Ferrous at GER Bugsworth

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Gardner 3LW in Hyskier at GER Bugsworth

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Putnal Field at GER Bugsworth

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Garner 2LW in NB Magic @ GER Bugsworth

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Alton at Gardner Engine Rally Bugsworth

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Whaley Water Weekend & Gardner Engine Rally at Bugsworth

We reloaded Alton with diesel and solid fuel on Tuesday & Wednesday and on Thursday morning we set of heading North. We were running the round a couple of days early so it was a bit quieter than usual. The water levels were about 4" down and as we also had a reasonable load on we soon started getting stuck in the bridge holes around Macc. Other boats were also struggling, including one which couldn't get onto the water point in Macc. We phoned the BW office at Red Bull & they agreed to feed in more water. The situation gradually improved over the next 2 days. The weather was a mixed bag and we had some bright sunshine & the odd short heavy shower. We tied up for the night in Marple and had a pint at the Ring 'o Bells before tea.

On Friday morning we had to serve some customers in the arm near Marple top lock, we really struggled to reverse back into the arm stirring up the silt. With the water levels still down a bit we stuck hard in the first lift bridge on the Peak Forest Canal & had to be helped through by the crew of a following boat bow hauling us. We continued on to Whaley Bridge before tying up at Bugsworth where preparations were in hand for the Gardner Engine Rally. Brian went for a wander around looking at some of the engines & chatting to the boaters. We then retired to the Navvy for a pint or 2, where they had on Abbeydale Dalmatian which was delicious and a very good brew from Whim Ales at only £2 a pint. We dragged ourselves away from the bar and returned to the boat for our tea.

On Saturday morning we where up and away by 7am (well Ann Marie was, Brian was still lazing in bed). We tied up in Whaley Basin for the Whaley Water Weekend and where soon joined by George Boyle on Sandbach. We had a pleasant day chatting with the public & customers and handing out our leaflets & cards. There was plenty for people to see and do including free boat trips, classic cars, stationary engines, fun fair and all sorts of stalls for local groups, charities & small businesses.

Towards the end of the afternoon we returned to Bugsworth where it was very busy & a bit chaotic with boats all moored around the winding hole & the wind blowing down the valley. We served a few more customers & had a last look round the engines on show before heading back down the Peak Forest Canal to Marple.

Sunday morning started bright & breezy. We had a fairly busy time around Poynton before the dreaded rain came down. It lashed it down for the rest of the day & we both took it in turn to steer / get dry in the cabin. By 6pm we where back at Oakgrove ready to reload with a couple more tons of supplies ready for our run to Ellesmere Port, Middlewich & River Weaver. By the time we had finished we looked & felt like drowned rats. We were glad to be able to get a shower before grabbing some tea and a good nights rest!
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Alton's Schedule - June 2011

2nd - 3rd:- Oakgrove (Macc) to Etruria
4th - 5th:- Etruria Canal Festival SOT
6th:- Etruria to Oakgrove (Macc)
9th - 10th:- Oakgrove (Macc) to Bugsworth & Whaley Bridge
11th:- Gardner Rally & Whaley Water Weekend
12th - 15th:- Whaley Bridge to Ellesmere Port (via T&M & Shroppie)
15th to 17th:- Ellesmere Port to Middlewich
18th to 19th:- Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival
19th to 21st:- Middlewich to Preston Brook & River Weaver
21st to 24th:- River Weaver to Oakgrove (Macc) (via T&M)
25th to 26th:- Oakgrove (Macc) to Whaley Bridge & Bugsworth
27th:- Whaley Bridge to Oakgrove

The above schedule is subject to change depending on traffic, to ensure we don't miss you, give us a call or text on 07791 345004.
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Pottering about in the Potteries - Etruria Festival 2011

On Thursday 2 June we set off down the Macc on a glorious afternoon. We had a few customers to serve before the top of Bosley and then caught a few more with a bit of in-flight refuelling for a couple of boats on the locks.

We reached the bottom about 4pm after a reasonable run down the flight. We had a few more deliveries to do at Buglawton, Congleton and Scholar Green before tying up at Red Bull Aqueduct. Here we met up with George and Irene Boyle on Sandbach. We had a few drinks on the boats and a catch-up.

We had an early start (6.45am) with Sandbach to try and get the first passage through the tunnel. The levels were a few inches down on this pound and Brian didn't quite get round Hardingswood Junction and gave NB Buccaneer a bit of a bump, Sorry!!! We arrived at the tunnel about 7.15am and found ourselves about 5th & 6th in the queue with David Lowe on Swallow up at the front. The tunnel was smokey and a bit slow going with the levels being down but we plodded on and got to Etruria at about 10.00am where Blossom on Darley helped up tie-up.

We pottered round and watched the other boats arriving and Brian spent some time clearing a load of rubbish of Lindsays prop. It was good to see a few familiar faces including Henry Johnson on Perch and it was nice to later see him back at the tiller of Lindsay as I think he was the boats first steerer.

We watched Jo & Keith arrive on Hadar and later had a chat with them.

That evening all the boaters gathered  with our tables and chairs on the grass to enjoy a fish and chip supper (organised by Steve, Andrew, Dawn etc) and then settled down to a few drinks and a natter.

The weekend was good fun, Brian demonstrated fendermaking as part of the WOW activities for children and there were lots of visitors and people to chat to. On Saturday Roger & Teresa Fuller (Ibex) were presented with the Moorcroft Vase for the best turned out working boat, which was well deserved. On Saturday evening we had another boaters get together for an excellent curry night.

Sunday seemed to fly by, the weather had turned a bit showery but it didn't dampen our spirits. We had a few customers to diesel up before we left including working boats Sweden and Swallow. We then had a busy evening serving customers as we made our way back to Harecastle Tunnel Southern Portal where we tied up for the night with Sandbach.

On Monday morning we were in the tunnel before 8.00am and soon back on the Macc. At Red Bull Aqueduct we passed FMC Elk waiting to go on the slip to repair a damaged rudder.

We met plenty of boats coming down the Macc and had a few more customers, before stopping to do a bit of shopping at Hightown. In the afternoon we buttied up the Bosley Locks with George and Irene on Sandbach and enjoyed another lovely sunny afternoon.

We all tied up at Oakgrove and retired to the Fools Nook pub http://www.foolsnook.com/  for some good beer & wine and an excellent, well earned meal. A lovely way to top-off a great weekend!

May Bank Holiday Schedule 2011 and Etruria Festival

Sat 28th May 2011: Oakgrove to Marple
Sun 29th May 2011: Marple to Whaley Bridge, Bugsworth
Mon 30th May 2011: Bugsworth to Bollington
Tues 31st May 2011: Bollington to Oakgrove

Thurs 2nd June 2011:  Oakgrove to Redbull Aqueduct
Fri 3rd June 2011:  Red Bull Aqueduct to Etruria
Sat 4th and Sun 5th June 2011:  Eturia Festival
Mon 6th June 2011:  Etruria to Oakgrove

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"

Ann Marie sitting down on the Job for a Change whilst topping up Nirvana

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

After 8 months still no working Ground Paddle on Marple Lock 5. It OK BW are Aware!

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Hmmm, there was a wall above Hydebank Tunnel Portal. I Wonder Where it's Gone Now?

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Alton Stuck in Hydebank Tunnel Portal Again!

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Roses & Castles.

Well Steve has now finished the graining & decorating of Alton's back cabin, very smart it looks too. We've still got a few little jobs to do but the end of the Marathon session of works looks to be nearing completion. A big thank you to Steve & the team at Ashton Packet for all their hard work.

We set of from Ashton at lunchtime and after a few deliveries around Portland Basin, we are now heading up the Lower Peak Forest Canal. Hopefully we will get up Marple Locks this evening. Then tomorrow we are loading at Whaley Bridge before heading of to Bugsworth & New Mills. On Saturday we plan to make deliveries from Marple to Bollington. On Sunday we will run from Bollington, through Macclesfield to Oakgrove, Br 49.
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Kennet Safely tied up at Frodsham Wharf

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Self-unloading Coal Ship on MSC

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Tankers at Stanlow on MSC

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Kennet pushing it's way out of the small lock at Eastham on MSC

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Rake at Work on the Mersey at Eastham

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

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