J R ALSOP

Unfortunately I am a Historic Captain

Just had a great two weeks from Alvecote Marina to Ellesmere Port HNBC Easter gathering had a nice chat with Mr Parry, then onto Manchester Ship Canal to Marsh lock then up to Northwich for a short break. Weather was great throughout until just now, a April shower as I am waiting for the good lady to cook diner, got a wind and sun tan looks as if I have been abroad.

I saw in the mid 1960's a traction engine at Beeston on the way to Chester called "Cock of The North" it looked out of control ( to me anyway) going hell for leather.

The thing that I always remember is C&RT, BWB and British Transport Commission are / were Navigation Authorities and NOT Housing Associations.

It was moored at the Dunstable and District Boat Club for a long time, there is another moored in St Pancras Basin.

Milliput for me

Gentle breeze and sunshine here in Hemel Hempstead

Might have a lock but look on Google Earth and see all the house boats for neighbours

Our youth club hired a boat from Deans at Christleton(Chester) in about 1957, plywood cruiser, Stuart Turner petrol engine and Elsan which used a Creosote deodorant which we were told to empty over the back ( but not in a lock) I never drank water in Nantwich or Crewe ever since. Mr Dean owned the little wooden cabin on the side of one of the Meres at Ellesmere and if you were rushing, you got told off as he knew when you left the yard. Happy days.

The modern day equivalent of a Springer

Licence fees up again or a surcharge to use Marple and Bosley locks?

Wish you had let me know you were taking picture, I would have tidied up a bit. No its not a ex-working boat but I built it 42years ago, I named it Comet after the small Woolwich Comet I worked for Willow Wren in 1964/5.

Just as an aside, why is it called the Suez Canal and not the Suez Channel as it is connected directly to the sea either end?