Happy New Year 2011

Here's wishing all our friends, family & customers a healthy, happy and prosperous 2011.

As many of you know 2010 was perhaps not one of the best years for us. Just to say a huge thank you to all those people who have helped us through it. We really couldn't have done it without you, we are so lucky to know such lovely people. We are hoping for a fresh start for 2011, just enjoying what we do and making the most of our lives.

We spent New Years Eve with our friends Rupert, Alison & Peter down on the Caldon Canal near Leek. We had a very pleasant evening celebrating. Then today it was back to work with a vengeance!

This afternoon we have done our deliveries with Alton around Whaley Bridge & Furness Vale. We have also driven over to Strines (where we admtted defeat on the ice breaking a fortnight ago). We knocked some holes in the ice & measured it as 3" in places. We are going to try ice breaking to Marple again with Alton tomorrow and see how it goes.

Our very approximate schedule is as follows.

Sat 1st Jan: Whaley Bridge to Furness Vale
Sun 2nd Jan: Furness Vale to Marple
Mon 3rd Jan: Marple to Bollington
Tues 4th Jan: Bollington to Oakgrove

Please be patient with us if we do not make the plan above, suffice to say we will deliver to all customers from Whaley Bridge to Oakgrove by hook or by crook this week.

Best Wishes,

From Brian & Ann Marie
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Merry Christmas

Firstly apologies for not updating the blog sooner, but the last couple of weeks have been hectic to say the least. We loaded Alton at Furness Vale on Thursday 16th of December and the ice was finally begining to thaw. However that night we had another hard frost and woke to a very frost morning. We decided to have another go at ice breaking and made slow but steady progress through to New Mills. Here we were held up with the pumpout pump and pipe work, which despite being left empty, as soon as we refilled them ice started to form in the pipework and valves. After a couple of hours attempting to get the pumpout up and running we had to admit defeat.

In Photo: Ann Marie trying to defrost Carr Swing Bridge (or giving it the kiss of life!)

By this time George Boyle had caught us up and was running in front of Alton breaking the ice for us. He made good progress as far as Disley Lift Bridge as can be seen in the video below.

However a few hundred yards further on we were now breaking ice that was unbroken for over 3 weeks and over 4" thick. Our progress slowed considerably and by 2.30pm we were only  breaking 10' to 20' at each run at the ice. At this point we decided that progress was just too slow, so we began to make our way back in reverse from whence we came.

We finally made it back to Whaley Bridge Basin about 6.30pm having winded Alton with the help of Sandbach at Nat's Hole.  Thanks for your help George it was very much appreciated.

Then over the next few days we returned to road deliveries, back and forth we went in out trusty green nissan van. We drove down all sorts of lanes and tracks and found access points to the canal that we never knew existed. Thanks again to all those who helped.

Finally we have had a lovely few days off over Christmas with family and friends. Thanks for all your cards and presents, we really don 't expect, you really are are the most kind and caring customers. We hope you are all enjoying your Christmas break.

Best wishes from Brian & Ann Marie

Alton's Christmas Schedule 2010

Our schedule for the next few weeks is as follows:-

14th & 15th December:- Road deliveries to Macclesfield, Bollington, Kerridge etc.

16th December:- Road Delivery to Bugsworth

17th - 20th December:- If possible we will be ice breaking delivering from Furness Vale to Marple and on to Adlington. If it is not possible to deliver by boat we will be operating by road.

21st December:- Deliveries to Whaley Bridge, then road deliveries to Macclesfield & Bollington

22nd & 23rd December:- Deliveries by road to Congleton, Kidsgrove, Middlewich, Nantwich, Audlem, Northwich

1st January - 4th January:- Whaley Bridge, Marple to Macclesfield & Fools Nook.

If you need supplies please get in touch or look out for us on route.

Alton Ice Breaking at Whaley Bridge 7th Dec 2010

Last week in order to load Alton with coal & diesel, we broke ice from Furness Vale to Whaley Bridge. This video shows how slow going the job was.  

Brian gets refuelled

A big thank-you, to all our customers who have kept us re-fuelled whilst we refuel them. We have had plenty of cups of tea & coffee, toast, cake, mince pies etc. You have all been very kind and kept a smile on our faces over the last few days. You cannot beat the camaraderie of the cut!

In the photo Brian enjoying coffee & toast for breakfast at NB Carbis (thanks Mike & Sue).
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Life on the Road

The last 2 days have been long & hectic, doing all our deliveries on the Peak Forest & Macc Canals by road. Back & forth we have gone with the van, wheelbarrow & sack-truck. By tonight we have finished most of our deliveries.

We would like to say a big thank you to all those customers who have minimised or delayed their orders for diesel. We have stretched out our 1000 litres supply and it is now exhausted. We have been extremely annoyed and frustrated by our bulk diesel suppliers, it seems we are just too small a company to hold any sway with them. We have been let down with our promised deliveries, often phones are just being left unanswered, we have pleaded, threatened, cajoled and we still do not know when we can get a delivery from any of our regular suppliers. Please be assured that we are trying absolutely everything to keep our customers warm. If you do need supplies please get in touch and we will do our utmost to supply you with fuel.
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

The Big Chill

Well after yesterdays ice-breaking, today it has been back out with the van & wheel barrow. We have shifted a couple of tonnes with deliveries to Bridgemont, Furness Vale, New Mills, Strines, Marple, High Lane & Middle Kale. The last journey to Middle Kayle was the most treacherous with a couple of miles of farm tracks to negotiate. Then out with the wheel barrow & sack truck to deliver down the towpath and along the field, over the brook etc, etc.
A big thank you to all those who have mucked in & helped us out today it's been much appreciated.

We are having a well earned, early night tonight, ready for an early start with deliveries by road around Poynton, Adlington etc tomorrow. If you need supplies please get in touch.
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Ice Breaking around Whaley

Yesterday we broke ice from Furness Vale to Whaley Bridge to enable us to load at Whaley Basin today. It was very slow going with the ice 2 to 3 inches thick in places. The journey of just over a mile took us 3 hours, constantly having to back up and get a run up at the ice.

Our loads where delayed, with the coal arriving at 2 (due to the air breaks having frozen on the coal lorry). We have only been able obtain 1000 litres of diesel and are hopiing for more deliveries by the end of the week.

Once loaded we made our deliveries around Whaley, but at the junction up to Bugsworth the ice was over 4 inches thick and it was very slow going, breaking less than half the boats length at a time.

Given the weather conditions and shortage of diesel, we have decided to commence deliveries by road from tomorrow. We are asking people to only order the minimum amount of diesel to cover their requirements for the next too weeks so that we can use our supplies most effectively.

If you do need coal, diesel, gas etc please get in touch & we will arrange delivery.
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Fendermaking Course (Intermediate Level) at Audlem Mill

Over last weekend 27 & 28th October we held our first intermediate level couse in fendermaking  at Audlem Mill. The aim of the course was to provide a more indepth look at fendermaking including different techniques and styles of core building as well as covering using more complex shapes and materials. The fenders produced were vee-bows and tipcats. Our Trainees for the couse where Graham (NB Star), Richard (NB Tawny Owl) and Daniel (NB Emily Ann). Graham had attended our introductory course las year and was a glutton for punishment coming back for more hitching, whilst Richard had some previous ropeworking experience and Daniel had more limited knowledge of fendermaking but was keen to learn more.

On Saturday we looked at the different methods & materials for core building before commencing construction of our cores. Graham was making a tipcat, whilst Richard and Daniel where producing vee-bow fenders.

Above: Graham producing his tipcat core.

Above: Daniel (left) and Richard (right) making their vee-bow fender cores.

By mid-afternoon our cores where complete and hitching the covers could begin. Richard & Graham worked in manila rope whilst Daniel and Brian worked in victory black.

On Saturday evening a few of us from the Canal World Discussion Forum got together for a banter for Jill's (Wrigglefingers) Birthday. We had a lovely evening at the Lord Cobermere Pub in Audlem, with great food, good beer and excellent company. It was great to meet so many forum members in the flesh so to speak and we all had a good natter and a laugh.

After a rather late night we were none too sprightly on Sunday morning, but we soon perked up after a stong cuppa. Now the hitching could begin in earnest. Everyone worked well and soon learnt new techniques for fendermaking. The results of the weekend where very good with Richard completeing his fender in good time and Daniel and Graham just having a little hitching to complete at hope. They produced some great work that they can be very proud off.

Above (left to right) Daniel, Richard and Graham with their work.

Richard has also posted more photos of the weekend on CWDF http://www.canalworld.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=33461&pid=617315&st=40&#entry617315

Graham, Richard and Daniel were all great students and a real pleasure to work with, it's really satisfying to pass on your knowledge to people that are keen to learn and make teaching fun.

Finally a big thank you to our hosts Peter & Christine Sylvester at Audlem Mill, they looked after us superbly as always with a warm friendly envioroment in which to works and wonderful home cooked food to keep us nourished.

Our next fender making course will be at Audlem Mill on 5/6th March 2011, for more details or to book a place see Audlem Mills website http://www.audlemmill.co.uk/course%20programme.html

Fendermaking & Deliveries by Road

After a busy few day with Alton on the Upper Peak Forest & Macclesfield Canals we're now back at our Fools Nook Base. Alton is however trapped between Whaley Bridge & Bollington due to stoppages. Brian has been busy catching up on Fender orders (see photo), whilst Ann Marie has been lugging bags of coal to keep customers warm (between Bollington & Oakgrove) who we cannot reach by boat.
On Thursday / Friday this week we will be out delivering by road to other customers that we cannot reach due to stoppages. We will be delivering on the Lower Macc (Bosley to Kidsgrove), the Trent & Mersey North (Etruria to Preston Brook), the Middlewich Branch (M'wich to Barbridge& Nantwich) & the River Weaver. If you require supplies please get in touch.
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

A Boatmans Holiday on Archimedies & Ara

Having made a cotton button fender for Tom Hills butty Ara, Brian had a good excuse to hand deliver it down to the Southern GU whilst at the same time taking a chance to see how another Coal Boat Operator works.

He went down by train, only an hour & 45min into London and then back out to Watford where he met the boats Archimedies & Ara with the crew of Tom & James at Iron Bridge Lock near Cassiobury Lock, Watford. The next day dawned cold & foggy and that's the way it stayed all day. They had a few good half tonne drops of coal and it was interesting to see a few famous, historic places & boats as well as meet a few infamous people in the flesh. That evening at a lock in the dark they passed Baron & Taurus (another coal carrying working pair) heading back up the GU. Archimedies & Ara tied below Uxbridge & for a second night Mike Askins (owner of GUCCCo Royalty motor Victoria) became the chauffeur to deliver the crew to the pub for dinner. A good carvery and a natter was had by all.

Today was a fairly early start (6.30am) with a quick delivery then a blast down to Bulls Bridge to load with diesel. After a full english breakfast at Tescos (apparently a tradition for GU crews in days of old) they took the motor down to the top of the Hanwell flight for a few more coal, gas & diesel deliveries. Returning to Bulls Bridge to pick up Ara, James made collecting the butty & turning the junction at the same time look very easy. After a few more deliveries they singled out the pair and Brian took the Tiller of the motor Archimedies, but rubbish on the blades meant things got a bit behind schedule. They finished the day with a few deliveries in little venice with a final delivery to the Warwick Castle Pub, then after a shower and a change, they returned to the Warwick Castle to enjoy a well earned pint and a very good rib eye steak.

All in all, it was a fun and interesting few days, Tom & James where very welcoming and it was great to see how other coal boats operate. So don't be surprised if, some time in the future you see two strapping young lads aboard Alton for a return visit (apparently some of there customers even describe them as eye-candy), so watch out ladies!
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

A Busman's Holiday in Liverpool

We've just had a lovely weekend off, up on Merseyside. We were looking after our Godson Peter for the weekend and we combined this with attending a party for Brian's Cousin Marianne's 40th Birthday and another for his Mums 70th Birthday, so we are all partied out now!

We had a great day in Liverpool on Saturday, walking around the Pier Head, Liverpool Link Canal & Albert Dock. Then we went on the DUKW WWII amphibious landing craft, Wacker Quacker. The tour of Liverpool & the docks was wonderful with the cheerful and friendly crew. We would recommend this quirky tour to anyone visiting Liverpool.

We then returned across the water to The Wirral for afternoon tea at the Cafe at Woodside Ferry, with a great view of the Three Graces and the Liverpool skyline, Peter even picked out Paddys Wigwam!

On Saturday evening we had a great evening at Tapas Tapas in Crosby for Marianne's 40th it was lovely to catch up with family & friend we hadn't seen in a while and the tapas was delicious.

We had a lazy Sunday morning culminating in us all sitting down around the table for the "full works" breakfast. In the afternoon we returned to Woodside at Peter's request to visit the German U-boat exhibition, which was fascinating (yes we cannot keep away from boats for even a day!).

After delivering Peter back to his Dad we continued on to Brian's Mums 70th Birthday Celebration at Garretts Restaurant, Bebington. We had a wonderful evening again catching up with friend & family including Dave Devvy (ex Mersey Pilot) who is responsible for Brian getting bit by the narrowboat bug! The food was wonderful and a great night was had by all including the Birthday Girl herself.
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Dam at Clarence Mill

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Bollington Aqueduct Stoppage Update

Yesterday afternoon I called in to Bollington to check on the progress of the stoppage. BW's contractors May Gurney where on site erecting harris fencing. They have installed dams at the woodyard bridge and by Clarence Mill and had drained the canal between these two points. The dam at Clarance Mill took approximately 160 tonnes of clay to construct, I just hope 160 tonnes come back out when they are finished. Hopefully work will commence on the aqueduct soon.

I also popped down to Bosley Locks to check on the progress at Lock 4. There was no sign of any work starting at all and the locks looked to be open to traffic. We will wait & see if this stoppage actually happens.
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

A day off, of sorts

Well a fairly relaxed day today. This morning we met up with Hiroko, Vaughan & Dave to do some more filming for NHK (Japanese TV). It was a beautiful day and we had a very pleasant walk around Sutton Reservoir doing a bit of birdwatching and a short interview. We are trying to not let this film star lifestyle go to our heads! We then joined the crew for a delicious lunch at the Fools Nook Inn.
This afternoon we have had an opportunity to catch up on some admin and do some deliveries and collect a few supplies.
In the photo the NHK Filmcrew:- Dave (Soundman), Hiroko (Director), Vaughan (Cameraman)
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Stoppages Start

Well another busy weekend for us aboard Alton. On Saturday morning we set-off from Windlehurst heading south on the Macc making plenty of deliveries through Poynton, Bollington and Macclesfield. On Saturday evening we joined Tim and Karen Lane at their Bonfire Party. We had a lovely evening sat around the fire chatting and enjoying a few drinks and some lovely food.

We struggled to rouse ourselves when the alarm went off at 6am, but eventually we got moving to start loading some more stock on Alton before leaving Fools Nook at 8am. It was a beautiful autumnal morning and we made good progress back to Poynton. Here we were joined again by the NHK film crew consisting off Hiroko (Director), Vaughn (Cameraman) and Dave (Soundman). The film crew joined us for the run up to Marple and darkness was just falling as we moored up between Bridges 1 & 2. We joined the film crew for a delicious meal at the Dolce Vita italian restaurant which was a lovely way to end the day.

On Monday morning we woke to heavy rain and buffeting winds, we didn't want to get out of bed but we knew we had plenty of customers waiting for us. We had a busy start with plenty of deliveries around Marple and we the headed along the Upper Peak Forest with wind & rain continuing unabated. We met up with the film crew again at New Mills and they then bridge hopped along watching us getting soaked! We had another busy afternoon in Whaley Bridge, mooring up well after dark. By the end of the day we had spent 14 hours out in that terrible weather and were cold, wet & exhausted, the joys of coalboating!

BW Stoppages should now have commenced at Bollington Aqueduct, Bosley Locks and Hyde Bank Tunnel. For the duration of the stoppages Alton will operate fornightly from Whaley Bridge to Whitely Green (nr Bollington). We will also have supplies available from our butty St Austell at Fools Nook. We will be delivering fornightly by road from Thurday 18th November to Bollington, Kerridge, Macclesfield, Gurnett etc.

Our next run with Alton will be:-

Friday 19th November - Whaley Bridge, Bugsworth & Furness Vale
Saturday 20th November - Furness Vale, Marple, Poynton to Whitely Green
Sunday 21st November - Whitely Green return to Furness Vale

Here Comes the Rain Again (& Here Come Marple Locks Again)

After a great effort by Steve, Mike & Graham at Ashton Packet, Alton now has a refurbished and weatherproof cabin.

We left the Wet Dock at Ashton Packet at Midday with the paint only just dry on the cabin roof. We where hoping for a dry afternoon to try and let the paint completely harden but the weather wasn't co-operating and it bucketed it down most of the afternoon. We made reasonable progress along the Lower Peak Forest reaching the bottom of Marple Locks at 3.30pm as the downpour get even heavier. Our friend Graham (NB Daphne) helped us up the locks and we got into a good routine, reaching the top lock at 5.50pm. This is the 4th time we have done the Marple flight in the last 3 weeks or so.

Today we have done a few jobs on the boat and loaded with coal, wood & diesel at Marple. This afternoon we just had a short journey down to the deer farm mooring at Windlehurst.

Our planned schedule for the next few days is as follows:-

Sat 6th Nov: Windlehurst (Br 8) to Oakgrove (Br 49)
Sun 7th Nov: Oakgrove (Br 49) to Marple
Mon 8th Nov: Marple to Bugsworth & Whaley Bridge.

From Mon 8th Nov until 24th Dec there are stoppages on at Hyde Bank Tunnel and Bollington Aqueduct. During this period Alton will be operating from Whaley Bridge to Bollington fortnightly. We will be delivering by road fortnightly from Oakgrove (Macc) to Bollington as well as monthly road deliveries to all areas we cover including Stoke, Middlewich, Nantwich, Northwich etc.
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Alton's Cabin Repairs

Repairs to Alton's cabin at Ashton Packet Boat Co are progressing well. Steve & Mike have stripped out all the area of rot and are put in new boards where necessary.

They plan to finish the work by tomorrow evening and we hope to able to take Alton out of the paint dock by Midday on Thursday.

Alton will be returning to Ashton Packet for furthur cabin repairs in the spring when the stoppages at Bollington & Hyde Bank Tunnel are complete.
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Fendermaking Course at Audlem Mill - 30 & 31st October 2010

Over the last weekend we ran our autumn fendermaking course at Audlem Mill next to the Shropshire Union Canal. We had 5 Trainees, Dave from NB Hollinhurst,  Pat & Alan from NB Plan B...C,D,E&F, Paul from NB Honey and Pete fron NB Dragonfly.

On Saturday after a brief introduction, we soon got knotting, crowning a pair of side fenders. Later in the afternoon we started work on building the core of our button fenders. Also on Saturday we had the NHK film crew following us which managed to make headline news on the Audlem Website! http://www.audlem.org/newsitem-1-1-5493.html

Above:- Pat with her finished side fenders


On Sunday morning everyone turned up bright and early and no they hadn't forget to put their clocks back, they where just keen to get hitching. We soon completed our button fender cores and the set about covering the fender, half-hitching 100' of victory black rope. Everyone completed their button fenders and we were very pleased with the final results.

During the course we were all very well looked after by our hosts Peter & Christine Silvester who provided wonderful lunches, as well as plenty of tea and coffee and even cream cakes for afternoon tea!

Finally, well done to Dave, Pat, Alan, Paul & Pete, you where a great bunch to work with and it was a pleasure to work with you learning your new skills.

If you are interested in attending one of our courses the next introduction to fendermaking course is 5th & 6th March 2011 at Audlem Mill. To book your place phone Peter or Christine at Audlem Mill on 01270 811059.

Above:-  Alan, Pat, Dave, Paul & Pete with their finished Fenders.

Ann Marie at the Tiller towing a Houseboat on the LPF Canal

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals