CRT winter open days

[John Brightley]

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/things-to-do/events/winter-open-days-2024-25?page=1

Caen Hill Locks  8th February 

Hatton Locks 15/16 February 

[Annie cariad]

Gonna be a VLK both days at Hatton say hello if you're attending 

[John Brightley]

4 hours ago, Annie cariad said:

Gonna be a VLK both days at Hatton say hello if you're attending 

I'll be coming along on the Saturday. My friend Howard Easton (one of the vlk's) is giving a talk about the history of the canal at Hatton.

[robtheplod]

Looking at the link am I reading it right in there is just Hatton open for visits?  For the whole network to play with it doesn't appear CRT are putting much into these open days or am i missing something?

[TheBiscuits]

36 minutes ago, robtheplod said:

Looking at the link am I reading it right in there is just Hatton open for visits?  For the whole network to play with it doesn't appear CRT are putting much into these open days or am i missing something?

 

From the blurb on the linked page:

 

"We've already hosted one at Leeds Lock which took place in November but we have two more confirmed at Caen Hill, near Devizes and Hatton in Warwickshire which will take place in February. More details to be posted soon."

 

Also from previous experience, they only choose locks that are suitable/accessible for visitors - there's no point doing an open day on a lock that's miles from a road as hardly anyone would turn up.

 

I don't know if you've ever been to one, but they usually put a complete staircase and viewing platform inside the lock built from scaffolding, so it's quite a big job.  

[robtheplod]

31 minutes ago, TheBiscuits said:

 

From the blurb on the linked page:

 

"We've already hosted one at Leeds Lock which took place in November but we have two more confirmed at Caen Hill, near Devizes and Hatton in Warwickshire which will take place in February. More details to be posted soon."

 

Also from previous experience, they only choose locks that are suitable/accessible for visitors - there's no point doing an open day on a lock that's miles from a road as hardly anyone would turn up.

 

I don't know if you've ever been to one, but they usually put a complete staircase and viewing platform inside the lock built from scaffolding, so it's quite a big job.  

thanks....   not been to one as yet but would like to.. 

[Annie cariad]

15/16 th Feb for the Hatton lock 40 open days by all accounts will be well attended .

 

I will be there both days insha'Allah 

[Rob-M]

Caen Hill was last Saturday.

[frangar]

Ive only just noticed that unlike the other open days where you just rocked up the Hatton one seems to have timed tickets for both days and they are all sold out!...does anyone know if they are really strict about the times and tickets or if you can still just turn up and tag onto a tour as ive done in the past?

[5239]

31 minutes ago, frangar said:

Ive only just noticed that unlike the other open days where you just rocked up the Hatton one seems to have timed tickets for both days and they are all sold out!...does anyone know if they are really strict about the times and tickets or if you can still just turn up and tag onto a tour as ive done in the past?

(if they truly are charging for tickets) then it looks like you’ll have to wait your turn and pay your way this time,

like the rest of us

 

 

 

On 10/02/2025 at 09:01, robtheplod said:

thanks....   not been to one as yet but would like to.. 

 

they’re very good,

interesting,

and a proper chance for CRT to charm the public. 

[frangar]

4 minutes ago, 5239 said:

(if they truly are charging for tickets) then it looks like you’ll have to wait your turn and pay your way this time,

like the rest of us

And where did I say you or indeed anyone else had to pay for tickets?? I know this will disappoint you but they are free….just timed entry. But thank you for your always helpful insight…it’s so unlike you just to spout off without checking facts. 
 

 

[5239]

46 minutes ago, frangar said:

they are all sold out!...

 

your words ^^^ 

 

I doubted you hence the “if CRT are truly charging for tickets” comment I made in brackets 

 

no matter you can still go and take your chances and push in the queue,

but next time plan ahead,

all about planning and not leaving it til the last minute,

one shouldn’t really rely on one’s arrogance to push in 😜

[frangar]

2 minutes ago, 5239 said:

 

your words ^^^ 

 

I doubted you hence the “if CRT are truly charging for tickets” comment I made in brackets 

 

no matter you can still go and take your chances and push in the queue,

but next time plan ahead,

all about planning and not leaving it til the last minute,

one shouldn’t really rely on one’s arrogance to push in 😜

Wow you do have a bee in your bonnet don’t you?? FYI “sold out” is the term used by eventbrite which CRT is using as a platform if tickets are charged for or not. And yes I will go and see what’s going on but as I know others from here are there rather than just living behind a keyboard as you seem to then there was no harm in asking how the event was actually being run. 
 

 

[5239]

 you’re funny 😁 

 

enjoy the day 👍

[David Mack]

2 hours ago, frangar said:

Ive only just noticed that unlike the other open days where you just rocked up the Hatton one seems to have timed tickets for both days and they are all sold out!...does anyone know if they are really strict about the times and tickets or if you can still just turn up and tag onto a tour as ive done in the past?

Don't know about CRT but I have come across other organisations which use (free) timed tickets through Eventbrite just as a means of encouraging a steady flow of visitors throughout the day, but never checking for tickets or correct arrival time.  Presumably also gives the organisers advance notice of how many people might turn up.

[frangar]

12 minutes ago, David Mack said:

Don't know about CRT but I have come across other organisations which use (free) timed tickets through Eventbrite just as a means of encouraging a steady flow of visitors throughout the day, but never checking for tickets or correct arrival time.  Presumably also gives the organisers advance notice of how many people might turn up.

Yes I’ve had the same….I do see the point…I will go tomorrow as the weather might be a bit better and see what occurs. 

[John Brightley]

4 hours ago, frangar said:

Ive only just noticed that unlike the other open days where you just rocked up the Hatton one seems to have timed tickets for both days and they are all sold out!...does anyone know if they are really strict about the times and tickets or if you can still just turn up and tag onto a tour as ive done in the past?

I went this morning. All the tours are fully booked, and one reason for ticketing is the limited car parking. But there are other stalls and displays, and history talks at 11 and 1, open to everyone. If you park at the bottom of Hatton hill and walk up, then you can walk around and see them even if you don't have a ticket.

[frangar]

8 minutes ago, John Brightley said:

I went this morning. All the tours are fully booked, and one reason for ticketing is the limited car parking. But there are other stalls and displays, and history talks at 11 and 1, open to everyone. If you park at the bottom of Hatton hill and walk up, then you can walk around and see them even if you don't have a ticket.

That’s great! Thank you for the information. Really

useful. 

[5239]

15 minutes ago, frangar said:

That’s great! Thank you for the information. Really

useful. 

well done ,

sounds promising,

every chance you get a free ride (so to speak 😃)

[Annie cariad]

Cold ,wet N miserable at Hatton today 200+, visitors some booked in others on spec all got to see the works etc all had a good time too 

 

Try showing up!

 

[frangar]

47 minutes ago, Annie cariad said:

Cold ,wet N miserable at Hatton today 200+, visitors some booked in others on spec all got to see the works etc all had a good time too 

 

Try showing up!

 

I’m really glad it was that popular especially considering the weather. Might well pop along tomorrow. Think events like this are good PR for CRT…even more so if they attract non boaters. Hope you are warming up now. 

[frangar]

Well that was fascinating! 

 

Despite not being able to book a ticket we were found space on a tour and were able to have a good look round. 

 

First time Ive seen one of the "new" GU locks empty...they have some ver y interesting design features such as the sump drain and multiple outlets for the top sluices...which would explain why a less than full length boat behaves as it does when the lock is filling.

 

It was interesting to note that the majority of visitors weren't boaters....and it was very busy indeed...and the new contactless fund raising terminals they have were being well used as well as people being signed up as friends. 

 

Many thanks to all the CRT volunteers and staff that made the weekend possible and enjoyable...the less said about the two "protesters" from the NBTA the better....not quite sure what they hoped to achieve. 

 

[Chris Lowe]

These tours are great, I did one a few year back in Foxton locks.

[frangar]

10 minutes ago, Chris Lowe said:

These tours are great, I did one a few year back in Foxton locks.

I agree....Ive enjoyed all Ive been to...and they are really popular with the general (non boating) public too which is a great way for CRT to get more support. I wish they would do more at the various work sites even if they were on a smaller scale...just having a well informed Vol explain what was being done would be great...

[Annie cariad]

Top class turnout today 350 on the lock tour which was well received by all

 

I had a great day too hopefully going forward will be a VLK in Stratford this year see you there ....