Concern for Chance

Thursday 4^th October

As we left the mooring today we went through the Shirley Drawbridge which I travel over every week when I go to play golf. How nice it is to be the cause of the traffic hold up rather thinking should I not wait and go the longer way round when in the car, as you see some right antics with the boaters trying to work out how to operate the bridge.

We the passed a hire boat which had winded and just moored up on the offside needing the gangplank to get ashore when they could have moored on the tow path side with no problem at all. Strange people.

* Hire craft mooring.

Later we went through the new development of Dickens Heath with the smart new houses visible through the trees and the Porches parked outside, then we came to the Waterside development of high rise flats.

* Approaching Waterside

* View of the water feature

Motoring on we passed the Earlswood Motor Yacht Club at Lady Lane Wharf and went on  to Bridge 20 where we moored up to go to Wedges Bakery and buy some of their lovely produce, it is always busy no matter what time of day you go and they sell some great produce. Whilst there we met a Swiss family who enquired if we had found their BW key as they must have left in the Drawbridge last night. We hadn’t and told them where they could get a new one for their return journey and for filling with water tank.

* Lady Lane Wharf

As we approached Lock 3 we heard an ambulance siren and a paramedic vehicle pulled onto the bridge in between the locks 3 and 4. Apparently a lady guest aboard Duke and Duchess had fallen and hit her head and rather than take any risks they had called for help. The hotel boats were moored between the locks about to go up but now signalled that we could fill the lock and proceed down without adverse affect on the patient.

* Medics for Duke and Duchess

We carried on to the top of the main Lapworth flight and at locks 7 and 8 encountered a hire boat coming up. Why is it that locks always seem to be built with sharp angles between them, we had to put our nose into the side pond so they could get by and into the lock as the bend is so tight. We then realised that we were following the hotel boats Snipe and Taurus down and would have to fill every lock.

The gates and paddles were so hard for June to operate that she said she would sooner do Tardebigge twice than do this flight once.

We found Snipe and Taurus moored up after lock 14 so had most of the remaining locks in our favour although there was so much water coming down the by-washes that June had to open the paddles to equalise the pressure before she could open the gates.

* Snipe and Taurus moored up for lunch

We turned onto the GU Arm and met hotel boats Oak and Ash coming the other way.

Three sets of Hotel Boats in one morning strange!

We turned onto the Grand Union and reversed up towards Bridge 65 where we moored for the day as we were meeting my sister for dinner at the recently reopened Navigation Pub. We had a great meal there and the bar was full of locals who had returned since it had changed hands and been renovated.

After our late lunch I took Phoenix a walk along the Stratford Canal and met a boat who had just come up from Warwick and in casual conversation about how quiet the Hatton flight had been he mentioned that a boat had been deliberately swamped by the Hotel Boat OAK & ASH and it had ruined their electrics.

I knew Nb Chance had been going down the flight that morning so texted Doug and James hoping that it was not them who had been swamped. Doug rang back to tell us that it was indeed them and that thanks to the help of the C&RT lockies they had been able to get to Saltisford Arm and begin to sort things out.

The ex Rev Reed must have something wrong with him to take the approach he did with Nb Chance. But is does confirm the other confrontations he has had and reported on the Canal Forums. I hope I never have the misfortune to meet him in such a situation. See the Chance Blog for more details.

ORGASM

Wednesday 3^rd October

Had a bit of a lie in today and then set off for the North Stratford Canal passing the Lower Bittell Reservoir which I have walked around with my walking group ORGASM (Old Retired GAS Men) and on through Hopwood to the Wast Hills Tunnel.

* Lower Bittell Reservoir

Although the tunnel is 2726 yds (1.54 miles) long you can see the other end and it was a delight to travel through with only the slightest variation in height and direction and very few drips.

* North Portal of the Wast Hills Tunnel.

A short distance from the north end of the tunnel comes the Kings Norton Junction of the North Stratford and the Worcester and B’ham canals with the roving bridge just beyond

* Kings Norton Junction

* Sign Post

It is a nice wide Junction making turning easy and as we approached a Canal Time boat came out of the Stratford, apparently they had moored at the junction overnight.

Looking back as we made the turn we could see the Old Canal Toll House which is sadly not used today.

* Toll House

A short distance into the Stratford Canal we encountered the well known Guillotine Stop Lock which has wooden guillotine gates mounted in iron frames at both ends and is being considered for preservation in the near future.

We were watched through this very narrow lock by several gongoozlers whose hobby seemed to be to mark the efforts of boats out of ten. They gave us 10 out of 10 so we were well chuffed.

* Guillotine Stop Lock

We have walked this stretch of canal a couple of times over the years and have seen many changes particularly with increased new housing developments. We soon reached Brandwood Tunnel which has the well photographed head of Shakespeare on a plaque above the west portal.

* Brandwood Tunnel

There is no towpath through the tunnel and you have to walk over the top but because of the new housing it is easy to get lost as the old route has been transformed by new roads and houses.

We stopped at Lyons Boatyard to buy some coal and fill up with diesel (not such a good price as Wheaton Aston) but at least it is self declaration. At bridge 5 we filled up with water; there are two taps and they fill very fast.

Soon on our way we reached Shirley Drawbridge and moored up for lunch having only seen one boat on the move all morning.

* Shirley Drawbridge

After lunch we took the No.49 bus to the large Sainsbury’s at the Maypole to replenish our larder. On our return we were surprised to find we were surrounded by hire boats going in both directions and one negotiating the bridge. They must have stopped for a late lunch at the pub as by late afternoon they had all gone.

Early Bird catches the Locks

Tuesday 2^nd October

The forecast was for a good morning with rain in the afternoon so we decided to make an early start and hopefully capitalise on the leaking locks leaving some empty and so speed our ascent. We left at 7.45am and made steady progress up the locks using my light weight pole to help close the offside gates and so save June walking around the lock twice. I won’t let her jump the gates as it is too dangerous when you don’t swim.

A third of the way up we unexpectedly encountered a boat coming down. They had moored in a pound half way down the flight over night and the boat, crewed  by a group of ladies, was being helmed by the owner of Droitwich Marina where we had left the boat over the weekend.

The next few locks were therefore in our favour and we sped on but noticed a boat catching us up. The crew were just letting the paddles crash down (bad boy).

We stayed ahead of them as they had to empty each lock, so we were grateful that we had started early.

We had got a good rhythm going even thought the paddles were very stiff for June to operate and just over half way up came across another boat coming down, the crew was a miserable guy and could hardly mutter “good morning”.

* Tardebigge Resevoir

We soon reached Tardebigge Resevoir where we were met by Gary, one of our boat builders from Sandhills, who wanted to help us with the last 8 locks.

* Gary Joins Us

We flew through these and moored up after the last lock for lunch and a chat with Gary at 11.45 am an excellent 3.5 hours to complete the flight. Not quite on a par with the Boys excellent 2.75 hours I’m afraid.

We passed the Old Engine House which has now been converted into housing and looks very nice through the windows.

* The last few Locks

* The Old Engine House

After lunch we motored on through the Tardebigge and Shortwood  tunnels and on to Alvechurch where we moored up just after bridge 61. There is a dearth of visitor mooring in Alvechurch.

We had afternoon tea and cake and then I walked Phoenix down into the village to post some cards and get a paper. It is a good walk down but quite a climb back up to the canal. Met another Puppy walker in the village, whose puppy had just gone into training in Worcester; so she wanted a puppy fix and made a big fuss of Phoenix.

Just before dark we had two more boats join us at the mooring and a couple more went passed in the direction of Tardebigge; we wondered where everybody had been as we had not see another boat on the move since Tardebigge..

Drat the Late Travellers

Monday 1^st October

A lovely bright sunny morning, so we left the marina at 8am and headed out of their modern wide entrance and headed up the first of todays15 locks.

* Wide Entrance of Droitwich Marina

We turned left at Hanbury Junction onto the Worcester and B’ham canal heading for Stoke Pound.

On route we went through the renowned lock 18 with its lovely garden opposite the lock cottage; they were selling runner beans for £1 per pound, and then on Stoke Works where John Corbett opened his salt works resulting in Droitwich becoming a Spa town rather than an industrial salt producer.

* Lock 18 Garden

* Stoke Works

Later a clear view of the Droitwich radio masts could be seen; they are the site of the most powerful BBC longwave transmitter and at night their aircraft warning lights can be seen from miles away.

* Droitwich Radio Masts

As we rose in Stoke Bottom lock we were regaled with the sight of lots of Black Prince hire boats and many others in various stages of being built spreading almost across the whole canal. Presumably there are so many there because it is the end of the season.

* Black Prince Hire Fleet.

As we wound our way up the Stoke flight the Windmill at the Avoncroft Museum of historic buildings came into sight. The Museum is well worth a visit as it covers a wide range of buildings from the relatively modern prefabs back to a nail makers workshop from the Black Country.

* Avoncroft Windmill

We found a nice mooring just after the Queens Head Inn and before the start of the Tardebigge Flight.

* Mooring

* Queens Head Inn

After lunch we took Phoenix a walk up the locks so that June could see the task that lay ahead of her tomorrow. At the first lock we saw water pouring down the bye-wash and wondered what was up. At the next lock the water was coming over the tow path and it appeared that two boats were coming down the locks so close together that the water from the locks had no where to go.

* June Surveying her next Task.

No boats had passed all day so were hopeful of the locks being set for us in the morning but alas at 3.30 a boat decided to ascend the flight so it looks as though we will have them all against tomorrow.

Weekend and Home

Friday 28^th September

We had a lie today as we were going to Tibberton Village Hall for breakfast. We wandered down the road arriving at 8.30am and were the first people there. The volunteers for the MacMillan “Worlds Biggest Coffee Morning” gave us a warm welcome and knew Phoenix was coming as the Postmistress had told them to expect us. We were treated to lovely hot croissants with fresh strawberry jam and coffee all nicely served on a tray. They kept coming round asking if we wanted more and then if we wanted some of the delicious home made cakes they had on display.

* Home Made Cakes

As school time approached more villagers came in and we had a great time chatting to them and the young children patted Phoenix which she loved.

There were lots of raffle prizes but as we could not collect them if we won we just left a donation as it is a very worthwhile cause to support and then wended our way back to the boat.

* Raffle Prizes

We motored off quietly as unusually the hire boats were still there with their curtains drawn, possibly because the Severn is in flood and their cruising range is restricted.

The canal is very narrow for most of the journey to Hanbury wharf as the reeds have grown in from both sides, luckily we did not meet any other boats on the move and when we got to Hanbury the moorings were empty.

* Reeds take over the channel.

We turned left and entered the Droitwich Junction Canal to go down the three locks to the marina. Two volunteers were on duty and helped us through the locks as we were the first boat they had seen.

As we negotiated the locks the wind got up and became quite strong as we entered the marina, fortunately the entrance is of the modern type and is in fact biggest in the country. They have even set the entrance back into the marina a little more than normal to counteract the narrowness of the navigation channel of the canal. We moored stern first onto the pontoon and were grateful for the bow thrusters help to counteract the now very strong wind.

* Droitwich Marina

When we had moored up and took a look around we noticed that we were directly pointing at Hadzor Hall, Hadzor being the home of Atumn Myst.

* Hadzor Hall

We tided up the boat, packed away our summer clothes and loaded them into the car and headed for home.

Saturday 29^th September

Busy day firstly, getting in some shopping as the cupboards were bare, and then setting the washing machine and drier in motion.

After lunch I took Phoenix to the local Sainsbury’s to help support the Guide Dog Collection Day. It is amazing the effect a puppy has on the level of donations and GD’s raised over £450.

June went to have her hair done and visit her mother.

Later we just collapsed and had an early night.

Sunday 30^th September

Today we went to Pat’s 85^th birthday celebration lunch at Honily Court hotel and had a great time with all her friends and relations.

We had planned to come back to the boat by train and taxi on Monday morning but June’s brother, Leslie, volunteered to bring us back by car, for which we were so grateful, as we were back on board by 5.45pm and soon had the fire lit and the boat warm and cosy.

Leaving Worcester

Thursday 27^th September

Phoenix’s early morning walk took us down to the river which had risen a few more inches and did not look as though it would be open to boats by Friday.

We walked back via Diglis Basin which looked lovely in the morning sunlight with the swans swimming across it.

* Diglis Basin

Opposite the Visitor Mooring I noticed this narrowboat which seemed very low in the water. I could not make up my mind if it was sinking or just a very low gunwale level. I fear it is the former.

* Sinking Ship ???

* Worcester Visitor Moorings

After breakfast we headed out of Worcester and surprisingly found the first lock at the Commandery to be in our favour and were soon on to the next which was full.

* Leaving Worcester

We motored on in glorious sunshine to the Gregory’s Mill locks which the CART note asked us to empty after we had gone up them Could not work out why this would be but just followed their request.

Next came the Bilford locks where Bill had asked us to look out for any old buildings which might be of interest to Jackie tracing her family history. Unfortunately there were none but just new housing and this canal side cottage which had been developed to look in keeping with other lock cottages and was up for sale.

* Bilford Top Lock

* Bilford Top Lock – cottage for sale.

* Bilford Bottom Lock looking at Top lock and Bridge.

Continuing on to Blackpole locks we encountered the first two boats we had seen moving for the last two days and both were descending the locks. The second boat told us that they had hoped to go to Droitwich but that the canal was closed as boats could not get under M5. Adam was right about the rising waters of the River Salwarpe. I did not think that we had had that much rain. 

All the remaining locks were in our favour and we made good speed to Tibberton where we moored up in front of a Viking hire boat. They soon wended their way back to Worcester and we were left on our own.

After lunch I walked into the village and found a Post Office and Stores and had a nice chat to the Postmistress. She asked if we were going to the Biggest Coffee Morning in aid of McMillan on Friday. In order to catch the workers they were doing Coffee and Croissants from 8.30am. I only had to mention it to June and we were going.

As were travelling I had a call from Dennis and Karen to ask where we were as they would like to come and visit. We arranged to meet them for tea and home made cake at Tibberton at 3pm and later go for a meal together at the Bridge Inn.

We had a good meal and returned to the boat for a nightcap before they left us at 9pm.

* Dennis and Karen

By this time we were surrounded by Viking and Canaltime hire boats who could not go on the river and so were restricted to the Staffs and Worcester canal.

Lazy Day

Wednesday 26^th September

Decided to have a lazy day today and got up late for us. I took Phoenix her morning walk around the marina and found a park in which she could have a good run. The path led us by a field of Evening Primose flowers (so June tells me), down to the river at the new Sustran Diglis foot and cycle bridge just below Diglis lock. I say just below the lock, which it normally is, but today the river was almost the same height on both sides of the lock gate, a very strange sight.

* Diglis River Lock

* Evening Primroses

We then walked along the riverside path towards the entrance to the canal basins and came across these boats moored on the river pontoons unable to move. The river was almost bursting its banks at this point which is normally15 feet below.

* Trapped boats

The towpath between the two locks to enter the canal basin was now several feet under water and it seemed to be still rising although the lock keeper had said that he hoped to open the lock again on Friday.

During the morning we moved the boat to the water point to fill up, ran the washing machine and charged up the batteries. Whilst we were taking on water I spoke to the canal time boat moored nearby and he had been lucky enough to hear the weather forecast on Sunday and had travelled back from Kinver before the river went into flood and had been moored up in Worcester ever since as he had to take the boat back to Lowesmoor Wharf today. He had arrived about 6 pm and watched two South African novice canal boaters take a boat on to the river. He had warned them but they seemed oblivious to the dangers and he wondered where they would have moored with only an hour of daylight left. He felt that hirers should be better briefed on river navigation.

After lunch we went on a guided tour of the cathedral and were surprised to learn that both King John and Prince Arthur had asked to be buried there.

* Worcester cathedral

Looking out over the river from the cathedral grounds near the Watergate we could see that the riverside walk was about 3 feet under water with just the tips of the fence posts protruding from the murky water.

* Riverside Walk and Worcester Bridge

We are so thankful that we decided to join the boys on Nb Chance and travel earlier to Droitwch otherwise we may well have been stuck ourselves.

Worcester Bound

Tuesday 25^th September

The weather forecast was for rain at about 2pm so we left our moorings at 7.30am creeping past the sleeping live aboards on the opposite bank heading for Worcester.

 The Worcester and B’ham canal is very narrow, shallow and lined with high reeds just like the Droitwich Barge Canal.

We passed some nice houses at Shernal Green and a magnificent view of the church and half timbered farm at Oddingley.

* Oddingley Church and Farm

We negotiated the short, 230yd, Dunhampstead Tunnel and on to the first of the 14 locks on our route at Offerton. Making good progress through the locks we only encountered a few hire craft coming out of Worcester until the second Bilford lock where a hotel boat with butty were coming up. The guests were trying to operate the locks and June had to help or we might have been there now.

They were on their way to Stratford and had had to resort to the canal as the River Severn was in flood.

The approach to Worcester has several rows of cottages which either line the canal or their street ends at the canal and then we reached the unusual Bridge with odd holes in it at Lowesmoor Wharf the home of the Viking Afloat fleet. The wharf is at an unusual angle to the canal and winding hole and requires some skill to get in without hitting the sides.

* Canal side Cottages

* Unusual Bridge at Lowesmoor Wharf

The towpath switched to the other side of the canal as we approached The Commandary ( founded as a small hospital in 1085) and June used her chat up line to get two young men to help her with the last lock as we went under the main road into Worcester.

* The Commandery

* June Chats up a couple of Toyboys

We moored up and after lunch walked the short distance through the old Worcester Porcelain factory which is now being developed as a nice residential and retail centre into the city to explore the shops.

Later I took Phoenix a walk around the new Diglis basin development and found the River Severn to be so in flood that it had overflowed the first lock onto the river. We were just thankful that we decided to leave Stourport earlier than originally planned, you cannot believe that just one days rain could have had such a rapid effect on the river.

* Diglis Basin Marina

* Floating Cafe

* Worcester Cathedral

* River Floods Lock

* 30 Miles and 58 Locks to go.

The rain eventually arrived about 7.30pm when we were warm and snug tucked up in the boat.