Mart

A phone call to Jannel Cruisers, Burton-on-Trent.. We hired from them and found them very helpful when we broke down. I'm sure they would be happy to check the Burton - Willington area. I can't believe the chappie will make for Trent Junction and Nottingham as the lock keepers are bound to spot him providing they are all in the know..

I reckon that is Mr King with facial hair and looking a little dishevelved after a month in the fresh air!

It is not unusual for a hire boat to go out at the end of an arduous season in a less than tip top condition. We hired from Kempsey, Worcester in 1977 to do the Avon Ring. We were young and naiive in those days and to wake up with a large amount of water at the front of the saloon in the morning after a night on The Avon or Severn was a bit of an adventure. We thought a touch of early morning "bailing out" was the norm and obviously ignorant of the dangers of this scenario on the Severn and Avon!

Hi, Yes another newbie here. Myself and various mates hired narrowboats a plenty in the 70s, 80s and 90s, and must have had up to 25 fantastic holidays. I have been following the Holly, Missing Boat story and despite the seriousness have been having a great reminisce! Not being too morbid can I ask how deep those flashes or lagoons are near Northwich? We came a "cropper" when despite my advice (as captain!) my steerer decided to venture on to one of the lagoons when we were running well ahead of our schedule. We became completely aground on an old sunken boat and if it wasn't for a very helpful and noble passing boat might still be there! It took over an hour to free us by using the passing boat to tow us off. No, we hadn't hired from Middlewich narrowboats! but apologies to Simolda Boats from Nantwich!