Dredger at Work on the Mersey at Eastham

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Tim & Liz Leech and Nigel Bowker aboard Kennet on the Mersey

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Tug Kennet on the Mersey & MSC

Yesterday Brian decided to have another day of boating on someone else's boat on a new stretch of water. He joined Tim & Liz Leech on their tug Kennet, along with Nigel Bowker (an experienced Mersey Skipper) for a trip from the Salthouse Dock, Liverpool to Frodsham on the River Weaver.


Over to Brian:- We set off from the dock about 2.30pm and headed down through the docks to the lock out onto the Mersey. At 3.15pm the lock gates opened and out into the choppy water we went. The wind was fairly strong from the west and Kennet made good progress across the river to Tranmere with the spray coming over the bows. It was great to see Rock Ferry & New Ferry (where I grew up) from a small boat on the water.

We made great progress, with the incoming tide we were travelling at about 10 knots. Approaching Eastham we saw a large dredger & rake at work and then went straight into the small ship canal lock. The lock seemed to have a leak on the bottom gates and after over half an hour we had to use Kennet to give a hefty shove on the gates to open them.

Whilst this was going on one tanker entered the big lock and another tanker set off in front of us heading for Stanlow refinery. Liz made us all a cuppa (& lovely flapjack) Tim steered a steady course, whilst Nigel was a mine of information on the River and MSC. We kept an ear on the VHF and we were pleased to hear that the grain barge Loach (one of Nigel's) would be passing us on it's way back from Frodsham to load at Seaforth. It was great to see this 300 tonne barge running light back down the MSC.

We turned off the MSC at Weston Marsh and headed up the old River Weaver to Frodsham. The channel twisted and turned and Nigel explained how difficult it was to navigate a laden barge up this route following the markers. We arrived at Frodsham just 3 hours after setting off from Liverpool, we all thoroughly enjoyed the day out on these wider waters. A big thank you to Tim, Liz, & Nigel.
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Sandbach above Stanley Locks

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Sandbach at Eldonian Village

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Sandbach on Stanley Locks

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Sandbach Below Stanley Locks

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Liverpool Link on Sandbach.

Last Friday, Brian decided to have another boatman's holiday & joined George & Irene Boyle for their trip out from Liverpool on the Liverpool Link Canal. It was a fascinating journey through the docks and up Stanley Locks. We've passed these locks hundreds of times by road, but have never seen a single boat in them. Brian really enjoyed the day and it made a big change for him to hug the tiller, whilst he got this new cut under his belt.
We had a few problems with weed & rubbish around the prop, but George had a couple of good salvage finds out of the cut, gaining a bike & a gang-plank.
We finished the very pleasant day, by being joined by Ann Marie for an excellent meal at the Ship at Haskayne. A big thanks to George & Irene for a lovely day.
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

George with a Bladeful in Liverpool

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

A Boatman's Holiday

On Wednesday we decided to head up to Liverpool to see friends (& there boats) who where part of a display of historic boats in Liverpool Docks.

It was another lovely sunny day and we had a chilled out day chatting & taking it easy. Then George & Brian went out for a spin around the docks on Sandbach.

In the evening we went out for a meal with George & Irene Boyle & were joined by Brian's Mum & Dad & Brother Mike. We dined at La Tosca in Queens Square and had a lovely tapas meal in very good company. Brian, George & Bernie (Brian's Dad) retired to the Ship & Mitre pub for a nightcap, great pub with a wonderful range of beers. A lovely end to a very pleasant day.
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Where did that Week Go!

Wow what a hectic week. I've been meaning to blog all week, but life got in the way!
We had a wonderful time at the Port, the weather was brilliant (almost unknown) and the company was superb (as usual). We spent a lot of time catching up with old friend including George & Irene (Sandbach), Tom & James (Archimedies), Rupert, Alison & Peter (Skylark) and plenty more. The weekend went by in a blur, but we got a brief chance to say hello to Sarah and Jim (Chertsey) - Sarah is in Photo, adjusting Chertsey's fenders.
The run back has been hard days & long enjoyable hours with lots of locks. Alton is now back at Ashton Packet for a final 10 days of repairs & refurbishment.
We're now off for a pint & bed!
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Run to the Port - Part 5

We had the luxury of a sleep in until 7 on Wednesday morning as we couldn't wake our first customers on the Middlewich Branch up too early! The sun shone brightly as we made our way across to Barbridge Junction, the queues at Church Minshull & Cholmesdon Locks weren't too bad as most of the traffic was coming the other way.

At the Junction we turned left and down to Hurleston Junction, where at hNBOC's request we tried Alton for size in the bottom lock. On our first attempt without any struggling we got most of the boat into the chamber & were only a foot or so from being able to shut the gates. We didn't try any further, but plan to have a more serious go latter in the year. We carried on down to Nantwich, with every other boat shouting "your going the wrong way!" In Nantwich our first customers were the hotelboats Oak & Ash, who always like to support us when we meet. We winded a mile past Nantwich & served more customers on the way back. We stopped for more customers at Calveley and George & Irene passed on the tug Sandbach. By the time we reached Bunbury they had the staircase lock set so we buttied down the rest of the wide locks with Sandbach before tying up for the night at the Shady Oak. Just as it was getting dark we heard a boat coming through the lock and who should come alongside but our friends Tom Hill & James Bill on the fuel boat Archimedies. They had come up all the way from London & we were very surprised to see them. Ann Marie & Irene got out the wine on board Sandbach, whilst the lads headed to the Pub.

After a late night in the pub, we where up a 5 and Alton and Archimedies had sa lovely run through the dawn mist to Christleton where we were re-loading with diesel. After a bit of a wait for the tanker we continued down the locks into Chester. Arriving at Tower Wharf we where greeted by an impressive line up of dozens of boats. We tied up on the outside of Skylark, just leaving a 10' gap for passing traffic to get through.

There was a great atmosphere in Chester with everyone milling around and enjoying the sunshine. Brian sat in the shade of the trees busily splicing rope for orders whist watching more boats arrived. We then had a leisurely evening drinking & nattering.

For the final run in from Chester to Ellesmere Port we were joined by our friend Alex (NB Witchcraft & Bewitched). We dieseled up a few boats and then set off for Chester about 9am. We had a reasonable run down to the Port, just picking up 2 bladefuls and scrapping our way through a couple of Bridgeholes. We arrived at the Port about Noon and where soon tied up opposite the entrance at a handy spot where customers can get to us.

So after a good trip down, were looking forward to an enjoyable long weekend here at the Port.
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Alex on Alton's Tiller, steering from Chester to the Port

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Tower Wharf Chester

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Skylark & Alton tied up at Middlewich

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Run to the Port - Part 4

After leaving Middlewich we continued north up the T&M with plenty of stops for customers. Quite a few people were stocking up on supplies before setting out on big summer trips.

We carried on up to near Dutton to wind before mooring up for the night at Acton Bridge. We decided to treat ourselves to a meal out so retired to the Leigh Arms, where we had a pleasant evening and a good meal.

It was Brian's turn to get up early this morning and he was up & boating by 6am. We had a good run back to Anderton and were at the left by 8am. We then had a 2 hour wait, getting the first passage down at 10am.

Once out on the river, we headed up stream first for deliveries in Northwich town & Hunts Lock. Approaching Town Bridge we found a BW tug and barge waiting for the bridge to be swung, which it soon was. The tug & barge then chased us down the river overtaking us after Hayhurst Bridge (which we saw being swung also). On arriving at Saltersford lock we found the BW boats tied up in the lock so we tied up alongside. The crew where over with Bryn the lock keeper having a brew.

Once the Saltersford we continued down river to our customers at Acton Bridge, before winding and making our way back up to the lift. We managed to get the last passage up & were back up on the canal by 4pm.

The journey back to Middlewich was fairly uneventful bar stopping for a few customers, including our old friends Roy & Mel on NB India. Where we heard that Roy had recently fallen in the cut & now had to wear his safety instruction T-shirt at all times (photo to follow). We finally tied up in Middlewich after dark & joined our friends Rupert, Alison & Peter for a drink in the backcabin of their boat Skylark.
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Roy's New T-shirt!

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Boating at Dawn on the T&M at Acton Bridge

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Phil our Bosley Lockwheeler

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Run to the Port - Part 3

We set of from Oakgrove about 7.30am and were met at Bosley Top by Phil (NB Aurora) who lockwheeled for us down the flight. We sat down on something in lock 3, so partly refilled the lock, brought Alton back, dropped her down again, opened the gates and flushed her out. It was a lovely sunny morning and we met a few boats coming up. We had a fairly good run down and the locks & were ready for a cuppa by the time we reached the bottom. Thanks for your help Phil.

The sun continued to shine & we had a steady supply of customers. At Hardingswood Jn we turned left & into the top lock. Here the pub was heaving with Stokiees watching the match, they were in a very merry mood! A couple of inquisitive but polite kids helped us work the lock.

We set off down the hill, stopping for a few more customers around Red Bull. As usual nearly all the locks were set against us! We plodded on & reached the Romping Donkey before dusk, so we decided to keep on going. We finally tied up for the night above "Gordon's 2" at Wheelock about 10pm and nipped down to the Commercial for a well earned pint before bed.

We set off at 7am, stopping for a shower at Wheelock Services and then brekkie on the go. We stopped for our first customers at Crows Nest Farm, where Connie & Robert (NB Thius) gave us some fresh eggs from their hens, thanks guys.

We've now made our way down to Middlewich but get here too early for fish & chips for lunch so it's off down the locks again towards Anderton
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Alton at Bosley Lock 10

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Run to the Port - Easter '11, Part 2

A much better day today! We set of from Marple with a nice fresh dew on the boat and a feeling of a nice sunny day in the offing. We were busy around High Lane & Poynton. Sun the sun had his hat on & was coming out to play! We had a good run down the Macc meeting customers old and new and on a few occasions being dive bombed by Canada Geese!

We still struggled with low water levels but luckily we had sold some stock so we were running a bit lighter and managed to drag ourselves through a couple of bridgeholes without outside assistance.

We got back to Oakgrove about 8pm and reloaded with supplies. Brian has gone to get a chinese take-away for tea but has taken a route via the Water Green Tavern for a swift pint!

Tomorrow it's down Bosley & start heading down the Cheshire Locks, we're really looking forward to it, let's hope it stays nice!
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Run to the Port, Easter '11

Well we haven't exactly got off to a good start. We set of late from Oakgrove Thursday evening, due to our diesel supplier letting us down. We made slow progress heading North on the Macc, partly due to us having about 18 tonnes on and partly due to low water levels. At about 9pm we stuck hard in Bridge 20. After about an hour and much help from James & Heather off NB Matilda May we finally got through. We tied up eventually at Lyme View, with just time for a swift pint at the Miners before closing.

Ann Marie was up and away by 5.30 this morning and serving her first customer by 6, whilst Brian was still snoring his head off. We stuck again under the A6 Bridge at the Bulls Head, High Lane, so Brian was raised from his slumber to give assistance. At Marple we got busy with customers and then proceeded down the Upper Peak Forest Canal. At the first Lift Bridge (Turf Lea) we went hard aground with only Alton's Bows in the bridgehole. We have been stuck here a few times before but eventually after an hour of trying all our usual techniques (including roping in passer by) we admitted defeat and phoned BW. They said they would be with us within the hour, then phoned back to say it would be more like 2. In the meantime one of our customers arrived (NB Evie) & thankfully they managed to snatch us through the bridgehole. All along the Upper Peak Forest we bounced along the bottom. At New Mills we loaded a few more supplies and but then got stuck again, thanks this time to Tony the fitter at New Mills Marina for helping us get free that time. We phoned BW at Red Bull to tell them of the problems we were experiencing & they informed us that more water would be supplied into the pound.

We finally reached Bugsworth and Whaley Bridge where we winded after serving our customers and slowly made our way back. After selling some stock Alton was a little higher in the water, but it was a still a slow and tiring journey back to Marple, where we finally arrived about 10pm.

Well let's just hope there's a bit more water in the cut and we have a better day tomorrow.
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Fendermaking

The last few days have been a flurry of activity with preparations and loading for our run to Ellesmere Port Easter Boaters Gathering.

In addition Brian has been kept busy with a flurry of fender orders. The photo shows an interesting commission for a pair of tipcats for the historic Cowburn & Cowpar motor Skylark.
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Ann Marie back on the Tiller

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Sad News

This morning we have recieved some sad news that one of our regular customer, Tom of NB Best Mate has sadly passed away. We believe he was found on his boat and had suffered a heart attack (this information from Shep on NB Vital Spark who attended the memorial service yesterday).

Tom was a regular visitor to the Macc and Peak Forest Canals and a member of NCCC. He was a character and always had a bit of news or gossip for the towpath telegraph, and he enjoyed following horse racing. He will be missed by many of his follow boaters and friends. Rest in Peace Tom.

Alton April 2011 Scheule

Thurs 7th April:                            Ashton Under Lyne to Furness Vale
Fri 8th April:                                 Furness Vale to Whaley Bridge, Bugsworth & New Mills
Sat 9th April:                                New Mills to Marple, Poynton & Bollington
Sun 10th April:                             Bollington to Macclesfield and Oakgrove
Fri 15th April:                              Oakgrove to Whaley Bridge
Sat 16th - Sun 17th April:            Whaley Bridge to Kidsgrove
Mon 18th - Wed 20th April:        Kidsgrove to Anderton & River Weaver
Wed 20th - Fri 22nd April:          Anderton to Nantwich, Chester & Ellesmere Port
Sat 23rd - Sun 24th April:           At Ellesmere Port Boat Museum Easter Gathering
Mon 25th - Fri 29th April:          Return from Ellesmere Port Via Chester & Middlewich to Oakgrove
Sat 30th April to Sun 1st May:  Oakgrove to Whaley Bridge

As always the above schedule is our plan, but sometimes due to traffic or other circumstances outside our control it may vary slightly. Suffice to say that if you need supplies, please if possible call or text us on 07791345004 or email us on nbalton102@yahoo.co.uk or tweet us at "coalboat"

Docking Update & Pump Repairs

Work is progressing well on Alton's latest repairs, Steve has done further work on the cabin and started the paint work.
Meanwhile I went shopping for the parts to repair our diesel dispensing pump, the new bolts, nuts, roll pins and split pins, cost the pricely sum of 84p from Delaney's in Macclesfield (I'd recommend this very helpful company for any hardware or engineering supplies). George Boyle then did a stirling job in his workshop, repairing the damaged shaft and handle mechanism. We returned to Ashton to reassemble the pump and in George's words it ran "as smooth as silk!" It's a relief to have the pump fully working once again & thanks for your help George.
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Steve Painting New Slide

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Primer on Second Cabin Side

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Joint Between Deck & Step Repaired

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Chimney Side and Another Coal Run Complete

We returned to Ashton on Thursday 24th March to find that the repairs, painting and signwriting to the chimney side were complete. It was great to see our company name adorning Alton's cabinside, its been a long time coming, but the costs and time of maintaining & keeping a working boat in good condition are immense for a small business such as ours. Over the last few years we've had to do lots of work on other less visual areas such as re-bottoming, renewing damaged sections of the hull as well as repairs to the cabin structure. We had set our sights on getting Alton into a good condition for her 75th Birthday (this year) and we know the painting and signwriting will be the icing on the cake!

We had some discussion about the colour scheme and signwritting, but in the end we decided to use the original blue/blue Grand Union Company colours that Alton was painted in originally in 1936. As for the signwritting we decided to keep the same style and layout as the Grand Union Company, but with our own company name, and details. We think this gives a good combination between Altons historical & contemporary uses.

We set of from Ashton around Midday with myself (Brian) and Graham on board. We had a beautiful sunny day, but spent quite a bit of time with the shaft clearing the rubbish of the prop in the narrows. We were joined by George at Romiley and so where 3 handed for Marple Locks. We made reasonable progress up the locks but where frustrated by the stiff paddlegear, breaking a windless on one stiff paddle. We where later told by a BW worker that they where no longer allowed to oil the shafts as the oil could pollute the water! At lock 5 the top gate had no paddle, but the gear had been greased, its been like this since Sept/Oct last year and this makes filling the lock very slow and awkward with a full length boat. Two other locks had none operating paddles, as the racks had come of the gear, but we managed to fix this with the use of a crowbar.

Graham left us at the top lock about 6pm and we motored on Furness Vale for the night, where George and I enjoyed a few good pints of Unicorn in The Crossings (I also enjoyed a lovely complementary curry for tea).

On Friday morning Graham and his adopted dog Jake arrived and we loaded with coal & diesel at Whaley Bridge Basin.

After a bite of lunch we set of delivering around Whaley Bridge and Bugsworth. We had a bit of a problem with our diesel dispensing pump, so after a quick visit from George we were able to effect a temporary repair, allowing us to continue selling diesel over the weekend. After further deliveries at New Mills we tied up for the night and retired to the Beehive for a pint.

On Saturday morning we had an early start, but with a reasonable load on and the water level in the canal down by 3 to 4" it was slow going and we stuck in Turf Lea Lift Bridge for over 30 minutes. Once we reached Marple the wind really started to get up. We knew we were going to be busy so we grabbed some sausage butties for breakfast and then set too with deliveries. We had a very busy time around Middle Kayle & Higher Poynton, we really struggled with the howling wind and luckily we had some very patient and helpful customers. Unfortunately whilst trying to shaft the boat back out into the channel Graham went a cropper and took a swim. He soon got himself out, dried and changed, none too much the worse for his ordeal.

We continued our busy spell and where very grateful for the cups of coffee that kept us going and thanks to Sue for the quiche (if real men don't eat quiche, we don't care!). We finally tied up in Bollington well after dark. We walked down to the Vale, but they were not dog friendly, so we retired to the Holly Bush for a well earned pint, we planned to grab fish & chips or chinese takeaway for tea, but by this time we were too late, so we just hit the sack!

After loosing an hour due to the clocks going forward, we were still up before dawn to try and make up some time by making our way through Macc before any customers roused. We winded at Fools Nook, before doing some reloading and unloading at the wharf. We then made our way back up the Macc. It's at this time we start to see some of our winter regulars heading of on their travels. On Sunday we said goodbye to Ken & Barbara on Summer Breeze:

As well as the terrible duo of Gemini & Tilly:

At Fools Nook Swingbridge we managed to disrupt a big cycle race

We had a reasonable run back, but again struggling with the water levels being a bit down, getting stuck in Bridges 35 and 20. In Bollington we were joined my brother Mike and his friend Radka (who had been at the Treacle Market), they had a little trip on Alton where we supplied them with tea & cake, they returned the favour by bringing us some great beer from Tatton & Redwillow Brewery as well as cake and bread baked by my Mum :-) .

We finally tied up for the night in Marple ready for a good start down the locks in the morning.

Monday morning dawned bright, we were joined by George Boyle and after a couple of deliveries we set of down the locks. We made good and fairly uneventful progress down the locks and through to Portland Basin. We continued down the Ashton with a couple more deliveries, winding above fairfield locks and finally back into the wet dock at Ashton Packet for Alton's docking number 4.

A big thank you to Graham and George for all there help again, It's good to have such good friends I can call on.

Graham & his faithful friend Jake on Alton at Marple Aqueduct

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

George Boyle Strapping the Gate on Marple Locks

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Alton on Marple Locks

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Alton's Latest Schedule March 2011

With Ann Marie still away on holiday, I (Brian) will be joined by Graham Beard on the next run and George Boyle will be helping us by being on the tiller as we work Marple Locks.

Thursday 24th March:  Ashton under Lyne to Whaley Bridge
Friday 25th March:       Deliveries at Whaley Bridge & Bugsworth
Saturday 26th March:   Furness Vale to Marple and on to Bollington
Sunday 27th March:      Bollington to Fools Nook and return to Marple
Monday 28th March:    Marple to Ashton under Lyne
Tuesday 29th March:    Road deliveries to Sandbach, Middlewich, Nantwich etc.

Please note the above schedule may change slightly depending on traffic and customer requirements.

If you need supplies, please phone, text or email us.

Altons Docking No.3

We really are determined to get Alton into good shape before her 75th Birthday in July this year, so she is back on the wet dock at Ashton Packet for 2 or 3 more sessions of repairs and renovations. This is very difficult to organise with Steve and the Crew at Ashton having to work around our coal run schedules. We really appreciate the effort they are putting in and the work they are doing in very tight time frames.

The repairs on Alton are going fairly well, one or two jobs have been a bit bigger than we had hoped whilst others have not been as bad as we feared. On Tuesday morning work started in ernest with Steve assessing the condition of the repairs carried out to the cabin in October. These look to be standing up well to the weather, so next he looked at the rest of the cabin condition on the chimney side and at the stern. One area that needed some major attention was the joint of the counter / deck and the bulkhead. In this area the woodwork was rotten and the deck corroded. It was decided to tackle the chimney side first. The lowest plank was removed and the deck cut away to good metal.

Alan then made a repair plate which he trial fitted:

Then welded:

Before finishing with grinding:

Mean while down at the bows Steve was working with wood. He had removed the old rotten front timber known as the hood and made a new one.

He also removed one of the cants and made a new one:

Once the welding was finished Steve continued with the woodwork repairs to the back cabin before applying the primer coat of paint to the chimney side of the cabin:

I'll try and get some more photos of the work and update the blog before we start our next coal run with Alton on Thursday.