I have been reading the posts on CWDF for many years but no longer having a boat and my involvement with the canals being confined to towpath walks nowadays I have not felt qualified to contribute. My interest in canals however dates back to my first canal holiday with my parents in 1967 when my mum had the inspiration to hire "Maureen" from Deans at Christleton. That holiday and many subsequent adventures led my parents to buy Goldberry. She was 46ft and had a green fibreglass moulded top on a Shropshire Union or Dartline hull. Powered by a Lister SR3, she had been bought and partially fitted out by an airline pilot in the early 70's but not finished and my dad and I finished the interior between us over many happy weekends. She was used by the family and friends until my parents became too old and my busy life with a heavy job and children meant she had to be sold, probably around 1990.
A walk along the towpath near Shrewley yesterday in the beautiful evening sunshine sent me reminiscing and I wonder if Goldbery still exists. There are so many happy memories. She was moored at Napton bottom lock and I remember the local lengthsman, Esme Dowling listening to his fascinating stories over a cup of tea. Such a fascinating man and I feel so privileged to have known him. There are so many memories now returning which is probably a sign of my advancing age!
I guess Goldberry would now be about 50 years old. She may be rotting somewhere or scrapped but is would be good to know if anyone here knows of her fate.
David