Brave Little Fellow
Of all the water fowl the foulest in my book are the Canada Geese (no offence, Norman in Vancouver). Their call is in no way attractive they s**t all over the boat and there are just too many of them. Yesterday afternoon as we were preparing to leave the last lock of the day a group of Canada geese with four goslings were subjected to an unprovoked attack by a male swan. I assume they must have encroached on his territory as the geese were a good 50 yards from the swan and just pottering around the top lock gates. The swan managed to grab one of the goslings and alternately held it under the water and then shook it around. We managed to chase the swan off with the boat hook and the gosling was dropped in the process. We then opened the gates and let the geese into our lock, closing the gates after them. We were then stuck in the lock with with four goslings who were too small to get out onto the bank and did not have the aeronautical skills of their parents who joined them in this private pool. The parents were at a loss as to where to go. Occasionally they went to the bottom gates and looked down to the raging water eight feet below but each time they chickened (?)out. Eventually I managed to catch three of the goslings in our fender and football recovery net and put them on the bank where the parents joined them. The last little fellow now was more distressed and bravely jumped from the bottom gate where he instantly disappeared in the foaming whirlpool below.Fifteen seconds later he reappeared with the rest of his family and they all swam away.
I still don't like them but I dislike agression more.
Wednesday, 25 May 2011
WAT a Turnout!
The annual rally held by Wendover Arm Trust is the major fund-raising event of the year and jolly good fun, too. Last year it had to be cancelled as the landowner would not allow the use of the customary venue.
We will not be attending this year as we have another costly job to be done on Gecko.
But we wish them well at the now location.
The annual rally held by Wendover Arm Trust is the major fund-raising event of the year and jolly good fun, too. Last year it had to be cancelled as the landowner would not allow the use of the customary venue.
This year, however, it is back but has relocated to Boxmoor
We came up from Kings Langley to Winkwell this morning and the boats are arriving at the site constantly. So much so that we now have a list because the pound we are moored in is being drained of water by the succession of boats descending the locks.We will not be attending this year as we have another costly job to be done on Gecko.
But we wish them well at the now location.
Tuesday, 24 May 2011
Two Down: One to Go
After the excitement of Ricky Festival M felt she should spend a month's income at the dentist on Monday. So this morning we set off up the GU towards HemelHempstead.
We filled up with water before finding a boat to share Batchworth lock with. Just round the corner we encountered the first casualty from yesterday's high winds.
Near Hunton Bridge there was another tree down in the canal.
There are a lot of boats on the move today but we seem to have a different one with us at each lock.
As we approached The Grove and the sharp bend just after bridge 165 we found this idiot yogurt pot moored right at the bridge.
Where are the broadobeam boats when you need them? A gentle side-swipe with 30 tons of Dutch barge would have converted this to a neat pile of debris on the towpath.
After the excitement of Ricky Festival M felt she should spend a month's income at the dentist on Monday. So this morning we set off up the GU towards HemelHempstead.
We filled up with water before finding a boat to share Batchworth lock with. Just round the corner we encountered the first casualty from yesterday's high winds.
Near Hunton Bridge there was another tree down in the canal.
There are a lot of boats on the move today but we seem to have a different one with us at each lock.
As we approached The Grove and the sharp bend just after bridge 165 we found this idiot yogurt pot moored right at the bridge.
Where are the broadobeam boats when you need them? A gentle side-swipe with 30 tons of Dutch barge would have converted this to a neat pile of debris on the towpath.
Monday, 23 May 2011
Ricky Festival Under Threat
This is always the best organised of festivals. It is also popular because of the wide range of music which emanates from the four stages throughout the two days.
One of the highlights is always the Tug of War between consenting boats. This year was no exception with some justification.
Steam powered narrowboats are a rare beast on the canals but every year Swallow has attended and valiantly but unsuccessfully participated in the tug of war. Unsuccessful, that is, until this year when she won her bout.
Some contestants introduced their own excitement!
The most exciting round for me was the matching of the tugs Atlantic and Pacific.
These are owned by Derek and John respectively who are the two halves of P & S Marine where we blacked Gecko's hull back in March.
Derek achieved a storming win accompanied by an impressive production of smoke.
John and his son seemed quite cheerful in defeat, however.
Transport for London carried visitors from the station to the festival on prototype Routemaster RM1 and an RMC.
A new feature was the BBQ where you selected your meat on the hoof so to speak.
Here is my selection for a mixed grill.
The future of this festival is under threat because the local authority who part fund the event have decided to cut their contribution by 50% next year and withdraw completely the following year.
So get your diary out and mark the penultimate weekend in May 2012
This is always the best organised of festivals. It is also popular because of the wide range of music which emanates from the four stages throughout the two days.
One of the highlights is always the Tug of War between consenting boats. This year was no exception with some justification.
Steam powered narrowboats are a rare beast on the canals but every year Swallow has attended and valiantly but unsuccessfully participated in the tug of war. Unsuccessful, that is, until this year when she won her bout.
Some contestants introduced their own excitement!
The most exciting round for me was the matching of the tugs Atlantic and Pacific.
These are owned by Derek and John respectively who are the two halves of P & S Marine where we blacked Gecko's hull back in March.
Derek achieved a storming win accompanied by an impressive production of smoke.
John and his son seemed quite cheerful in defeat, however.
Transport for London carried visitors from the station to the festival on prototype Routemaster RM1 and an RMC.
A new feature was the BBQ where you selected your meat on the hoof so to speak.
Here is my selection for a mixed grill.
The future of this festival is under threat because the local authority who part fund the event have decided to cut their contribution by 50% next year and withdraw completely the following year.
So get your diary out and mark the penultimate weekend in May 2012
Thursday, 19 May 2011
River Thames from Teddington to Brentford
The Saturday after we arrived in Brentford we took the bus over to Teddington to visit some ex colleagues from the days when we lived in Teddington.. Knowing that Tony and Nolene were planning to make the passage from Teddington to Brentford in Mary Russell, we cadged a lift back home.
Soon after leaving Teddington Lock we passed Marble Hill on the left, standing serenely in the park.
Richmond bridge was busy, as always on a warm Saturday evening.
Through Nolene's flowers we spied the two bridges at Twickenham. The railway has the more elegant structure in the foreground whist the A316 is a rather ponderous looking bridge.
To confuse things the next bridge after the Twickenhams is another Richmond. this footbridge spans the Half-Tide Lock which we do not need today.
As we approached Ham House we met another boat heading upriver and as we did so the little passenger ferry shot across between us.
Ski-boarding is cheaper than boating but does lack passenger facilities.
Just before we start looking for Brentford Creek Syon House slides by.
So far we have been working against the incoming tide but now we are on dead water before it changes direction and our speed has increased noticeably.
The tide has now turned and we have to find the entrance to Brentford Creek which will take us through Thames Lock to the calm waters beyond.
Suddenly we realise that the strange sculpture on our left may be the substitute for a sign. Another example of appearance being considered more important than boaters' safety.
Here we enter a Dickensian world of quiet boats and taciturn people where the usual boater's bonhomie is likely to be met by a glare and maybe a shrug.
Tony has timed our arrival well and the lock has only an inch or two to adjust for us to enter the most welcome approach to Brentford Gauging Lock.
After a couple of pints of London Pride and a home made pizza at the Six Bells in what I thought was Brentford High Street I begin to question our navigation skills when we get the bill.
The Saturday after we arrived in Brentford we took the bus over to Teddington to visit some ex colleagues from the days when we lived in Teddington.. Knowing that Tony and Nolene were planning to make the passage from Teddington to Brentford in Mary Russell, we cadged a lift back home.
Soon after leaving Teddington Lock we passed Marble Hill on the left, standing serenely in the park.
Richmond bridge was busy, as always on a warm Saturday evening.
Through Nolene's flowers we spied the two bridges at Twickenham. The railway has the more elegant structure in the foreground whist the A316 is a rather ponderous looking bridge.
To confuse things the next bridge after the Twickenhams is another Richmond. this footbridge spans the Half-Tide Lock which we do not need today.
As we approached Ham House we met another boat heading upriver and as we did so the little passenger ferry shot across between us.
Ski-boarding is cheaper than boating but does lack passenger facilities.
Just before we start looking for Brentford Creek Syon House slides by.
So far we have been working against the incoming tide but now we are on dead water before it changes direction and our speed has increased noticeably.
The tide has now turned and we have to find the entrance to Brentford Creek which will take us through Thames Lock to the calm waters beyond.
Suddenly we realise that the strange sculpture on our left may be the substitute for a sign. Another example of appearance being considered more important than boaters' safety.
Here we enter a Dickensian world of quiet boats and taciturn people where the usual boater's bonhomie is likely to be met by a glare and maybe a shrug.
Tony has timed our arrival well and the lock has only an inch or two to adjust for us to enter the most welcome approach to Brentford Gauging Lock.
After a couple of pints of London Pride and a home made pizza at the Six Bells in what I thought was Brentford High Street I begin to question our navigation skills when we get the bill.
The Great Escape
After about six weeks in and around London we have now made it to Ricky in time for the festival. We left Paddington Basin on Tuesday with Tony and Nolene on Mary Russell. (I think she was the aviator/artist Duchess of Bedford) We first encountered Mary Russell in October 2009 when we climbed the Wigan flight with them on our way to Reedley Marina. Tony is RYA approved boating instructor so when travelling with him I always feel my boating skills are being assessed with lots of black marks appearing on my card. A week previously we travelled up from Brentford to Bulls Bridge with them too. On this occasion there had been a few boats on the move and we were all held up by a BW inspection team which checked every lock before passing through it. Consequently the journey took an hour longer with two crews than it had done on our own.
After about six weeks in and around London we have now made it to Ricky in time for the festival. We left Paddington Basin on Tuesday with Tony and Nolene on Mary Russell. (I think she was the aviator/artist Duchess of Bedford) We first encountered Mary Russell in October 2009 when we climbed the Wigan flight with them on our way to Reedley Marina. Tony is RYA approved boating instructor so when travelling with him I always feel my boating skills are being assessed with lots of black marks appearing on my card. A week previously we travelled up from Brentford to Bulls Bridge with them too. On this occasion there had been a few boats on the move and we were all held up by a BW inspection team which checked every lock before passing through it. Consequently the journey took an hour longer with two crews than it had done on our own.
Tuesday, 10 May 2011
"When you're tired of London...."
There has been a change of plan and we are back in London for a few days. The original plan was to go to Ricky so M could undertake some gainful employment for the week prior to the Ricky Festival. Just as we arrived at Bulls Bridge we received a call from the company to say her CRB was out of date and so the work was cancelled. At the risk of upsetting residents of Rickmansworth we considered a week in London was marginally preferable to one in Ricky. So here we are.
There has been a change of plan and we are back in London for a few days. The original plan was to go to Ricky so M could undertake some gainful employment for the week prior to the Ricky Festival. Just as we arrived at Bulls Bridge we received a call from the company to say her CRB was out of date and so the work was cancelled. At the risk of upsetting residents of Rickmansworth we considered a week in London was marginally preferable to one in Ricky. So here we are.
Friday, 6 May 2011
Where is Gecko?
We have been unable to load Googlemaps for a couple of weeks and so our map is out of date.
We are at Bulls Bridge at present but are travelling down to Brentford to arrive evening of Friday May 6. Should be there until May 10 before returning up the GU for the Ricky Festival in two weeks time.
We have been unable to load Googlemaps for a couple of weeks and so our map is out of date.
We are at Bulls Bridge at present but are travelling down to Brentford to arrive evening of Friday May 6. Should be there until May 10 before returning up the GU for the Ricky Festival in two weeks time.
Landmark Properties Close to Canals
For my choice today I have selected properties which we have visited from the canal system.
Clicking on the name of any of these properties will take you to the full details on the Landmark Trust site.
Ingestre hall, stables and church which Wren designed are walking distance from the Trent and Mersey canal, Ingestre Pavilion, however, is more easily accessed by bus from Great Haywood.
There are lovely views of this from Tixall Wide on the Staffs & Worcs near Great Haywood Jct and the bus from there to Stafford passes the property
Tixall Gatehouse viewed through the morning mist from Gecko moored overnight on the Wide which was constructed for the benefit of the landowner.
A very easy walk up from the Trent & Mersey canal where the Derby Canal used to join it, Swarkestone Pavilion is impressive in any light.
Leave the T&M canal for a while and take a stroll up or down the Tardebigge locks on the Worcs & Birmingham. Here the Landmark Trust have rescued one of the lock cottages
One canalside property which we have yet to visit is a barrel-roofed Lengthsman's Cottage on the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal.
Sunday, 1 May 2011
Smoke a Black Cat!
Something over 45 years ago I had a spell in Moorfields Eye Hospital in High Holborn (long since redeveloped). I was in Bernhard Baron ward which, I was informed, had been endowed by a cigarette magnate. It meant nothing to me at the time - there were certainly other things on my mind. My surgeon - J.R.Hudson - was a pioneer in the use of lasers in eye surgery and performed the same operation on the Duke of Windsor at the London Clinic within days of my op. He used to visit me after calling on the Duke which he did in full morning attire. It was a shame that I was not really in a position to appreciate it.
Bernhard Baron was of Jewish descent, born in France and moved to USA as a teenager where he worked in a cigarette factory. He developed a cigarette-making machine which he eventually brought to UK and sold to Carreras who were based in London at that time. Around this time, the late 19th century, most of the tobacco trade in UK had merged into the Imperial Tobacco Co. with notable exceptions of Carreras and Rothmans. Imperial had secured sole rights to an American cigarette making machine capable of producing 200 cigarettes per minute. So when Bernhard Baron arrived with a machine capable of twice that production rate a new factory in City Road was set up in 1907 to produce such brands at Black Cat, launched in 1904, the first UK brand to include coupons which could be collected for gifts. Another notable achievement in 1921 was the first machine made cork-tipped cigarette - Craven A. Collecting coupons caught on but go so our of hand the cigarette companies all withdrew by agreement this kind of promotion on 1st January 1934. With the launch of Craven A Carreras outgrew the Arcadia Works in City Road and built a new factory in Mornington Crescent which opened in 1928. Also named Arcadia, the building is a beautiful example of Art Deco style. It still exists and is in fine condition as these pictures illustrate.
The two bronze cats which stand either side of the front steps may be replicas as I believe that the originals were moved in 1959- one to the new factory in Basildon and one to somewhere in the Caribean.
Something over 45 years ago I had a spell in Moorfields Eye Hospital in High Holborn (long since redeveloped). I was in Bernhard Baron ward which, I was informed, had been endowed by a cigarette magnate. It meant nothing to me at the time - there were certainly other things on my mind. My surgeon - J.R.Hudson - was a pioneer in the use of lasers in eye surgery and performed the same operation on the Duke of Windsor at the London Clinic within days of my op. He used to visit me after calling on the Duke which he did in full morning attire. It was a shame that I was not really in a position to appreciate it.
Bernhard Baron was of Jewish descent, born in France and moved to USA as a teenager where he worked in a cigarette factory. He developed a cigarette-making machine which he eventually brought to UK and sold to Carreras who were based in London at that time. Around this time, the late 19th century, most of the tobacco trade in UK had merged into the Imperial Tobacco Co. with notable exceptions of Carreras and Rothmans. Imperial had secured sole rights to an American cigarette making machine capable of producing 200 cigarettes per minute. So when Bernhard Baron arrived with a machine capable of twice that production rate a new factory in City Road was set up in 1907 to produce such brands at Black Cat, launched in 1904, the first UK brand to include coupons which could be collected for gifts. Another notable achievement in 1921 was the first machine made cork-tipped cigarette - Craven A. Collecting coupons caught on but go so our of hand the cigarette companies all withdrew by agreement this kind of promotion on 1st January 1934. With the launch of Craven A Carreras outgrew the Arcadia Works in City Road and built a new factory in Mornington Crescent which opened in 1928. Also named Arcadia, the building is a beautiful example of Art Deco style. It still exists and is in fine condition as these pictures illustrate.
 |
| Arcadia Works in Mornington Crescent |
 |
| The first factory in Britain to use pre-stressed concrete |
 |
| Also the first to incorportate air-conditioning |
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| Black Cat was Carrera's first strong brand |
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