emails had been flooding in this morning from CRT. Rain must have been falling on the west side of the Pennines as the Leeds Liverpool locks from Wigan to Greenberfield are set to reopen, but those down to Leeds will for the time being remain closed whilst levels improve. West side of the Huddersfield Narrow opened with immediate effect, Fradley locks are operational. The Ashton Canal is to open. Flood locks and gates are in operation on the Aire and Calder. All looking good. I’m just hoping canal beds and gates haven’t dried out too much, causing more problems once the water returns.

The weather forecast suggests that parts of the country have already had twice the average amount of rain for September. We’re going to have to keep an eye on River levels!

Think I prefer my plain wooden benches at the house

Finishing touches were put to our supermarket delivery, a restock required.

Chicken Curry Old Style tonight.

3 locks, 4.8 miles, 3 minutes, 1 GP in Scarborough, 1 appointment in Derby, 1 letter to London, 1 NHS likely to get more confused, 1 PA phone call, 1 District Nurse, 1 full water tank, 2 needed, 1 perfect mooring, who said it was perfect! 0 props list, 1 enquiry, 1 river rising.

https://what3words.com/milkman.montage.screaming

Crunchy Under Foot. 16th September

Massey’s Bridge 12

Today we’d be waiting around for a phone call from Mick’s GP surgery from the person who can prescribe drugs. Before Mick went into hospital with his stroke they had just changed some medication, so this would be a follow up appointment for that. He jotted down other things he wanted to talk to them about as when he’d been to the surgery last week for a blood test etc. the person he’d seen couldn’t answer any of his questions. There were also his new drugs to be added to repeat prescription and as yet his discharge letter from Derby Hospital hadn’t appeared in his notes.

We were wanting to move on, but didn’t want to move from somewhere with good phone signal. Mick had called the surgery yesterday to see if they knew what time it might be, ‘it could be anytime’. Time to be patient again.

The morning was pottered away. The wind reduced from yesterday, but still quite blustery. A few boats were on the move, we stayed put, Tilly got busy in the outside.

No call by lunchtime. We had lunch. We waited.

Mid afternoon and I needed to stretch my legs, hopefully a walk would encourage the surgery to phone.

Wide viaduct

Back to the viaduct, this time I turned right and headed for the River Trent. The flow seemed quite strong, levels up a touch after the recent rainfall. Good in one respect that there is more water in the system, however this water is heading straight out to sea and not helping fill the reservoirs, but maybe that is happening too, fingers crossed. Today there have been more CRT notices regarding a few more areas. On the Macclesfield stop planks are being lifted to help the canal fill up, although they do warn that levels will still be low for navigation. Hopefully things will improve up on the summit pound for boaters and boats being fitted out too.

Looking downstream

The area around Kings Newton was used by Sappers in WW2 for training, building and dismantling bridges and work on railways. I wondered if my Dad had been trained here, but research later suggested that he was too young and would have been posted elsewhere. But I’ll check his diary at some point just in case.

The track goes onwards towards Loughborough, it is Route 6 of the Sustrans National Cycle Network, this actually stretches from London to the Lake District. A good surface to walk on, interrupted occasionally by lines of rivets.

Yesterdays wind had blown down hips onto the towpath, up on the railway it was acorns which made for a very crunchy walk. Later they would be joined by red apples and chestnuts. Natures bounty strewn on the floor.

Running into the distance

Not much view from along the track which soon clings to the side of the hill that Kings Newton sits on, trees on either side of the track and bridges crossing overhead. I wasn’t sure if there’d be access points at some of the road bridges so I opted to take the steps of love up the side of the bank. Gosh these were steep steps, I hope my knees, now quite happy with walking distances, will cope with climbing ladders whilst working on panto!

Steps of Love

I joined the roads through the village, passing modern houses, 1940’s houses, Victorian houses, Shazza’s Cafe. Up to the cemetery with its chapel and many many headstones. On the way to a snicket a young girl sat on her Dad’s shoulders reaching up high with a stick to encourage one of the last red apples still clinging on to drop into her hand. I don’t know if she succeeded as I was busy trying to get away in case any apples were to fall on me!

Chapel

Saturday is Derbyshire Day, I’ve seen posters for various things happening in villages. Here and in Melbourne (not the one in Australia) there is an art and architecture trail happening. If we were still to be around the area it looks like a good thing to do, but sadly we need to be elsewhere by then.

Seeing for miles

I caught a glimpse of some older buildings before crossing a road to join a footpath back towards the railway line which had great views northwards. Stiles with dog access too. Then back along the railway line, across the river and back to Oleanna.

Still no phone call from the GP’s. Maybe they’d call after surgery hours? Maybe they wouldn’t? Maybe we should move Oleanna to get water and tackle Weston Lock? Maybe we should stay put and carry on waiting.

Dog access

Mick’s phone pinged. A text message from the GP’s! They were happy with recent results, so keep taking the new medication. But hang on! What about the stroke? He’d be needing other new drugs adding to his repeat prescription! Thankfully there was an option on the text to reply. Thankfully the repeat prescription wouldn’t be going to Burton! Texts went back and forth for a while, one including Mick’s discharge letter. Maybe a phone call would have been better.

The person Mick was communicating with was only aware of his change in meds for blood pressure and not that he’d had a five day stay in hospital after a stroke. A text message was all that was required for the surgery with the info they had. He’d had a long day waiting for a phone call, if we’d known it would be a text we could have moved this morning. A touch frustrating.

Mick sent an online question to the GP regarding a vision test to see if he can get his driving licence back, also to get the ball rolling on a follow up with a stroke person. We’ll see what happens tomorrow, see if he can get to talk to anyone, maybe even a doctor!

Chicken and cauliflower Macaroni Cheese tonight, we’d forgotten about the cauliflower on Sunday!

0 locks, 0 miles, 1 less windy day, 1 very long wait, 1 sausage day for cats, 1 litre pink or is it magenta? 67 brisk minutes walking, 2 dog gates, 1 long cycle track, 4 texts, 1 online question, 1 Mrs Tilly stamp of approval.

If Anyone Is Interested! 15th September

Near Massey’s Bridge 12

Hello!!! If anyone is interested …. I’m fine, thank you.

Sunshine and wind

My left arm was a touch sore but it has recovered nicely now with a bit of bed rest and gentle exercising, the occasional pounce has got it back in full working order. I get daily strokes and have no idea what all the fuss has been over Tom’s one. No need to visit the green Toms and Shes for me. Thank you Dave for your concern.

Today, however is a touch too blowy for my liking, even too blowy to sit on my throne under the pram hood, so it’s the window view for me today.

Not many berries left on the bushes

A touch too blowy! Understatement. I managed to sit it out for a few hours, the small willow trees opposite bending right over, the Hawthorne hedge giving us some shelter from the gusts. Mick tightened our ropes, not that there was much slack in them to start with. By midday I’d worked my way through panto references pulling out good images for Min the props maker, but I’d also had enough of the lumpy water. I was starting to feel a touch seasick.

Apparently the worst of the wind had passed over, so I headed out for a walk on solid ground. Up to the viaduct. I crossed the canal and then followed the old Midland Railway, Derby and Melbourne Line until it met with the Sawley and Western Line at Chellaston East Junction. Here I could hear the woofers barking away that we’d heard on our way west a few weeks ago, they were tucked away behind trees and a big fence. The Derby and Melbourne Line used to turn into the Derby and Ashby Line heading through Tonge which is 10 miles from Derby. The mile posts sponsored by East Midlands Electricity seem to cover both railway and canal.

Derby to Tonge

I’d done my best to rush through the trees, but they’d offered me some shelter from the wind. I intentionally zigzagged my way along the open road, being in view of on coming traffic as well as avoiding trees and being blown into the road by possible gusts. It was a hood up day, even that needed hanging onto! Thankfully soon a footpath dipped away from the road to Massey’s Bridge on the canal.

Humans are horrible!

Now on through the fields on the other side, low growing crops and some fields left after the harvest. A stile, an electric fence, a pile of beer bottles and cans! Someone had managed to get them all here full, why couldn’t they take them away empty!

An intentional line of trees, then a slightly ornate stone wall surrounded the destination of my walk today. Swarkstone Pavilion. I’ve seen it from the canal many times, looked at the details on the Landmark Trust website, but never managed to get this close before.

Thankfully the weathered oak gate isn’t filled in, so I respectfully had a nosy through it.

This was the location for an album cover photo shoot for Beggars Banquet by the Rolling Stones in 1968. The images weren’t seen by the band to be edgy enough at the time, they preferred graffiti on a toilet seat, however the record company didn’t like this either, so it ended up being just copperplate writing on a white invitation. One image from the photoshoot ended up being used as a promotional poster for the album. More info can be found here

No chance of playing bowls today on that lawn

The pavilion was built to give a grandstand view over what ever took pace in front of it, inside it’s stone enclosure, be it jousting, bear-baiting or bowls. It is Tudor/Jacobean and was built in 1630 by mason Richard Sheppard, designed by John Smythson. It belonged to Swarkstone Hall a great house which was demolished in 1750. It came into the hands of the Landmark Trust in 1985, they re-roofed it and put in floors so you can now stay there. Have to say I’m glad I wasn’t staying there today as to reach the bathroom you have to cross the roof terrace!

It is a wonderful building even though it is only just a bit deeper than it’s two towers are wide, so quite a skinny building.

Tithe Barn

I headed onwards to see what I could see, an old Tithe Barn which has been converted into a house. then across another field to St James’s Church. The church dates from the 12th and 16th Centuries and was rebuilt in the 1870s. Sadly today the doors were locked, I only just managed a peek through a door but couldn’t see much.

St James’s

An angel in the graveyard warned me to look up. They were right as a chunk of the roof had recently come crashing to the ground. I kept my distance as I walked round and apologised to the residents below my feet.

I crossed back over the fields. The turn around staff at the Pavilion were just packing up their car to leave, the property ready for the next guests arriving later today. Sheep grazed in the fields. I returned to the boat along the towpath, discovering the possible culprits of us being kept a wake a few nights ago. Two chaps were busy sawing up big logs with a chainsaw. Along the towpath the wind had brought down a few more branches for them to claim. Maybe the sawing we’d heard around 1:30 in the morning had been them collecting suitable wood, hoping no-one would notice in the dead of night!

Branch down on the T&M

Back on board I managed to eat some lunch, my stomach having calmed down. Mick took a walk to the viaduct turning right to have a look at the River Trent. The wind hung around for much of the remainder of the day. Tilly didn’t venture far, in fact she gave up with outside and ended up having to use the still clean facilities onboard.

0 locks, 0 miles, 40+mph winds, 565642387686534 berries on the towpath, 1 pavilion, 1 church, 1 angel, 47 brisk blowy minutes, 2 chainsawers, 1 paint list, 1 props folder, 4 homemade chicken spring rolls.

Out In The Open. 14th September

Massey’s Bridge, a little bit further on

Breakfast, poached eggs and mushrooms on toast this morning. Then 16,000 views, weighty porridge, poor Olive and Sue Pollard were all topics of conversation on the Geraghty zoom.

Route 6 on the viaduct

With rain forecast for this afternoon followed by strong winds tomorrow we opted to move sooner rather than later away from any trees that might come down. I walked ahead to check for a suitable mooring, more or less back where we’d moored a couple of weeks ago. Only 0.1 mile, but that would do for us.

A quick comfort break for me before I strode off on a walk, hoping to return before the rain set in.

The towpath here is a lovely surface for cyclists and today they were making the most of it, but soon they veer off onto the old viaduct heading to Melbourne. I popped up to have a look at it myself. A great view back towards Swarkstone. Messages have been added to the iron work to encourage exercise, with bees and butterflies to jolly things up even more.

There was a great big hole

Back on the towpath I carried on to Weston Lock, where I turned towards the Trent. The path became more and more muddy, soon the reason why became obvious. A large gravel pit with diggers, in fact just about the whole north bank has been taken over, very glad I’d put my walking boots on today as the mud in places was quite deep.

The Priest House

I’d walked down here to check to see if the hotel across the way was where we’d attended a wedding a few years ago. We’d considered mooring NB Lillyanne by Weston Lock, but the lack of river crossing meant we’d ended up in a hotel in Castle Donnington. It was The Priest House. A little less idyllic today from the north bank surrounded by diggers and then there was the roar of cars going round Donington Park Racetrack. The car park looked busy though, maybe racing drivers staying at the hotel.

I nearly came a cropper in this puddle

I walked along the river bank until the path brought me to more gravel works, a lake marked on the OS map had very little water in it, but a good quagmire of mud to wade through. Under the railway and then along quite a good track to the canal, crossing over it at Weston Grange.

Weston on Trent was founded in 1012 by King Ethelred the Unready. Weston Lock on the canal was built in 1770. The village was split in two when the Midland Railway branch line was built in 1873, and a station served the village until the 1920’s.

Coopers Arms

Lots of cars seemed to be heading up towards Weston Hall which is now the Coopers Arms, a popular carvery by the looks of it overlooking a lake. It was built by Thomas Roper in 1633 and is one wing of what would have been a much larger stately home, however the rest f it was never built.

I could hear the tinkle of a bell, bigger than the one Tilly wears. A look across the field I was about to enter I could see a chap walking with a bird of prey on his arm, sadly I’d missed it in flight.

St Mary The Virgin

Next came St Mary The Virgin Church, which dates back to around 1280. Many of the grave stones have been moved to the edges of the yard. Quite a few of them have been carved from what looks like slate. A line of them dating back to 1769, whoever carved them had a very curly style, very flamboyant, but it does make them a touch hard to read.

A path brought me down to Hospoda, Ukrainian Country Social Club which was quite unexpected. Down a steep path back to the canal. The little bit of dampness in the air thankfully held off really going for it until I was back, tucked up inside Oleanna.

The social club

The rain came down, Tilly insisted on exploring, returning very soggy and muddy. The rain came down more, there must have been quite a social gathering in the sideways trees to keep Tilly outside for so long! Some work on panto filled the afternoon until we popped a chicken in the oven to roast.

0 locks, 0.1 miles, 6.21 miles walked, 103 brisk minutes, 2 heavy muddy boots, 1 very soggy afternoon, 1 soggy moggy, 1 file of cloths for printing sent, 6 sketches requested for Separate Doors, 1 roast chicken.

https://what3words.com/glow.probing.plump

Paper Girl. 13th September

Lowes Bridge 15 to Massey’s Bridge 12

The loitering look in the bathroom was saying it all! Before I could do anything else this morning Tilly’s pooh box needed refreshing. Shore leave was granted which hopefully would give me time to clean her litter box out before it was too late. Quite often I’ve only just added the fresh litter and in hops Tilly! However by the end of today the clean box remained untouched, I’d had to find alternative arrangements, hadn’t I!

Our papers were checked over, paperclipped into four wadges and slid into the only big envelope we had. Wanting to know when they arrived meant dropping them off at a Post Office as we’d not all the relevant details to buy suitable postage online, this could be combined with my walk today, plus newspaper hunting and purchasing something to roast for Sunday.

Even Tilly had to get her paws on our paperwork!

First we moved up to the water point and waited, another boat already filling, they had quite a large tank. A load of washing sat in our machine waiting for the hose to be filling our tank before it could be turned on. I headed off along the line of the Derby Canal, continuing on northwards which is now a cycle route, then cutting across a park, wiggling my way through houses before turning onto Derby Road.

Here my Saturday morning newspaper hunt was to start. First chance was a Tesco Express, BINGO!!! Four, yes four copies! Brilliant!! I only wanted one. Well that wasn’t hard.

Next port of call the Post Office, as I joined the queue I checked their range of newspapers, good job I’d not started here. The fat envelope was handed over paid for and a signature requested when it arrives. Next a few doors down to Lidl for a chicken and veg for tomorrow, no newspaper of the right flavour here either, my route had been chosen well. Back to the boat following a footpath through the housing estate to the canal.

Dark skies behind us

The boat that had been on the water point was just finishing going down the lock, Mick had had to wait for quite a while before it had been our turn. The washing machine was on, keeping up with the flow from the tap. It took a while before our tank was full then we decided to nudge up onto the bollards for lunch, just as the dark skies loomed over us. Two boats had just come up the lock and they rushed to tie up and take shelter, leaving git gaps everywhere, this meant we had no option but to pull up on the lock landing!

Going down

We waited out the downpour by having lunch. The skies started to clear a touch as a boat rose up the lock ahead of us, we’d take advantage of the full lock and hope to reach our mooring before the heavens opened again. By the time we’d pushed off and got to the lock the level had dropped by a good 2ft! The leak from the bottom gates a fountainous spray and serious bubbling up from beneath them, it’s a good job this stretch of canal is fed from the river!

… pretty quickly!

Wanting to keep quite close to Cuttle Bridge for access to buses we opted for our first M on the Waterway Routes map. As I walked the towpath, the sky grew dark again. Three lads I’d already seen twice before today were taking cover under a bridge fishing, cheeky lads, but harmless. Should we pull in here? Or here? Maybe a touch further along where there was a gap in the hedge, it didn’t really matter now as I was quite damp around the edges already.

A good sky once the rain had stopped

Tilly got the best of the downpour, sheltering under the pram cover. Then the skies cleared, so much so that Mick decided to risk hanging out our washing on the whirligig. This however meant bringing it inside twice when it started to rain again. In the end our pants ended up in the tumble drier, good job we’d topped up with water today!

New improved roses

During the afternoon I started working through my list of panto jobs. Looking out certain items on gumtree, ebay and marketplace and sending links to Chippy. Making up some paper roses to see what sizes would be best for various things. Rolls of suitable paper were also passed on to be ordered.

Cauliflower Cheese with a dash of wholegrain mustard

Cauliflower Cheese was enjoyed tonight, with a bit left over to accompany our Sunday roast.

In water level news, links between the Wolverhampton Level and Birmingham Level have been reopened along with the Wolverhampton flight.

1 lock, 1.1 mile, 70 minutes brisk walking, 2 many showers for pants, 1 Saturday newspaper, 5 roses, 4 wadges of paper posted, 3 cards, 1 huge cauliflower cheese, 4 git gaps.

https://what3words.com/ready.maple.surcharge

A Pawfect Boat Guest. 12th September

Lowes Bridge 15

A quick sweep through and tidy up this morning before logging into a production meeting for panto. Roses, frames, lists, all sorts were discussed, if anyone knows a drummer who’d like to be in Chippy over Christmas please send them our way!

Gemma and I carried on after the meeting, a few nips and tucks with the set builder should bring the budget back in line without me having to revisit elements of the set. Props meetings were lined up for next week so that our props maker Min can get cracking with purchasing things.

Mick had made himself scarce during the meeting, walking down to look at the garden centre and Swarkstone. He soon returned when the coast was clear for a bite of lunch.

BLUE!

The day went from bright blue sunshine to serious downpours. I chatted with Tilly, would she be willing to spend some of the afternoon asleep on our bed, so that a visitor could come on board called Rolo. They don’t normally ask, so I thought it was quite nice to be consulted and didn’t mind being ushered that way. However She closed the bathroom door! That’s not normal either!!

Rolo, he’s not quite got the hang of posing for photos yet

Bridget and Storm have been camping for a few days near Derby and popped over to see us, bringing their 16 week old mini Dacshund called Rolo. Okay so I hadn’t mentioned to Tilly that Rolo was a woofer! We thought that because of the changeable weather it would be nice if he could come and join us onboard too. Well what a boat guest! He sat and gradually nodded off whilst us humans chatted away, plenty to catch up on not having seen them since last year at the Cheshire Locks.

A woofer! His legs aren’t long enough to be a woofer!!

Then there was lots of paperwork to do. Yesterday we’d printed off forms for or Lasting Power of Attorney, these needed us to sign them, there to be a witness and then someone who had known us for two years who could advise as to whether we were doing this of our own free will and of sound mind. Bridget only had to sign each document once, Mick and I several times, but poor Storm was kept very busy witnessing signatures and writing out his address each time.

Storm, Rolo, Mick, Bridget, Pip and Tilly somewhere in the sideways trees

Tilly after a while wanted to see what was going on. I suspect knowing Bridget and Storm over the years helped along with that Rolo was a similar size to herself. I’d been expecting Tilly to cause a fuss, but she gave Rolo a look or two, Rolo woofed back (blowing his cover admittedly), no cartoon cat tail or arched back, Tilly just walked on by and headed out to the sideways trees. The only time there was a fuss was when Rolo was back on the towpath and Tilly decided to defend her boat, but that was short lived.

Blimey!

We had a lovely afternoon chatting away. One more visitor came to ear wig from across the way and sat whilst we all had a good look at his plumage and I managed to get possibly the best photos I’ve ever taken of a Kingfisher.

I walked them back to their van, one night left on the campsite before returning home. Lovely to see them both and hopefully it won’t be so long before we can get together again.

The causeway

I’d not been for a walk, so headed down to the bridge over the River Trent. Storm had mentioned the causeway that stretches off into the distance from here. The footpath not really of a suitable width to walk with cars zooming past, so I found a footpath through the adjacent field, which gave me quite a good view. I’d had my eyes on a 5.5 mile walk through this field, Stanton by Bridge, the outskirts of Melbourne to then cross back over the Trent on a disused viaduct getting me back to the canal above Weston Lock. But it was far too late to start on such a walk, so once my shoes were totally soaked from wading through the long grass in the field I decided to turn round and return getting them just that bit wetter. If I come back this way I’ll put my walking boots on as mud is starting to make a welcome return in the countryside.

A pleasant, if toe dampening, evening walk

Chilli Citrus Salmon this evening with baby potatoes and salad. Yum

0 locks, 0 miles, 11am meeting, 2 months ago I did that! 35,802 roses, 365 Microsoft playing silly b**s, 2 litre flask, 1 keen props maker, 3 visitors, 5 woofs, 1 well behaved Tilly, 1 proud She, 28 signatures, 1 big envelope required, 46 brisk minutes, 2 soggy shoes, 2 dripping socks.

Dashing. 11th September

Lowes Bridge 15

Tilly requested to go out this morning, before any shore leave was to be granted we got her to walk up and down the boat to see how that limp was doing. Heading towards the stern and Mick, there was a slight spring in her step. But when called back to me by the bathroom the limp was there! Was this a sympathy limp? All that walking backwards and forwards would give anyone a limp! Shore leave was granted and we got on with the morning.

Tonge?

Supplies are running low, a supermarket delivery might be possible to the lock, but it would be a long walk back to Oleanna as we don’t really want to move up just yet. Only one thing for it, head to Aldi a miles walk away for a top up shop of fresh things. Taking the Brompton we walked towards the lock. Dark skies behind us, which way were the clouds moving?

Wonder how often Starfire goes out?

The Derby Canal branches off to the north of the Trent and Mersey above Swarkstone Lock, the first stretch up to a bridge still in water and used for moorings. A path runs alongside what was the canal, now overgrown, the by wash at the lock flowing like there was no drought! Under the A50, cars and lorries hammering their way along to Stoke. We now walked through a modern housing estate, round a roundabout to a crossing. A big clap of thunder, we weren’t going to get away with staying dry for long. As soon as the green man showed, I picked up my pace and Mick got on the Brompton, we managed to get under the roof of Aldi just as it started to hammer it down. We’d got here, but would we get back dry?

Two bags of shopping then quite a wait to see if it would stop raining. Maybe it was lighter rain now, we couldn’t stand here all day! We got part way back through the housing estate when fork lightening could be seen up ahead, it didn’t take long for the rumble of thunder to join it. We picked up our pace again dashing for the A50 and some shelter. Of course this was the time when Frank called to report about his latest visit to the hospital. Not totally drenched we waited out the worst of the rain and I chatted about drugs with Frank, I’m sure others have done similar under this bridge!

How many drug deals has this face witnessed?

Back at Oleanna we were damp around the edges, the stove was lit and we started to dry off. A suggestion came from the IT tech support at Chippy to log out of Microsoft 365 in Word, then log back in again. This didn’t work. But with the help from my IT department and logging out of Microsoft fully, then back in again I got back into the system, just one file I couldn’t access which might not have been there, I’d managed to get sent to me a few days ago so that didn’t matter.

Grown up

The afternoon was spent finishing off touching up images for print and rationalising the paint call with what the theatre already has. Then it was time to do some very grown up paperwork. Our Lasting Power of Attorney forms. Our stupid printer doesn’t like the paper we’ve currently got to do double sided printing, so with both of us and both Health and Wealth forms filled out on line we used getting on for 100 sheets of paper. Four stacks of paper now wait to be signed and witnessed before heading off in the post.

A touch flat, but still tasty

Tonight we had toad in the hole with chicken sausages. Maybe I didn’t use enough oil in the tin and the sausages didn’t add any fat to the cooking equation, so the Yorkshire pudding didn’t rise. Oh well, at least the mushroom and pea gravy made up for it.

0 locks, 0 miles, 1 wave to Nichola and Andy, 2 bags of shopping, 1 soggy bag of oats, 2 soggy boaters, 1 semi limping cat, 88 plus sheets of paper, 4 stacks, 1 envelope, 1 fat pudding, 6 chicken sausages.

Put Your Paws Up. 10th September

Lowes Bridge 15

Limp Limp Limp. I’m fine, really, I’m fine. You have to let me out. No we don’t!

It was suggested to Tilly that she should take the weight off her paws today and put them up. Gentle feeling of both her front legs didn’t reveal anything, nor with her paws, hopefully it’s just a strain that is causing her limp, we’ll keep an eye on it. She headed back to bed after a bit of a grimace at me and stayed there for much of the morning.

I got in touch with Chippy to see if they could sort my access to the shared file for panto, this was passed onto their IT support, fingers crossed it’s sorted soon.

I got the paint colour charts out, time to see what colour to base the floor in. It being a sunny morning helped as I could compare my model pieces with the Dulux wadge of colours. Two came close, one a touch too green, the other not green enough. I opted for the one not green enough as once it has a coat of glaze on it it will go darker and slightly yellow making it hopefully nearer the right tint of green. This was followed by working through all the bits of scenery and deciding what colours I would need. I’ll see what there is at the theatre before compiling my final list to order.

That’s quite warm out the back

No news regarding budgets or the props list today so I moved onto touching up the final piece of scenery for the printers. I only have a few days left of the free trial of Paintshop. Each time I log on I’m being offered a new reduced price to buy the programme, I’m still thinking about it.

This morning had been very chilly, Mick lit the stove, it did the job, but then had us sweltering inside, although under the pram cover warmed up even more as the back had been closed most of the day.

Mick had a chat with Chris, The Pink Hat Man. A week or so ago Chris finished his challenge to walk from Lands End to John O’Groats and back again. I’d been meaning to post about it when he finished but other things got in the way somewhat. So, huge congratulations to him for walking so far and raising funds for Hope and Homes for Children. He’s now back onboard NB Elektra, his bow webcam back in operation, and planning where to head next, there’s the Ribble Link to cross first, but then where?

Derby Bus Station

We spruced ourselves up late afternoon and walked down to the bus stop by the Crewe and Harpur pub, the No 2 taking us all the way into Derby Bus Station. I’d spotted somewhere new to eat round the back of the bus station, but it was that new it hasn’t opened yet! Instead we headed to Nandos, a cheap meal for two with a glass of wine each before heading for the theatre to see Susie’s show.

Derby Court, not such happy memories of this building.

I’ve not been into Derby Theatre for eleven years. Back then we were busy moving NB Lillyanne up the country towards Hebden Bridge for the Tour de France. I’d head to Derby for rehearsals of April In Paris whilst Mick single handed heading northwards, we leap frogged car and boat quite efficiently. Then the day after the show opened I was up early to drive to Hebden Bridge and catch a train into Manchester to work our way up the locks on the Rochdale Canal to the Rose of Lancaster. That was a long exhausting day after a production week. It was nice to be back.

Nandos does what Nandos does

Murder at Midnight is a comedy thriller by Torben Betts, his writing a little bizarre at times. Set on New Years Eve, waiting for the bongs to arrive. There is Jonny, the notorious gangster, his glamorous girlfriend, his trigger-happy sidekick, his mum who’s seeing things, her very jittery carer, plus a vicar who’s hiding something and a nervous burglar dressed as a clown. A past murder to solve, but will they all survive until midnight?

Nice theatre, shame it’s in a shopping centre

Mick and I are spoilt with our theatre going, the majority of shows we see are in the round. Sitting in a proscenium theatre now makes us feel quite some distance away from the story. Tonight was only their fourth show, tonight according to Susie they’d finally got their lines in the right place. It will soon tighten up and become the near farce that it is, after all there are moments of people running around without their trousers! New Year certainly goes off with a big bang… or several! The show is touring until March next year, although they do get Christmas and New Year off.

We joined Susie and a couple of her friends for a drink in her dressing room after the show and before the building locked up. Thank you Susie for the tickets and the wine. We look forward to seeing you again somewhere soon.

There was a wait for the last bus back to Swarkstone. But it soon zipped it’s way back out of Derby and we found ourselves walking in the dark to find the way down onto the towpath. Away from cars we could now see really well, the moon casting shadows of us as we walked past moored boats back to Oleanna and Tilly who promised she’d had her paws up all evening in front of the stove.

0 locks, 0 miles, 7.5 or 10 Litres base colour, 1 long list of colours, 1 tidy tent, 0 shore leave, 1 paw resting, 2 buses, 1/4 chicken each, 1 great bonkers Susie, 2 glasses, 1 midnight towpath stroll, 33 brisk minutes.