Off to the IWA at Watford

After a lovely long weekend with my aunt and uncle it was time to set to work and get some serious maintenance done on the boat. Since we had the luxury of being in the marina with access to an electrical hook-up we made the most of it. Ian ventured into his ‘glory hole’ (the ‘man’ space beneath the front deck where stores his power tools - and a mistress for all I know) and brought out his work bench and a host of tools that we may need. While he fixed and repaired, I sanded and varnished. While he painted, I made curtains.

 

It was a very industrious few days and well worth the investment in time.  

 

 

In the evenings, we were able to relax and socialise with friends; Oh and cheer on the players at the Wimbledon tennis. We are all so proud of Andy Murray. After 77 years, on the 7^th day of the 7^th month we finally have a British winner for a game that was first devised in Britain! Well Done Andy!

With our fuel and water tanks replenished (as well as our wine stock), we left the marina on Monday 8^th July and headed back down the Kennet and Avon canal towards the River Thames. The long term forecast is for a hot sunny summer so we were in great spirits. Monday night was spent in the cool, shady mooring point near Theale swing-bridge, a favourite spot of ours.

 

It is also a convenient overnight mooring in striking distance of Reading and the River Thames.

Every alternate Wednesday is grandparents day for us in Caversham, Reading where we look after Granddaughter Hollie, so our destination for Tuesday was the park in Caversham.


We were waiting for the lower gates of Caversham lock to be opened when we first noticed an unusual amount of police presence; some on bicycles and some on foot. The lockkeeper was in a fluster too. She had two volunteers helping her but still she didn't seem to be coping.

While waiting for the lock to fill, I asked one of the volunteers what the fuss was all about and he said that a young girl had gone missing in the adjacent park. The police were all out searching for her. By this time the lock was full and the gates opened. I untied the front mooring rope and pushed the boat into the centre of the lock in preparation for leaving but the lock gates closed again. Surprised, I was about to ask what the hold-up was when one of the police officers asked if a team could come aboard. They thought it would give them better coverage if they could search from the river perspective. As quick as you might wink, Ian asked if we could have a blue light for the roof!!!

The good news is, the girl was spotted by the vigilant team aboard 'Winedown' and our search and rescue assistance come to an end. I was sorry that I wasn't quick enough with the camera as that would have been a priceless photo to have.

Thursday 11th was a long day. We wanted to get to a point on the river where there was good access to the railway station. Our good friend Sally had been tragically killed in a car accident and we wanted to pay our respects at her funeral in Devizes so we needed access to a train to get there. Maidenhead looked like a good point and we moored below Boulters Lock.

Although the mooring below Boulters lock isn’t the most salubrious, it is convenient and although there are signs posted indicating that there is a mooring charge, nobody came to collect it – a refreshing change for the River Thames. When we reached Boulters lock , there was still time for a lovely ice-cream and since temperatures were in the upper 20’s we indulged.

Continuing on our way down the river on Saturday, we needed to replenish our water supplies. Boveney Lock near Runnymede was the closest facilities point and it was only a few hours cruising time so that was where we headed. It is reported that Boveney Lock is one of the busiest and most attractive locks on the river Thames.

We had to go through the lock on our downstream journey in order to get to the water point which was tucked away near the weir. To our surprise, we found picturesque mooring and discovered that we could stay overnight if we paid the mooring fee. It was so pretty that we decided to stay and after taking on water we moored close to the weir

 

We spent a pleasant afternoon, overlooking the Windsor Racecourse. I even managed to read my book for a while.

It was here that Ian found pleasure in simply watching boats coming and going through the lock. So many different craft in all states of repair and people of so many different characters


Rob, the lockkeeper on duty, was friendly, helpful and quite chatty so Ian spent a lazy afternoon just people/boat watching while I set the washing machine to work. Since we were close to a water point, I made the most of it. By the time the sun had set on another relaxing day, my laundry was up to date once more. What a tough life we lead!

We felt that we could easily stay at Boveney Lock for a few days but then we wouldn't reach the Inland Waterways meeting at Watford in time for the festival so once we had replenished our water supplies once again we moved off on Sunday morning. We had arranged a rendezvous with Mark Emery and family on their boat 'Liberty' at 'Bulls Bridge' on the Grand Union Canal for Tuesday so, although we had to keep moving, we still had plenty of time to enjoy our surroundings.

Our next stop was near Shepperton. Arriving at a suitable (free) mooring point in the early afternoon we watch the hustle and bustle of pleasure craft starting to hurry back to their marinas and moorings at the end of the weekend. As dusk approached, the river became quiet; not many boats venture out after dark.

But I find the tranquil mornings one of the most beautiful times in the day.

Shepperton to the moorings outside Hampton Court Palace was the plan for Monday and once again this was an easy few hours. On reaching Sunbury lock we found crowds gathering and a passer-by told me that the 'Swan Upping' flotilla was coming through.

Swan Upping is an annual ceremonial and practical activity in Britain in which Mute Swans on the river Thames are rounded up caught, marked and released.

Traditionally, the Queen retains the right of ownership of all unmarked Mute Swans in open water but this ownership is now only exercised on certain stretches of the River Thames and surrounding tributaries, so Swan Upping is a means of establishing a swan census and serves to check the health of swans.

Under a Royal Charter of the 15th century, the Vintners' Company and the Dyers Company, two livery companies of the city of London are entitled to share in the Sovereign's ownership and they conduct the census through a process of ringing the swans feet.

The Swan Upping ceremony takes place in the third week in July and the Swan Uppers row up the river in skiffs.
We found ourselves in prime position to see the flotilla as we left the lock at Sunbury as they were waiting to come into the lock.

Excitement over, we continued on our way, arriving at Hampton Court Palace at lunch time. This was not a good idea since many people stop there for lunch. However, we were lucky enough to squeeze into the last available mooring and later in the evening, the sunset made a spectacular picture for our last night on the Thames.

Hampton Court Palace, largely associated with King Henry VIII had humble beginnings. The manor of Hampton was acquired by the Knights Hospitallers of St John Jerusalem in   c1236 and used as a grange - a centre for their agricultural estates. By the 14th century these estates sat conveniently between royal palaces at Sheen and Byfleet and the grange became a staging post for royal visitors. New building works at Hampton Court reflected its new use. When the palace at Byfleet was dismantled in the early 1400s the importance of Hampton Court also declined. It then became a tenanted property and one of the first tenants of note was a courtier who later became Lord Chamberlain to King Henry VIII. In 1514 Cardinal Wolsey obtained a 99 year lease and built a vast palace complex, transforming a grand house into a magnificent Bishops palace that saw many royal visitors. Throughout the 1520s Hampton Court also hosted important European delegations designed to improve England's position in Europe. By the late 1520s Wolsey's favour declined when he failed to obtain a divorce for Henry VIII from his first wife Queen Katherine of Aragon. In 1528 Wolsey lost Hampton Court Palace (and his York palace) to the king. In just ten years, Henry spent more than £62 000 (equivalent to £18 million today) rebuilding and extending the palace.

In contrast to the lavish surroundings of Hampton Court Palace and its once notoriously lavish banquets, we enjoyed a fish and chips supper while savouring the tranquillity of the river.

As one door closes, another opens. In our case, as we leave one river or canal, we look forward to another. Leaving the mooring at Hampton Court just before 7:00 on Tuesday morning we had 4 miles to travel downstream to Teddington, the gateway to the tidal Thames. Hoping to catch the tide just right, we went through the lock at Teddington at 08:00 but the tide was still rising and we were punching our way through before the slack water period. However before we reached Thames Lock at Brentford a little over an hour later, the tide had turned. A short distance behind Thames lock is Brentford Gauging locks which links the Grand Union canal with the River Thames and it was here that we first met Mike and Jeanette on narrowboat 'Paper Moon' It was only 10:00 in the morning but it was already very hot and humid.

Working the first 11 locks together we started to get to know Mike and Jeanette as we chatted while waiting for locks to fill or empty. After leaving Norwood Top Lock we waved a cheery goodbye but they too were heading for the IWA meeting so we were sure to meet them again.

A note to boaters... Norwood Top Lock no longer has a sanitary station as the Nicholson Guide indicates.

We had 2 miles to go before we were scheduled to meet Mark on his boat 'Liberty' at Bulls Bridge; the junction between the Paddington Arm of the Grand Union and the Grand Union Canal but unfortunately, Mark had been delayed in Paddington basin due to engine trouble, but he would catch up with us later.

Bulls Bridge used to be the heart of the Grand Union Canal network and it was here that scores of paired narrowboats waited to be given their orders. Now, considerably redeveloped, there is little history left to see but it is still a very busy junction.

We met 'Paper Moon' again at Bulls Bridge when we were looking for mooring outside the bustling supermarket but by the time we had taken on water and done some shopping, Mike and Jeanette had already left. By this time we felt as if we had done enough for the day but we wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle of Bulls Bridge so we untied our mooring ropes and continued on our way. Three miles later we found mooring alongside the park at Cowley, immediately before Cowley Lock and were delighted to see  'Paper Moon' securely tied up too. After a refreshingly cold shower and a change of clothes, we felt human again and while Ian and Mike went off to the pub, Jeanette and I sipped a cold glass of wine each on the boat. Much later we gathered in the park for our after dinner drinks where we were joined by Dave who had moored his boat 'MoonFleet' directly behind us.

Before we were up and about, 'MoonFleet' had set off to be ahead of the boats converging on the IWA meeting at Watford. Since we were close to a water point, I took the opportunity to do some domestic chores (washing and mending) before we set off again alongside Mike and Jeanette on 'Paper Moon'.

From Cowley lock the two boats meandered northwards across Harefield Moor and on through the Colne valley, a fascinating contrast of woods, mill, lakes and sewage works. On past Black Jack's Lock, we decided to stop before Copper Mill Lock. It had become so hot and there was little breeze to cool things down. Jeanette had hurt her back while working the Black Jack's Lock, but we had done enough for the day anyway. Just before mooring up, we saw narrowboat 'Emily' with push tug 'Bronte' owned by Brian Greaves who is a working blacksmith. Apart from housing the engine, 'Bronte' also accommodates a full working forge so Ian asked Brian to fix our mooring pins that had lost their rings.

Mike and Jeanette joined us on the towpath later that evening for sun-downer drinks. This boating is awfully sociable you know!

From Copper Mill lock, it was a short way to the supermarket at Rickmansworth where we did out shopping for the festival weekend. Daughter Tanya and her husband David with son Daniel were to join us so I had to take on provisions. After taking time for a leisurely lunch, 'Paper Moon' and 'Winedown' set off once again for the final push to Cassiobury Park and the location of the Inland Waterways festival at Watford. It wasn't long before Mark arrived with his boat 'Liberty'. Once we had all moved onto our designated mooring for the weekend, we cleared a patch of ground alongside the towpath to enjoy our weekend.

In memory of Sally, Mark's wife, (who died tragically in a car accident),we agreed to decorate out boats with Sally's 'trade mark' bunting - Knickers! A few years ago, out of sheer devilment - as was Sally's nature - Sally broke with tradition and dyed several pairs of knickers in various colours and hung them on their boat in place of the regular flag-like bunting. The year of the Queen's diamond Jubilee was also the year of the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust's golden anniversary so Sally chose a yellow dye and dyed several pairs knickers in varying sizes. Sally was often heard to ask 'Does my boat look big in these?'

Charlotte and Sam, Sally & Mark's younger children wanted Sally to be remembered so they wrote a sign on cardboard that read;
'Does my Boat look big in these knickers?
In memory of Sally-Ann Emery (our Mum)!!!
18/07/1966 - 24/06/2013'

While narrowboat 'Liberty' didn't win any prizes for the best dressed boat, it certainly would have won the prize for the most photographed boat had there been such a prize.

I found this year's IWA festival to be rather disappointing. There were far fewer stands than in previous years. We had wanted to get new mooring rope, pipe fenders and navigation lights, to name but a few items. In previous years there had been several chandleries displaying their wares but this year there they were conspicuous by their absence. It had taken us 10 days to get to the festival location (and I am sure there were boats that came from further afield) and had it not been for the social element, we might have considered it a complete waste of time. It must have been very disappointing for the vendors too because there appeared to be a very poor turnout of festival attendees. Nevertheless, boaters still rose to the occasion and there were some spectacular illuminated boat decorations. People had obviously taken a lot of time and trouble over the event; and we met up with old friends and made new friends and that is priceless.

In narrowboating terms, it is not so much about the destination but the journey and there we were certainly not disappointed.

Kennet and Avon Canal East Ender Festival

After our lovely time on the river Wey we made our way up river on the Thames towards Reading – our destination, the Fobney Loop which runs past the Reading Abbey ruins; the occasion, the Kennet and Avon East Ender Festival. This year, the Reading Water Fest and the Newbury Waterways Festival were scheduled back to back on following weekends in the middle of June. The canal East End refers to the stretch of canal from Newbury to Reading which covers approximately 19 miles and 22 locks.

The Kennet and Avon Canal Trust (KACT) had, on Sunday 2nd June 2013, been awarded the prestigious Queens’ Award for Voluntary Service. This is the highest recognition for volunteer groups in the UK. This accolade was received for the leadership of the restoration of the Kennet and Avon canal and its buildings over the last 50 years and for creating a landscape and amenity valued by the whole community.

Boats started to arrive in Reading on Wednesday 12^th June and we moved onto our designated mooring spot on Thursday. With much to celebrate, we looked forward to the company of Sally and Mark Emery, who we had not seen for some time. We met them at the station in Reading and only stopped talking when it was time to retire for the night.

Mark, Sally and Cherryl on Winedown

Later on Sunday afternoon, Ian and I walked with Sally and Mark to the railway station in Reading where they were to catch their train back to Pewsey. As we waved goodbye to them, with Sally’s infectious laughter ringing in our ears, none of us had the slightest idea that it would be the last time that we would ever see Sally again.


Early on Monday, while helping another boat skipper who had managed to get his boat stuck in the middle of the river, Adrian, John and two CRT (Canal & River Trust) members wandered down the path. They were to take the working boat, Avon Vale, back to its home mooring, so we decided to travel with them. As they passed by, we slipped our mooring lines and slid in behind them, trailing them through the Oracle Shopping Centre.

We had nearly five days to navigate the 19 miles and 22 locks so we were in no hurry. Grandparent’s day with Hollie was on Wednesday and we know that to catch the train from Theale to Reading takes only 15 minutes or so after a 10 minute walk so Theale swing bridge was our destination for the evening. When we arrived there was still space on the good 24hr online mooring so we tied up onto the mooring rings and settled in for the evening. That chill wind was still keeping temperatures pretty low so we didn’t stay out on the deck for too long.

Thursday saw us moving off again. Our intention was to go into the marina at Frouds Bridge to replenish water and diesel and to dispose of sanitary and rubbish, we would then go on to Woolhampton for the night. But to misquote Robert Burns “The best-laid plans of mice and men go oft awry” and they did. We forgot how easy it is to be led astray by Mick and Sue at the marina. But I get ahead of myself.

The morning was pretty uneventful until we got to Aldermaston Wharf. The road bridge was being repaired again and we were advised that we may have to wait. As it turned out, we didn’t. On approaching the bridge, the workmen kindly opened it for us and we happily sailed on through. What happened next was just shear thoughtlessness.

Aldermaston Lock is right next to the road bridge and CRT workmen were milling around the lock. As we came through the bridge, the lock was empty and the gates were open, but as we approached, the lock gates were swung shut. I was forced to change course and head for the bank but the wind was blowing me in the opposite direction. I scrambled to get the boat tied up. Ian, in the meantime went to find out what had happened. The workmen had seen us – they had waved at us when Ian whistled for their attention, so why had they shut the gate ‘in our face’? Their answer… because they can!

 

 

No wonder CRT has a bad name! Courtesy cost nothing but it was still too much for them to pay. I was still irritated when we arrived in the marina an hour later.

We didn’t leave the marina till next morning. After replenishing fuel and water and disposing of disposables, we spent a lovely afternoon in the garden chatting to Mick and Sue. Don’t even ask how much we had to drink...all I can say is that chatting is thirsty work!

Friday morning and we were behind schedule! We had allowed 5 days to navigate 19 miles and 22 locks and it was the morning of day 5 and we still had 8 miles and 9 locks to go. The day was trying to warm up but there was still that nasty chilly wind around. Still, it wasn’t raining. For that we were thankful. We made good time and arrived in Newbury by mid- afternoon. Many of the boats had arrived so we were warmly greeted by old friends, many of whom we hadn’t seen for over a year. The day was rounded off with a Fish and Chips supper in the K&A Trust house at the Wharf. Over a glass of wine, both Ian and I signed up for voluntary duty.

Saturday morning and the weather turned foul. It was supposed to be a day for decorating boats, polishing brass-work and generally catching up on gossip. Instead it was a day when everyone battened down the hatches and kept dry. Rain and wind conspired against us.  Alex and Gene arrived early enough for us to have breakfast at the coffee shop and we were in no hurry to leave to brave the elements. However, I had duty on the information stand so we reluctantly returned to the boats. Alex and Gene kept me company and I soon had Alex handing out leaflets to people passing by. 

 

The weather deteriorated and people were becoming scares. By the end of my duty, I was thankful to get to the boat and brew a nice cuppa. Ian’s duty was to help erect the marquee and by the time he was called for the wind speed had increased so it was quite comical to watch him and others in their endeavours. If I was able to draw a comic cartoon it would have been of 10 people hanging onto a half erected marquee which was intent on being blown down the park lawns into the boating lake.

The weather improved a little on Sunday. The park was buzzing with stalls but there was not the usual crowd of people. The ice-cream stalls were certainly not going to make much of a profit on this day. The Mayor arrived with the Town Crier to open the festival and judge the best dressed boats. It was so different from last year when we boated on the boat pond or sat on the grass in the park and ate ice-creams.

 

The day ended with the usual duck race. A cascade of yellow ducks was poured from the bridge and we all yelled for our duck to win. I don’t know who first thought of this ridiculous (but wonderful) idea to raise funds but it is a lot of fun and ticket sales are hot. All aboard Winedown had front row seats as we watched the yellow stream float past us and on to the finishing line.



A few of the boats left the mooring soon after the duck race but most left on Monday morning. Again, we were in no particular hurry so we stayed moored at the Wharf till Tuesday morning. Shortly before setting off, Ian had a call from Mark Emery. Sally had tragically died in a car accident the night before. She had been to collect daughter Charlotte from a Judo meeting and was returning home when the accident happened. I was utterly shocked. It is a stern reminder of just how fragile life is. I still find it hard to believe. I don’t know how we got back to the marina because the day passed in a blur of automated activity. I was stunned! Wherever you are now Sally, we will never forget you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





Wey and Godalming Navigation

It has been a long time since I last wrote a blog in this spot and family and friends alike have been asking for our news, so here goes...

The early part of the year, Ian and I spent 90 days travelling around the world (not on Narrowboat Winedown, I have to add). It was an adventure of a life time - to read more go to http://hollidaysrtw.blogspot.co.uk/ During that time we ticked off many items from our bucket list and beside having  a wonderful time with family and friends, we experienced 'mundane' things like visit Addo Elephant Park on safari in South Africa; zip wire over the canopy outside Durban, South Africa; dive the Barrier Reef near Port Douglas, Australia; Sail on the Tall ship 'Solway Lass' around the Whitsundays islands, Australia; kayak off the Able Tasmine National Park, New Zealand; walk on the Fox Glacier, New Zealand; swim with dolphins in New Zealand; watch whales in Monterey, California; experience the luxury train the California Zephyr from San Francisco to Chicago and the Shore Line from Chicago to New York; gaze over Manhattan from the Empire State Building and visit the Statue of Liberty. Now it’s back to earth (or should I say the canals) and live another new adventure that unfolds day by day. 

The summer doesn't seem to have made up its mind whether it has arrived or not, so not to be deterred, it is about time that we made our own summer fun.

For a long time, we have been talking about the River Wey so it was about time we put our money where our mouth is. We gave up our mooring at Frouds Bridge Marina on the Kennet & Avon Canal and joined the CCC (the Continuous Cruising Crowd) in the middle of May. 

After a week of mixed weather on the river Thames with our grandchildren James and Phoebe in tow, we turned onto the River Wey.

The Wey and Godalming Navigations together are a a total 19 ½ miles long with 16 locks and are owned and operated by the National Trust. The Wey Navigation was built 100 years before the canals and runs 15 ½ miles from the River Thames at Weybridge to Guildford. The Godalming Navigation, opened in 1764 extended the navigable waterway a further four miles to Godalming. 
We had been drawn to this tranquil waterway running through the heart of Surrey, so with the rain pelting down outside the lock keeper’s office at Thames Lock, we bought our National Trust licence. Come Hell or High Water, we were determined to enjoy ourselves

Thames lock is in an attractive woodland setting right next to some lovely apartments. Shortly after leaving Thames Lock, we looked for a mooring and found a suitable spot, beautifully wooded, opposite smart houses and gardens. Since it looked as if the rain had set in for the rest of the afternoon, we made ourselves comfortable in the cabin and played card games with the children. After an hour or so, the children started to get fidgety. The rain had stopped so we put on our walking shoes and went into the town of Weybridge.

Weybridge in Surry is a suburb in the London Commuter Belt and forms part of the Greater London Urban Area.In its early history, Weybridge was a small village with a river crossing. The earliest monuments on the tower wall of St James's church are 15th Century plaques, and the Church was rebuilt in 1848 with a south aisle added in 1864. In 1537 Henry VIII built Oatlands Palace, and this is where he married his fifth wife, Catherine Howard. When the church was demolished in 1650, bricks from its walls helped to line the then new Wey Navigation Canal.

Thursday 30^th May 2013 and the rain was still lingering albeit just a fine drizzle. When there was a break, we set off, following a friendly family in a hire boat. We caught up with them at Town Lock and journeyed along the canal with them for a few hours. James decided to walk along the towpath and struck up a lively conversation with one of the boys from the hire-boat.

The hire-boat stopped at the Anchor pub for lunch and we continued on through the Pyrford lock (after getting rid of our rubbish in the designated bins) and on for another two miles and two locks. The ruins of Newark Priory overlook the Newark lock and it was here that we decided to look for mooring for the evening. It was still quite early in the day when we found a suitable mooring in a meadow. This was ideal for the children. They could run and play to their hearts content, while Ian and I set up our deck chairs and relaxed. Later in the afternoon, the hire-boat passed us amid the shouted greetings of long lost friends.

Next Stop, Guildford! Friday promised to be a lovely day. The rain and clouds had cleared during the night and we all woke to bright sunshine. We were a little disappointed with Dapdune Wharf on the outskirts of Guildford. The navigation notes talked of an award-winning visitor centre that tells the story of the navigation and the people who lived and worked on them. We were assured that there would be full boater’s facilities (very important as we had to dispose of rubbish, fill our water tanks with drinking water and empty our chemical toilet cassette) but in all outward appearance it was a different story. It was difficult to moor – the wharf was congested with unattended craft – and nobody seemed to know what we were talking about when we asked for directions to the water point. Finally, I found the information centre and the volunteer had to make a phone call before he could answer my basic questions. As quickly as we could, we moved on, with the hope that Guildford itself was not as disappointing, and it wasn't.  The town embraced the waterways with riverside walks, pubs and restaurants, and a busy boatyard with narrowboat as well as rowing boat hire.

After negotiating some very sharp bends in the river, we moored alongside a meadow close to the town centre. We wanted to leave the boat for a few days while we took the children to Chippenham for a weekend with Tanya, David and Daniel.

View from Winedown in Guildford

After a weekend with the family, we returned to Guildford by train and took up our River Wey adventure where we left off. The weather had very much improved and we were in for a good week. We spent a few days in Guildford, and discovered quite a bit. Beside all the beautiful buildings there is a wealth of literary history.

 There is a statue of Alice and her sister...

 ...and the White Rabbit that celebrated Guildford’s connection with Lewis Carroll. It depicts the opening scene of ‘Alice’s adventures in Wonderland.

A little further along the river a foot bridge marks the old St Catherine’s ferry on the Pilgrims Way and a stream runs passed a pretty grotto, then spills into the river. This is where Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Pilgrims would have passed in the reign of King Edward III .

Guildford Town Bridge

The Town Bridge stands on the site of the ancient ford which gives Guildford its name. a plaque near the bridge tells the history “…Saxon Migrants founded the town in about AD 500, settling beside the ‘golden ford’…” 

We were tempted to linger longer in this ideal setting but we still had so much to see. So with the sun warm on our backs we slipped our mooring and set off towards Godalming. This part of the River Way is the Godalming Navigation.

A trip boat passed by only a few minutes before we set off and it was just as well it did. We followed slowly

in its wake and even at that pace we were still surprised by a sharp turn or two. It is quite difficult to get a 60ft boat (steered from the back) to turn through 180 degrees with only a few meters of water on either side and only a few inches of clearance underneath. Inevitably, we nudged the bank and had to back up in order to complete the turns.

We had been warned of low bridges in this part of the navigation, in particular Broadford Bridge.  As we approached the bridge we weren't sure if we could get under it so we slowed to almost a stop and drifted under the bridge an inch at a time. Ian had taken down the exhaust stack to give us more clearance and even then we only made it with less than an inch to spare. If the river came up even by an inch before we returned we would be stuck till the river receded again. Fortunately, the forecast was for sunshine – no showers.

Will we make it?

Yes, but with no room to spare!

...Duck... or Grouse!

We were elated as we cleared the bridge and continued on our way and a few minutes later, while working the Unstead lock, we were still laughing at the experience. 

We continued on our way at a steady pace, certain that the danger was behind us. This time I was on the helm and as we approached Unstead Bridge I had that distinct sinking feeling; the one that said ‘gotcha!’; it didn't look as if we would get under this bridge either. 

Ian moved quickly and took down the exhaust stack. I hauled on the gear leaver, putting the propeller into reverse and increased the revs while the engine whined in protest. The back end of the boat began to swing out as the propeller bit deep into the water, and Ian, now on the bow, was gesticulating wildly while I struggled to halt the 20 tons of boat. Either we were going under the bridge or we were going to hit it! I felt utterly helpless as I watched the bridge come closer. To our relief we just made it but the bridge did brush the canvass of the cratch cover as we passed. No-one had warned us that there were TWO low bridges and while the Broadford Bridge was well signposted with danger signs and depth gauges, there had been nothing to warn boaters at Unstead Bridge.

I didn't want to temp fate again by laughing again, so I grimly settled down to the task of navigating through this stretch of the river. About an hour later we arrived in Godalming- the end of the navigable River Wey and watched the horse drawn trip boat glide silently by as we tied up the mooring ropes.

Later that evening, we had a meal at a pub with Toby and Suze (and their young dog Jess). We had so much to catch up as we haven't seen them since their wedding last October. Why is it that we always seem to playing Catch-Up?

The return journey along the Wey and Godalming Navigation offered different views – surprisingly.

We saw our previous boat ‘Hermitage’ looking very sad and sorry for herself

The rear deck of Hermitage as she is now

Hermitage in 2005

And this was Hermitage in 2005, when we sold her!

Leaving Pyrford behind, the landscape became less rural and more built-up. The roar of the motorway was constantly with us as we passed Byfleet and Dartnell Park. The canal seemed to cower under the massive earth embankments and concrete structures of the M25. Looking back, this is what I saw - complete with train.

Under the M25 Motorway

On the River Wey, the Basingstoke canal joins right under the M25, the rail bridge runs beneath the M25 but above the river. But what you can’t see in the photo is the flight path to Heathrow above that.

 It made me think for a moment, from the canal system to the railways, to the motorways to the airways.   

Looking forward again we continued north passed moored boats, wooded areas and magnificent riverside houses towards the River Thames; the traffic noise slowly diminishing to be replaced by the peaceful yet distinctive song of the blackbirds and the calls of the waterfowl.

Toby & Suz's wedding

What a Wonderful Wedding

The sun shone brightly through the swan hatch on the morning of 12th  October 2012, spreading light and warmth throughout our narrowboat. I gazed over the canal and saw the green of the trees giving way to the wonderful golden yellow, orange and red hues of autumn. These were reflected with perfect clarity on the tranquil water. I marvelled at how lucky I was to experience such magnificence. That's how my day began on Toby and Suz's wedding day.

Ian and I bumped into each other more than usual as we jostled for position in the bathroom I wanted more time and access to the mirror as I carefully put on my make-up while Ian was simply trying to complete his morning ablutions. Next, I pulled on the now unfamiliar stockings, and wriggled into my cocktail dress while Ian put in cuff links and knotted his tie. We looked at each other and chuckled with excitement. It had been quite some time since we had dressed in anything other than boating attire.

We swapped the gentle pace of the canal for the frantic rush of the motorway as we drove towards Godalming where the wedding was to be held. Arriving at the hotel an hour later, we stepped into another world. A dozen or so people were in the lounge of the hotel and we assumed that they were invited guests to the wedding since they too were dressed to the nines.  We all looked a little out of place at eleven o'clock in the morning. After checking in to the hotel and depositing our overnight bag in the room, we wandered towards the group of splendidly dressed guests. Jo and Steve greeted us warmly as if we were long lost friends and we soon found  ourselves chatting amiably with these strangers while we all waited for the coach to arrive  (courtesy  of the meticulous, almost military-precision  wedding planning - someone with an eye for detail had been very busy).

On the coach, we began to wonder if the driver knew his way after we had, more than once, gone round a roundabout and retraced our steps. Did the driver have a meter running or was he giving us a grand scenic tour? We eventually arrived at Gate Street Barn; a collection of converted barns clustered in splendid grounds - the wedding venue. We were all directed towards the barn where the ceremony was to take place. Inside, the decorated barn with its majestic oak roof trusses was set up with seating arranged either side of a centre aisle that led towards a draped  table at one end. Cameras had been set on tripods and were pointing towards the table in mute expectation. This is where the ceremony was to be conducted. 

As Ian and I moved towards some empty seats we saw friends whom we had not seen in a very long time -too long. Helen & Jerry and Craig & Jemma with baby Polly. We switched direction to head towards the group and were soon embracing and chatting as if we had only seen each other the day before. At that moment, Toby walked through the rear door. Looking dashing in his wedding suit, he had a startled expression on his face like a rabbit caught in the headlights of a car. We all laughed and reassuringly wished him well as Craig - the Best Man - ushered the dazed groom towards the decorated table at the end of the aisle.

One o'clock; we were asked to find our seats and an expectant hush descend over the assembled guests. After the obligatory 5 minutes delay the doors at the rear of the barn opened and Suz appeared on the arm of her uncle Eddie. She was radiantly beautiful in an exquisite, simply styled cream gown topped with a delicate lace bolero jacket, which all perfectly accentuating her tiny frame. Pure happiness shone from her eyes as her gaze fell on her beloved Toby. He, in turn, had eyes only for his lovely bride as she glided slowly towards him, accompanied by Uncle Eddie and followed by four, identically dressed, delightful young bridesmaids. I felt a tear of happiness prickle behind my eye as I thought of our own special day nearly 10 years ago.

The atmosphere in the barn was electric as well as solemn while we all shared the happy occasion and the Registrar started the proceedings. All through the ceremony, Toby displayed a nervous excitement while Suz appeared calm and composed. We were all to see how nervous she really was when she fluffed her vows and had to start again a number of times!

After the signing of the register, the Registrar introduced Mr & Mrs Smith to the assembled guests and the happy couple walked down the aisle together, hand in hand and with an air of excited expectation, hardly taking their eyes off each other. They were starting their new life together as they meant to go on.

Drinks and canapés were served in the adjacent Pheasantry (another barn-like building) while the barn was cleared and rearranged for dinner. Between photographs, Toby and Suz circulated and the guests chatted and caught up on news and gossip. We found that Helen is happily pregnant with her second child, expected in January, and Jerry couldn't hide his pride. Jemma and Craig are besotted with their lovely daughter Polly while Toby and Suz are gaga over their dog Jessie.

In no time at all, the barn was transformed from a wedding venue to a banqueting hall. Toby and Suz had opted out of the traditional 'high table' with all frills and were placed among their guests which is so typical of their unassuming, easy-going character. The speeches began and once again, breaking with tradition, the bride kicked them off with a lovely speech of her own; again so typical of the pair.

After the banquet had finished, we were once again directed towards the Pheasantry where guests mingled and the unusual, penguin-adorned cake was cut. While this was happening, the barn was efficiently transformed into a dance hall and the band 'The Mixtape' set up their equipment.

The band leader announced that Toby's Mam would introduce the happy couple to their first dance. A hush descended as Billie's beautiful yet powerful voice rose and filled the hall. The guests stood transfixed as she sang and after a while the bride and groom took to the floor. It was a wonderfully intimate moment as Mother, Son and Daughter-in-Law shared the floor. Billie's blessing on the union couldn't have been expressed more poignantly as she wrapped a silk ribbon of vocals around a couple who had eyes only for each other. All too soon, the spell was broken as Billie's voice faded; bringing the song to an end and others took to the floor. Let the dancing begin. In no time at all, it was carriages at midnight and time to return to the hotel.

I shall never forget that beautiful wedding that was so precisely planned but reflected Toby and Suz's relaxed yet adventurous attitude to life. I pray that the happiest times of the past are the saddest of the future for you both.