Sunday, November 06, 2011
Saturday, November 05, 2011
Autumn 2011 Fendermaking Course at Audlem Mill
On Saturday morning after a brief introduction we got knotting, making a couple of side fenders by crowning the rope. We worked with Victory Black rope which is a staple spun polypropylene designed to look like tarred hemp, it's a lovely material to work with as it knots very well. With a little persuasion we all stopped work for a lovely hearty lunch of Chilli Con Carne with Apple Charlotte for pudding mmm!
Mid-afternoon we stopped crowning & started making the core for our button fenders. These where made using 36mm polypropylene rope which we bound into circular cheeses using the same binding knot we had taught in the morning.
On Sunday morning we completed making our cores making sure they where a good shape & well bound together including the chains. Then it was time for the hitching to commence. We carefully put the required numbers of half-hitches on the centre spine, making sure they were evenly spaced & with a consistent tension. Once again it was a battle to get people to stop work for lunch but in the end the temptation of Christine's Chicken wrapped in bacon with roast potatoes & veggies was too much to resist. The afternoon seemed to just fly by as we continued to hitch, learning where to drop stitches & how to splice in more rope. By the end of the day everyone had completed their buttons to a good standard and they were better than you see in many chandleries. We thoroughly enjoyed the weekend, our trainees were very keen to learn & it was a pleasure to pass on our skills to them. So a big thank you to Kim, Pete & Mark for being such a pleasure to work with and also to Peter & Christine at Audlem Mill for being such good hosts & feeding us so well.
Our next fendermaking course at Audlem Mill will be 3rd & 4th March 2012.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Clayton's Wooden Motor Pearl at Marston Salt Works T&M
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Wooden Working Boats Under Restoration nr Dutton, Top of T&M
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Acacia & Dory at Anderton on the River Weaver
Alcor at Vale Royal Locks - River Weaver
Friday, October 14, 2011
Sandbach with a Little Towing on the Weaver
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Steam Powered Narrowboat "Whistle Down the Wind" leaving Acton Bridge
Jim Taylor on Empress Leaving Acton Bridge
ECW Bodied AEC Matador Bus Recovery Vehicle at Acton Bridge - My Favourite
Our Godson Peter & Some Traction Engines at Acton Bridge
Monday, October 10, 2011
Geoff Bryant Playing in his Little Classic Speedboat at Acton Bridge
George Boyle back on Alton's Tiller for a Run on the Weaver
Nightboating Through Brunner Mond Works at Wincham
Alex Moving Some of the Load to Help us get Through the Scour in Chester Basin
Showers! Wheelock = Out of Order, Red Bull = Out of Order, Anderton = Useless & Filthy - Thanks BW!
I Love to use my GH Cooke Windlass on the Cheshire Locks
Empty Pound at Malkins Bank after Someone Left a Bottom Paddle up & Top Gate Open
Alton Stuck Mid Channel nr Portland Basin
Our Indian Summer Trip!
Well firstly apologies, it's been a while since we've posted, life has been a bit hectic & we've been too busy living it rather than writing about it. We have been away boating for nearly 3 weeks after collecting Alton from Ashton Packet Boat Company on Wed 21st September. We had a lot of ground to cover so it was quite a few early (5.30am) starts and late finishes (10pm ish) that got us to Ellesmere Port for the following Wednesday 28th September. We had run low on supplies by this point so we reloaded here on Thursday with diesel & solid fuels, making for a very bouncy journey back to Chester. Our friend Alex (nb bewitched) helped us up to Christleton, where we met Clayton's tarboat Spey at the top lock & had a brief chat with Ian Macc & Bob Lear.
A couple more long days with some wonderful weather, saw us going down the Anderton Boat Lift on Saturday morning and then heading down river to the Acton Bridge Steam Rally for the weekend. This is a lovely friendly & relaxed gathering of everything from steam powered narrowboat, barges, traction engines, lorries, landrovers & even a gypsy cavan and horse.
I'll try & post some more details of our return trip & a few photo's over the next few days.
A couple more long days with some wonderful weather, saw us going down the Anderton Boat Lift on Saturday morning and then heading down river to the Acton Bridge Steam Rally for the weekend. This is a lovely friendly & relaxed gathering of everything from steam powered narrowboat, barges, traction engines, lorries, landrovers & even a gypsy cavan and horse.
I'll try & post some more details of our return trip & a few photo's over the next few days.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Alton's Autumn Schedule
Mon 12th Sept:- Whaley Bridge to Oakgrove (Macc).
Tues 13 to Wed 14th Sept:- Oakgrove (Macc) to Marple, Romiley & Ashton under Lyne.
Wed 21st to Thurs 22nd Sept:- Ashton under Lyne to Romiley, Marple & Oakgrove (Macc).
Fri 23rd to Sat 24th Sept:- Oakgrove (Macc) to Marple, Bugsworth & Whaley Bridge.
Sun 25th to Thurs 29th Sept:- Whaley Bridge to Marple, Kidsgrove, Middlewich, Nantwich, Chester & Ellesmere Port.
Thurs 29th Sept to Sat 1st Oct:- Ellesmere Port to Chester, Middlewich, Anderton & River Weaver.
Sat 1st & Sun 2nd Oct:- Acton Bridge Steam Rally, Leigh Arms, River Weaver.
Mon 3rd Oct:- River Weaver, Dutton to Vale Royal & Anderton.
Tues 4th to Fri 7th Oct:- Anderton to Middlewich, Kidsgrove & Oakgrove (Macc).
Sat 8th to Sun 9th Oct:- Oakgrove (Macc) to Marple, Bugsworth & Whaley Bridge.
Mon 10th Oct:- Whaley Bridge to Marple & Oakgrove.
Sat 22nd to Sun 23rd Oct:- Oakgrove (Macc) to Marple, Bugsworth & Whaley Bridge.
Mon 24th to Tues 25th Oct: Whaley Bridge to Marple, Romiley & Ashton under Lyne.
Wed 26th to Thurs 27th Oct:- Ashton under Lyne to Romiley, Marple & Oakgrove (Macc).
Please note the above schedule is our plan but this can change due to traffic, stoppages or other activities outside our control. To ensure your delivery it is always best to place an order with us by phoning or texting us on 07791345004 or emailing us on nbalton102@yahoo.co.uk
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Family First
Aileen has had a brain tumour for the past 11 years & over that time has had surgery & various sessions of treatments. Near the end of last year she decided to cease any further chemotherapy or radiotherapy as this just wasn't working. Since then her coordination & memory have gradually deteriorated, but she has been grateful for each day she has on earth. She has done a lot of charitable / volunteer work including running art classes & singing workshop & other activities through the Big Life Centre & other organisations in Stockport. We've had some fun times together too, celebrating our Birthdays & just chilling out together.
A fortnight ago Aileen had a bleed on the brain, followed by a stroke & was admitted to Stepping Hill Hospital. She was very ill, barely able to speak & very little memory. We were told there was little hope of improvement. Against the odds, slowly & surely she has improved. Last week she was able to return to my parents home on the Wirral, where we made the dining room into her bedroom & got a hospital bed etc. She is very happy to be back amongst her family.
On her first night home we all sat down around the table with curry & beer to celebrate my Brother Mike's birthday & Aileen's home coming. Since then Aileen has made some small improvement. She's able to walk a few steps & is eating much better.
Last week I returned home to my parents from Tuesday to Friday in order to help care for Aileen & give my Mum & Dad a break. Aileen continues to keep positive & is just grateful for each day, it was great to spend time with her & we had lots of laughs. I took her out in her wheelchair for some great walks down by the Mersey & we had loved reminiscing about our childhoods. On Friday we even got out for a lovely lunch at Garrett's Bistro in Bebington Village, whilst Mum & Dad got away for the day with friends.
Finally a big thank you to Ann Marie for holding the fort whilst I've been away. She's been a star, loading Alton, serving plenty of customers & sorting out lot's of other things that needed doing. So a big hug & THANKS Ann Marie.
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals
Friday, August 26, 2011
Aileen a Super Sister
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Where did that week go?
On Saturday we made our way down Northgate Staircase (not too wet these days) and along to Ellesmere Port Boat Museum. After completing our deliveries we winded and had a fairly busy afternoon as we headed back to Christleton. That evening we met up with Brian's Brother Mike at the Bridge in (nr Tarvin Lock) for good Salopian beer & some excellent value food, unfortunately the band then struck up & it was too loud to hear ourselves think so we retired for a reasonably early night. Ann Marie managed to rouse herself early & set off south, at her first customer (Wine & Roses) we received cups of fresh coffee which was enough to shake Brian from his slumber. We made good progress to Barbridge & across the branch back to Middlewich. We had a final few customers in the town pound before tying up for the night below Big Lock. Decent real pubs in Middlewich seem to be getting a bit thin on the ground, so Brian thought he would grab a swift pint at the Narrowboat before a late tea. They looked to have a few cask ales on but on asking for Buttercombe Blonde, was told it was no longer on, but they didn't turn the pumpclip round grrrr! He settled for a pint of London Pride which was OK but nothing special.
Early Monday morning and it was Brian's turn to take the early shift, the sun was shining & it was a lovely morning to have the cut to yourself. We got busy around Marston & Anderton before getting a 2.15pm passage down the lift. On the river we went up into Northwich serving a few customers & then down to Saltersford & back to tie up in town for the night.
On Tuesday morning we set off about 7.30am & had our first customer at Hunts Lock before the Lockies had arrived. We had a few more customers in the reach above the lock including oiling up the GU motor Alcor. We then headed down stream, back through Hunts, Saltersford & to Dutton Locks with various deliveries on the way. We then managed to get back up the lift on the last passage of the day. From Anderton we headed north through the tunnels for our a few more customers before winding and finally tying up at Marston Salt Works as darkness fell. We stopped next to our friends Hew & Jenna & (Kizzy & Eva) on NB Meridian and joined them for drinks on deck & a catch up with each others news.
Wednesday morning saw us reloading Alton with diesel. We were finished by midday. Accompanying us on our way up to Wheelock was a fendermaking friend Chris on NB Cheshire Belle & at Middlewich we where joined by Alex (NB's Witchcraft & Bewitched), so Alex & Ann Marie worked Alton up the locks (thanks again Alex) whilst Brian stayed with Chris giving him some pointers on working single handed. At Wheelock we retired to the Cheshire Cheese in company with Chris and had a fendermakers convention along with Liz & another fendermaking Chris, so we had a pleasant evening getting knotted.
Up at 6am, there was a mist on the cut as we set of up the Cheshire Locks and after a long & busy day we returned to Oakgrove (Macc) at 10pm.
I've been writing this blog post on & off over the past hectic week, so although its not finished I'm posting it now before it get forgotten about!
Night all! Brian
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals
Friday, August 12, 2011
Some Goodbyes & a Beautifully Painted Water Can
We carried on down the hill with Liam & Kerry on the Fuel Boat Ariel also following behind, like buses you don't see a coal boat for ages & then 2 come along at once! The rain came in fits and starts, with the odd glimpse of the sun. We had customers at various intervals before finally arriving at Middlewich about 7pm, here we spied Jane Selkirk's & Mac's boat Hero. We tied up and Mac brought out our old water can which had been beautifully repainted by Jane. We stopped for a coffee & a chat with Jane & Mac and caught up with their news. Jane is a very talented painter & has decided now is the right time to retire & they are selling their wonderful 70ft boat 'Hero' (with Lister JP2 I think) so if you are in the Market for an excellent trad boat, just get in touch. After having a good chinwag we wished Jane & Macc all the very best in the next stage of their busy lives.
We set of again in the dusk through Middlewich (grabbing a bag of chips at the chippy on the way) and decided to keep plodding, finally tying up for the night at Church Minshull and so to bed.
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
A Wet day on the Macc
Today we've had a busy morning at Oakgrove re-loading Alton with supplies prior to setting of a bit before midday. We soon reached Bosley & were met by the rain & wind, ahh perfect timing! We had a reasonable run down the flight meeting boats at each of the first 6 locks. At lock 7 we met Phil from NB Aurora we had walked up to give us a hand down the locks.
The rain got heavier & heavier, but we still had a busy afternoon on the lower Macc. We finally tied by the aqueduct at Red Bull absolutely soaked through. Brian nipped to the Blue Bell (one of his favourite real pubs) for a swift pint of "Hop head" & we grabbed some tea before getting a much needed early night.
Tomorrow we head off down the locks to Middlewich.
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
Traditional Fishing Boats at Brehemont on the Loire
Sunday, August 07, 2011
Winding up our Vacation
Last night near Dinard we had a delicious farewell dinner & end of raid Soiree. It was a lovely evening and we were joined by other 2CV friends Annie & Dave (ex UK & Australia) who have now moved to Dinard as well as other 2CVGB friends Chris & Debbie, so a good time was had nattering & catching up on each others news.
This morning we awoke rather more bleary eyed than usual and after packing up we had a final communal breakfast. We said our goodbyes to all & started our journey back home.
A big THANK YOU! to George, Mike, Chris & Terry for they're help in operating Alton while we're been away enjoying ourselves, it really is very much appreciated.
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals
Friday, August 05, 2011
Alton's August Schedule 2011
Alton's schedule for August will be as follows.
Sat 6th - Mon 8th:- Oakgrove (Macc Br 49) to Whaley Bridge & Bugsworth return. Operated by George Boyle.
Wed 10th - Sat 13th: Oakgrove (Macc Br 49) to Ellesmere Port
Sun 14th - Tues 16th: Ellesmere Port to River Weaver
Wed 17th - Fri 19th: River Weaver to Oakgrove (Macc Br 49)
Sat 20th - Mon 22nd: Oakgrove (Macc Br 49) to Whaley Bridge & Bugsworth return
Sat 27th - Tues 30th (Bank Hol w/e): Oakgrove to Whaley Bridge & Bugsworth return.
Please note the above schedule is our plan, but this may change due to traffic or other circumstances outside our control. If you require supplies just give us a call on 07791345004 & we will make sure we don't miss you.
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A Nicely Matured 2CV Fourgounette
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Thursday, August 04, 2011
Loitering Dans Le Loire
The meeting finished on the Sunday and on Monday we set off with about 25 other Citroen's on "Raid Loire et Chateaux", which is a weeks tour of the Loire Valley organised by the local 2CV clubs. We are visiting various Chateaux, Wineries, Vineyards, and museums. So far we've driven some beautiful routes, toured some stunning Chateaux & tasted some lovely local wines. It's no surprise to learn that we've also managed to see a little of the areas waterways including the great aqueduct at Briare, which is maybe the French equivalent of our Pontcysyllte aqueduct and we've seen the traditional fishing boats on the Loire & it's tributaries.
Whilst we continue our holiday Graham & George will be operating Alton for us, they will be travelling from Oakgrove to Marple on Sat 6th Aug, then on the Upper Peak Forest to Bugsworth Basin & Whaley Bridge on Sun 7th, before returning down the Macc on Mon 8th. Please be nice to them as they may be a little rusty! :-)
Well we'd better get back to our wine.
Bon soir mes ami!
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Friday, July 29, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Fourgonnette to France
After a pleasant & busy weekend round on the Macc & Upper Peak Forest over the 22nd to 24th we got back to base & did all our last minute jobs and packing. When the alarm went off at 4am on Monday morning we didn't want to get up. By 5.30 we were finally on the road and bimbling our way south. We had a fairly good run down with just the usual queues around Walsall & then again on the M25. At Dover we met up with our friends Dan & Emy in their red 2cv and made our way onto the ferry. We grabbed lunch and caught up with each others gossip on the journey over the Channel.
Once off the ferry we headed south for Amiens, arriving about 7pm at a welcome meeting organised by the local 2CV club, we got a very friendly welcome from the organisers with free camping at the local football ground. Here we met up with our other friends Young Andrew & Keith in the blue 2CV (Topple Junior) and David, Sarah & Nat in the brown VW Type 25 Camper. We cracked open the beers & Dan cooked us a lovely communal meal. We then sat around chatting & catching up until we couldn't keep our eyes open.
On Tuesday morning we de-camped and set off towards Salbris in a 4 car convoy, via the scenic route provided to us by our hosts. The route took us in a big arc around Paris, through some pretty villages and rolling countryside with lots of combine harvesters sweeping the fields. We found a great spot for a picnic lunch on the banks of the River Seine, we cannot keep away from the waterways for long and even got to see a big loaded barge heading towards Paris.
We made fairly leisurely progress south, finally arriving at the meeting site, Salbris at 7pm. We thought by now the queues should have died down as the meeting had been open since 10am. How wrong we were, we had pre-booked and paid for the meeting which meant that we would get priority entry. This entailed getting corralled into a holding field with a few thousand other 2CV's and being kept waiting there for 4 hours. By 11 O'clock we had enough & pitched our tents where we were & got out more beer & snacks.
This morning we finally got into the meeting, it was even more chaotic than we thought, the first place we set up camp, an irate Frenchman told us we were forbidden to camp there (there's now 100's of people camped there!). Anyway we finally found a reasonable spot to set up camp and made ourselves at home.
This afternoon we've wandered round the site, had a look around the excellent 2CV Museum, the old car display and the trade stands, constantly bumping into friends and acquaintances that invariably we hadn't seen for ages, so had lots of news to catch up on. By mid afternoon we had migrated to the bar and spent a very laid back afternoon drinking Jupilier and hanging out with friends. This evening we've taken it easy chilling out back at the campsite with another lovely meal of pasta and tomato sauce cooked by Dan & Keith. None of us had the energy to walk back to the bar and main stage (20 mins walk) so we've just sat about nattering. Despite the chaotic organisation upon our arrival the meeting does have a great buzz and we've really enjoyed a chilled out day with all 2CV friends.
I'll try and post a few more photos through the meeting.
Bon nuit!
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Thursday, July 21, 2011
A Wet Weekend in Marple
On Saturday I had a few customers & a coffee & chin wag with Pete & Dave on New Horizons. In the evening Ann Marie came over to pick me up, so that we could attend a gig in Macc. The concert was at St Alban's Church Hall & was Tom Kitching's (Clayton's Tar boat Spey) band "Pilgrims Way" http://www.pilgrims-way.net/ with Gren Bartley http://www.tomandgren.co.uk/ as support. It was a brilliant night with some brilliant music, helped along with a real ale bar with 3beers from Bollington Brewery http://www.bollingtonbrewing.co.uk/ at only £2 a pint!
Sunday it rained, I stopped in the cabin as much as possible & hitched some fenders. Whilst I tried to stay dry I watched the crews of New Horizon & The Bell set off in the teaming rain with there compliments of passengers.
Monday the rain continued to lash it down. I pottered about till 10am but it showed no sign of letting up. I had quite a busy day and arrived back at Fools Nook that evening looking like a drowned rat with lots of soggy paperwork for Ann Marie to decipher. Ahhh the wonder of an English Summer!
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals
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