Well it hasn't been such a nice day as it has been raining lightly since lunchtime here in Braunston. It has a strange air too as with the lock closure there is no traffic passing by and so really does seem like a back water.
I have never before noticed the lettering in the Chimney of the pumping station 'GUC 1897'. The original pumping station was used to back pump water up the locks and to top up the reservoirs that now make up the marina.
It just so happened that Helen treated me to the Spring copy of the 'Narrow Boat' history magazine and what should be in there other than a feature about Braunston in the past and there was the pumping station just after completion from Waterway Archive. I hope I'm not breaking any copywrites or something as I do enjoy that magazine and read it cover to cover several times over. I am always struck by the fact that there are always so few trees along the waterways. There was also a feature on the Keels at Keadby on the Trent and Stainforth and Keadby Canal and it shows the tug 'Krooman' that was from one of my old companies.
All is eerily quiet on the canal. We popped into the shop by the bottom lock and they were a little put out that C&RT hadn't old them, or the Admiral Nelson pub, that the locks were to be closed. They will lose a fair bit of passing trade. It looked like they were running water down to drain the pound later.
The view from Butcher's Bridge looking back to Bridge 2 and the building that is Wharf House Chandlery. As we passed we saw there was a 25% sale on. so we popped in. We had heard that the sale was on as they were closing down but never got a chance to ask. We came away with a galvanised bucket to replace the one for our ashes. They don't make them to the same thickness of metal as of old but at £6-35 I wasn't complaining for something to but ashes in! You can see there is nothing moving on the canal today.
We walked on to Midland Chandlers and came out with a birthday card and the Narrow Boat Magazine. It was very quiet in there too.
In the village we stopped for an expensive pork pie and some bacon from the butchers and some milk from the other shop, and then had a 45 minute chat with a lady from New Zealand who was staying in the village with friends. We had her two marriages, family life, new boyfriend, job prospects, travel arrangements and much more besides. It was a laugh and all because she had missed her bus and I suspect wanted to be entertained until the next one came along. It was great to chat and pass just a short time with her. I hope it all comes together for her. I must remember to ask Marilyn if Kiwis talk so much because there are so few of them they don't see people so often and so need to make the most of them!
2 comments:
Did the ash bucket have a lid? We are looking for a better rubbish bin and don't want a fliptop lid, but a lift off lid would be good.
The NZer was probably lonely, as it's only boaters who are happy to chat with strangers, Tony - not joking! As you know, people in the streets are generally happy to say hello or nod, but not many will stop for a chat. Whereas, on the cut it's a totally different story ...
Mxx
No Lid Marilyn I'm afraid. Noleen was definitely short of folk close by to confide in, and to talk through her quandary as to what choices to make in the near future. I hope that we helped a bit. It was a good way to spend the best part of an hour. I would have preferred it if the pub near by had been open though!
It seems David and your self have formed a plan. It will all work out for the best I'm sure. We are hoping that the Braunston Locks will be open on Thursday and we will pass upwards Friday. Don't forget Buckby and several other locks are only open from 1000 to 1530. Braunston likewise after June 10th I think.
Hopefully we will see you, or the boat as we pass.
Cheers for now, Tony and Helen.
Post a Comment