Alton's New Deckboard Sign

Anyone for "Smokeless Diesel"? It's really good!

Well we now have our new deckboard sign, it's surprising how small it is as Alton has a lower than original height cratch which doesn't leave a lot of room for signwriting. We believe that Alton first had this height of cratch when she worked in Willow Wren's NW fleet. It was not uncommon for working boats to have to dismantle their cratches to enter small factory or colliery arm for loading. But Big Woolwich's with standard sized cratches could not fit under some bridges in the North Midlands especially on the T&M around Stoke when running light, so boats running regularly in that area where modified with a lower cratch.
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

The Bell Operating as a Waterbus at Marple Locks Festival

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

The Hundson Hunslett Loco in Joel's Hold

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Joel at Marple

The wooden motor boat Joel attend Marple Locks Festival, complete with a narrow gauge railway Hudson Hunslett loco as cargo in the hold.
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Marple Locks Festival 2011

We had a very pleasant weekend attending the Locks Festival at Marple. The Sun shone & boaters and the general public were out in force. It was great for us to remain tied up whilst customers came to us for a change.

There was plenty going on with boat trips, guided walks and lots of stalls & displays in the park. Brian demonstrated fendermaking and we chatted to lots of people about Alton & our way of life, a lot of people were very surprised to see a narrow boat still working regularly. We had quite a few sales and have hopefully made more people aware of our business and what we do.

We've had some enjoyable (and rather late) evenings chatting & catching up with friends over drinks either on the towpath or up at the Ring 'o Bells. Tomorrow we will head back down the Macc to meet up with George & Irene on NB Sandbach at Fools Nook.
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Alton's Schedule July 2011

Monday 1st: Oakgrove (Macc) to Marple
Sat / Sun 2nd/ 3rd: Marple Locks Festival
Mon 4th: Marple to Oakgrove (Macc)
Fri 8th: Road deliveries to Ashton & Staylebridge
Sat 9th: Oakgrove (Macc) to Marple
Sun 10th: Marple to Bugsworth & Whaley Bridge, return to Marple
Mon 11th: Marple to Oakgrove
Wed 20th: Road deliveries to Kidsgrove, Middlewich, Nantwich, Chester, Ellesmere Port, Anderton & River Weaver
Fri 22nd: Oakgrove (Macc) to Marple
Sat 23rd: Marple to Bugsworth & Whaley Bridge, return to Marple
Sun 24th: Marple to Oakgrove (Macc)

Note; the above schedule is subject to change depending on traffic & customer volumes. If you require supplies please contact us to ensure delivery
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals