Team Rebellion Virtual BCN Challenge 2020 Cruise Log

[TheBiscuits]

5 minutes ago, HuggableHamster said:

oh boo... is this better? https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=14DTZ6L-V-Dc2k2KlIsBdrtdTW5R36awN&ll=52.6607816408192%2C-1.877459941629013&z=14

Yes, I see Team Rebel Onion on that link.

 

Not in County Durham though ....

Edited May 5, 2020 by TheBiscuits

[HuggableHamster]

14 minutes ago, TheBiscuits said:

Yes, I see Team Rebel Onion on that link.

 

Not in County Durham though ....

of course not, *we* can use maps

 

 

 

 

 

Log time: 11:30, Sunday 15th February 1863

Location: Pelsall Junction

 

We arrived at the junction on a crisp, but sunny day (good thing we had practised wrapping up warm yesterday!).  A man stood on the bank, watching us and, as the kettle had just boiled we offered him some tea.  He was a nail maker, as were about a score of other fellows in Pelshall (the 1841 census has 30 men list this as their occupation, and many would have been joined by their family to make the simpler nails).  We asked if he heard of the nailmaker’s strike last year in Bromsgrove to the south, and he looked at us suspiciously until we started to sing a song about it from one of our favourite bands.

 

https://youtu.be/TzkheDfFqcI

 

Telling of how Sam Salt lead the protest from Halesowen to Bromsgrove, pulling a tonne of coal donated by Thomas Attwood (the first member of parliament for Birmingham).  At this our new friend relaxed some what, he said that his nailmaster had refused to sell him iron bar because the warehouse was full.  This meant he’d had to deal with the “Fogger”, a thieving man with 3 scales to short change you on the bar he sold you, the nails he bought from you and to fool the inspector.  Worst of all he’d often only pay you in truck, that is goods not money, an illegal practice that continued in the Black Country until the 20th century.  Hearing this poor man’s plight we gave him some of the delicious baked oatmeal @smudgepuss has made to take home, before we headed off again into the 21st century.

 

Picture on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelsall_Junction

Edited May 5, 2020 by HuggableHamster
separating out the posts a little

[captain birdseye]

On 03/05/2020 at 22:52, Ian Mac said:

Those in the know would not call him Alan but Taff. I'm looking forwards to hearing the stories of just how you handle the Bolinder. Also how you go on rigging a "Automat Sehnsucht"  up to an engine which will run in either direction just for the fun of it! Even if it does have a gear box

 

Was it Taff Jones that fell into Dale Street lock on Cold Hole Party

[HuggableHamster]

Log time: 12:30, Thursday May 17th 1900

Location: Terminus of Lord’s Hayes Branch

 

Slipping back 120 years we turn onto the Lord’s Hayes branch, one branch, so many different spellings, but from the debate in Parliament on 4th February 1794 it would appear this is, if nothing else, the one that was in use at the time.

 

Looking back, for those who are interested, the name seems to derive from it being fields where hay for the Lord of the Manor was grown.

 

 

The aforementioned Marquis of Stafford was Granville Leveson-Gower, 1st Marquess of Stafford (4 August 1721 – 26 October 1803).  He was known as Viscount Trentham from 1746 to 1754 and as The Earl Gower from 1754 to 1786, before in 1786, being created Marquess of Stafford as a reward for his services to politics.  

 

He built the earlier Lilleshall Hall, converting a 17th-century house located in the village of Lilleshall into a country residence around the late 1750s.  Lilleshall is now the national sports centre for archery (and some other less interesting sports...)

Here is Lizzie competing in the grounds.

 

But that was not the purpose of the branch, it was the Marquis’s coal fields which brought the cut up here.  

 

As we can see from William Pitt’s survey in 1793 the plan had been to take the canal north to Lord’s Hayes, in the end however it went to the western colliery.

 

As the old lime kiln marked at the end of the branch on this 1902 OS Map hints, it was not just coal that travelled this route until its abandonment in the 1930s and as we cruised along we saw boats of lime heading off as well as the ubiquitous coal boats.

 

We saw the coal miners hard at work, though someone managed to get them to stop for a picture...

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/swilliams2001/4998758205

Miners at Fishley Colliery, one of the mines that were served by the canal.

 

They were delighted to hear that the Siege of Mafeking had ended this morning, and we were careful to remember to call it’s defender Colonel Robert Baden-Powell, for he was not yet a Lord and it would be another 7 years before the Scouting Movement was officially formed.  Though it’s seeds were already there, based on the usefulness of boys during the siege.  They didn’t look like the sort of people who would be interested that Frank L Baum’s book the Wizard of Oz was being released today, and besides the run was sold out before it went to press, so we wended our way to the end to wind.

[HuggableHamster]

GPS is running as usual

https://www.google.com/maps/d/drive?state={"ids"%3A["14DTZ6L-V-Dc2k2KlIsBdrtdTW5R36awN"]%2C"action"%3A"open"%2C"userId"%3A"112463924948273499364"}&usp=sharing

[TheBiscuits]

8 minutes ago, HuggableHamster said:

GPS is running as usual

https://www.google.com/maps/d/drive?state={"ids"%3A["14DTZ6L-V-Dc2k2KlIsBdrtdTW5R36awN"]%2C"action"%3A"open"%2C"userId"%3A"112463924948273499364"}&usp=sharing

 

If the link looks like that, it isn't!  See whatever you did earlier to correct it.

 

I'm getting more and more convinced that you can't work this GPS thing, so it's obviously Mike who was the guilty party ...

[HuggableHamster]

8 minutes ago, TheBiscuits said:

 

If the link looks like that, it isn't!  See whatever you did earlier to correct it.

 

I'm getting more and more convinced that you can't work this GPS thing, so it's obviously Mike who was the guilty party ...

Yeah not my skills

 

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=14DTZ6L-V-Dc2k2KlIsBdrtdTW5R36awN&ll=52.63680096903269%2C-1.9922210103497946&z=15 

 

 

 

Log time: 12:50, Tuesday 8th May 2035

Location: New Hatherton Junction

 

We went forward in time to inspect the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust’s newly completed revised Hatherton Branch, which joins the old Lord’s Hayes branch a few hundred yards from its junction with the Curly Wyrley.

 

Looking down the new cut to lock 17, we’re impressed by the shiny new lock gates, but decide exploring 15 years into the future may pose unknown dangers, so quickly return to the safety of 1950 for a spot of lunch before we continue our journey down towards Birchills.

 

 

https://www.lhcrt.org.uk/hathertonmaps.htm

 

[HuggableHamster]

Log time: 15:10, Thursday 30th May 2019

Location: Birchills Junction

 

Hopping back only a little while in time we turned at the junction, ready to do the locks.  This time hop had been carefully planned to take advantage of last year’s BCN marathon having cleared the flight of rubbish and left the paddles well greased.  Also we were in no danger of time paradoxes, our past selves were dancing madly to Blackbeard’s Tea Party in Bournville...

 

https://youtu.be/20aAts-LPCY

 

I was particularly excited to visit the junction, at every previous BCN marathon we have gone up the locks, turned and gone straight back down, leaving myself and most of the crew waiting at the top of the flight (to mourn the lack of toilet), and take photos of each other.

 

 

 

http://blackcountryhistory.org/collections/getrecord/GB148_1204_1_2_43/

 

And admire the old toll house

 

 

http://blackcountryhistory.org/collections/getrecord/GB148_1204_1_2_32/

 

 

Edited May 5, 2020 by HuggableHamster
reordering

[HuggableHamster]

Log time: 16:25, Tuesday 5th May 2020... with a brief hop back to May 1972

Location: Walsall Town Arm

 

We made our way down the arm without incident.  As ever the basin caught the wind, but handily with lock down there were not crowds of diners in the restaurant watching our attempts to wind!  Having found this photo from the BCNS rally in 1972 in the Black Country history collection we were keen to see a purple boat friend so we hopped through time until we found the right weekend and admired the array of craft!

(Photo from http://blackcountryhistory.org/collections/getrecord/GB148_1204_1_2_456/)

 

Then we turned and, as tradition dictates, headed straight back up the lock flight the way we came.

And of course we continue to plot our route...

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=14DTZ6L-V-Dc2k2KlIsBdrtdTW5R36awN&ll=52.587538707955325%2C-1.9847516798198512&z=15

[RebelMike]

Log time: 18:05, Tuesday 5th May 2020

Location: Sneyd Junction

 

Log entry provided by Amy (now confusingly identified as @Amynotontheforum):

 

Travelling to Sneyds Junction we are just north of part of the Rough Wood Chase Local Nature reserve. (https://go.walsall.gov.uk/rough_wood_chase_local_nature_reserve)

Namely Oily Goughs - So called as the man who used to live there sold oil and was called Gough (Take it with a pinch of creasote but there is an interesting facebook trail on it here https://www.facebook.com/BloxwichOldNew/posts/eileen-johnsondoes-anyone-remember-or-know-anything-about-oily-gough-who-lived-i/645935485437486/) 

I was tempted to fiddle the Automat to the 1950s to find out, but was gently reminded not to misuse time travel powers in case of loop issues. https://walkiees.co.uk/dog-walks/west-midlands/oily-gough-local-nature-reserve

 

We come to the end of another day's motoring. Being my first BCN challenge I have enjoyed the relaxed pace of travel and have been reassured(?) that next year will require lots more coffee. Speaking of coffee it’s my turn to grind the beans. But before that, we marvelled at the beauty of the Sneyd Wharf nearby - only for residents but it is nonetheless a lovely sight. As shown by Gary of Flickr fame (https://www.flickr.com/photos/gary_crutchley/27524390647/) 

 

@RebelMike adds:

 

Coffee is certainly important for the challenge, but after a hard day at Wyrley & Ogley Restoration Krew I think it’s more the time of day for a beer - did we have any Roasted Nuts left?

 

We moored up here for the night:

(Photo from @Capt Ahab's blog)

 

Hmm, I thought we were in the present day but everything has gone black and white again, did Amy mess with the Automat Sehnsucht?!

[HuggableHamster]

In honour of @cheshire~rose‘s birthday, some of the toys had a party (they all live with @Amynotontheforum so no breaking social distancing!)... with tea, cake and yes @RebelMike there was beer too!

 

Edited May 5, 2020 by HuggableHamster
Add photos

[rusty69]

1 minute ago, HuggableHamster said:

In honour of @cheshire~rose‘s birthday, some of the toys had a party (they all live with @Amynotontheforum so no breaking social distancing!)... with tea, cake and yes @RebelMike there was beer too!

 

IMG_9487.mov IMG_9488.mov IMG_9489.mov

Creep! ?

[HuggableHamster]

Just now, rusty69 said:

Creep! ?

Nah, just any excuse for a party!

[RebelMike]

There was a request for swans, and so we have many swans!  One was even taking a snack on the boat next door:

 

But coming back to this morning, the first swan to visit us was Fake Mr Duck, who got dressed up to become Fake Mr Swan!

I think he likes his new look!

 

Then @HuggableHamster created the amazing clothes peg swan!

<Video to come, I can't get it to upload>

 

Ship’s astronomer, (our hamster Herchel), gazed up at this beauty:

(credit https://astrobackyard.com/cygnus-constellation/)

 

But for all that time @smudgepuss has been crocheting away, to produce:

[HuggableHamster]

3 minutes ago, RebelMike said:

There was a request for swans, and so we have many swans! 
(Snip)

 

Then @HuggableHamster created the amazing clothes peg swan!

<Video to come, I can't get it to upload>

 

(Snip)

Edited May 5, 2020 by HuggableHamster
Actually adding the video

[HuggableHamster]

Log time: 10:00, Wednesday 6th May 2020

Location: Sneyd Junction

 

To avoid having to equip William with wheels to travel along the Vernon Way (named after the Vernon’s, who owned much of the land around here in the late 1700s), and to avoid having to travel locks that look like this:

 

We engaged the Automat Sehnsucht to take us back to 1904.

 

And so, we began our day’s journey up the Sneyd Locks and into the past.  Very kindly the crew of Indigo Dream ( @Christine Kemp ) had left the locks emptying behind them so they were all set for us - Thank you!

[HuggableHamster]

Log time: 10:40, Wednesday 4th May 1904

Location: Junction with disused Essington branch

 

Looking to port, we saw the remains of the Essington locks climbing further up to one of the original destinations of the canal in the 1792 act, but already abandoned by the end of the 19th century.  Amused by the irony of the Wyrley and Essington canal, no longer going to either, isn't it funny how names sometimes turn out!

[Scholar Gypsy]

42 minutes ago, HuggableHamster said:

Log time: 10:00, Wednesday 6th May 2020

Location: Sneyd Junction

 

To avoid having to equip William with wheels to travel along the Vernon Way (named after the Vernon’s, who owned much of the land around here in the late 1700s), and to avoid having to travel locks that look like this:

 

We engaged the Automat Sehnsucht to take us back to 1904.

 

And so, we began our day’s journey up the Sneyd Locks and into the past.  Very kindly the crew of Indigo Dream ( @Christine Kemp ) had left the locks emptying behind them so they were all set for us - Thank you!

You're welcome. 

[HuggableHamster]

With some guidance from our 'Technical Director' (over a beer last night) I have hopefully got the hang of sharing our GPS now...

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=14DTZ6L-V-Dc2k2KlIsBdrtdTW5R36awN&ll=52.62557387658546%2C-2.0209409421505597&z=16

[TheBiscuits]

1 minute ago, HuggableHamster said:

With some guidance from our 'Technical Director' (over a beer last night) I have hopefully got the hang of sharing our GPS now...

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=14DTZ6L-V-Dc2k2KlIsBdrtdTW5R36awN&ll=52.62557387658546%2C-2.0209409421505597&z=16

 

County Durham?

 

 

[rusty69]

1 minute ago, HuggableHamster said:

With some guidance from our 'Technical Director' (over a beer last night) I have hopefully got the hang of sharing our GPS now...

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=14DTZ6L-V-Dc2k2KlIsBdrtdTW5R36awN&ll=52.62557387658546%2C-2.0209409421505597&z=16

I think you must be following us, I can see something in the distance if I squint really hard

 

 

 

[HuggableHamster]

Just now, rusty69 said:

I think you must be following us, I can see something in the distance if I squint really hard

 

 

 

Ah you see we're undercover by not being in a bright purple boat, if we were on Rebellion you couldn't miss us!

[HuggableHamster]

Log time: 11:35, Wednesday 3rd May 1876

Location: Gilpin’s Wharf

 

We passed Gilpin’s Wharf, where we picked up this advert for all the wonderful tools WM Gilpin, Senior & Co produced.

(from https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/William_Gilpin,_Senior,_and_Co)

 

The wharf itself had coal waiting to be loaded onto boats, it had been transported by tramway from Great Wyrley Colliery.

(from https://oldnblist.wordpress.com/2018/04/24/gilpins/)

 

We continued our journey toward the end of the arm, but not before picking up some tools to clear the prop, I hear it might be likely to pick some rubbish up today!

[HuggableHamster]

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=14DTZ6L-V-Dc2k2KlIsBdrtdTW5R36awN&ll=52.6504905553372%2C-2.0365502391234713&z=15

GPS data too

Edited May 6, 2020 by HuggableHamster

[HuggableHamster]

Log time: 12:15, Wednesday 4th May 1904

Location: Ends of Wyrley Bank Branch

 

We explored the arms at the end of the Wyrley Bank Branch, which ran towards Cheslyn Hay and Great Wyrley.  We decided to seek refreshment in Cheslyn Hay (which used to be called Wyrley Bank and gives the branch its name).  The Collier’s Arms supplied us with lunch, both liquid and more substantial food. As you can see from the floor plan there was a large forecourt, which given the good weather we availed ourselves of.

https://wyrleyblog.wordpress.com/articles-other/general-pub-history-in-the-local-area/

 

We considered hopping back further in time to the 1830s when amongst the coal miners there were many who used the local heather to make besoms (brooms, proper witchy looking ones), but we decided to turn around and head back to the junction and the modern day.  Besides it would have been careless to risk overshooting and ending up surrounded by squatters in mud huts in that time before the 1797 ‘inclosure’ and arrival of the mines that “brought some respectable inhabitants to the place who established a plan for relieving the poor and . . . erected a Methodist chapel and Sunday school”. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/staffs/vol5/pp100-103