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Is *anyone* going to Braunston this year?


Chertsey

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I'll be there, but bring your butty anyway; surely a requirement for any new (to you) boat to show it off!!!

 

Might be hot footing it straight to the Leeds Waterway festival the weekend afterwards, but planning is still a little 'make it up as I go along'. Would be nice to do the trip with another boat if anyone is up for it?

 

Mike

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I've sent off my booking form for Braunston, but so far I haven't spoken to a single other person who's planning to go.

 

Reasons given include:

It might be cancelled

There won't be enough water to get there

It was too big last year and we're fed up with it

We're going to the Weaver do instead

 

I love the Braunston gathering. It's where I first fell in love with old boats and will always be special for that reason. Even last year, when we were the second last boat to set off on the five hour parade, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I know they've limited the numbers to seventy five, which would make for a good but manageable festival, but I'm beginning to doubt that anything like that number are actually going to turn up. It would be awful if it was a sad shadow of its former self this year.

 

So, is there anyone out there who IS planning to go?

We have been through Braunston twice over the past week and the pound is completely full, in fact on the way from Napton it was running over the by weirs. Whilton/Buckby locks were so full that it is almost impossible to get the top gates open. The lock restrictions were relaxed by a couple of hours on Thursday last week and will probably be further relaxed in the near future. we also met several of the new volunteer lock keepers, who all seemed very friendly and helpful, most of them are experienced boaters, although one of them, had never been on a boat, but he was learning fast.

 

Assuming it goes ahead, we will be staying on our boat at Napton as usual and attending the rally by car, and madcat do not worry aboput not knowing any of the historic boat crowd, quite a few of them are forum members and peolp[e do look out for other members. It is a very friendley show, not too commercialised, and we fuind it easy to strike up a converastion with people we have never met before. You could always arrange in advance to meet up with some of the members, that way you will not feel so alone.

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A little off topic but does anyone know of any places to stay in the Braunston area the weekend of the show?

 

:)

 

There are Travelodges, Holiday Inn's and Premier Inn's around but a short drive from Braunston itself.

 

There is this-

 

http://www.hotels.uk.com/details/AAB37555/Braunston%20Manor.htm

 

But I would guess it's pricey, not sure about B&B's nearby - I'm sure there must be some.

 

ed to add - there is-

 

http://www.the-old-workshop.com/

 

and the Millhouse

 

http://www.bedandbreakfast-directory.co.uk/uploads/estate/hotels/hotels10069.htm

Edited by MJG
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A little off topic but does anyone know of any places to stay in the Braunston area the weekend of the show?

 

:)

If you don't mind being (maybe) 4 miles away, I suspect you'll find far more choices in Daventry than Braunston itself.

 

Mind you, I always go there by boat, so what do I know! :rolleyes:

 

At this rate we'll have to bring our butty as well to make up the numbers!

Sounds like a recipe for making the parades go even slower!

 

(Sorry - couldn't resist!)

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Braunston Manor (as mentioned by MJG) is no longer trading.

 

Locally, 'The old workshop' b&b http://www.the-old-workshop.com/ is actually right here on the marina, but with only two rooms, I would expect it's probably booked up already... No harm in checking though?

 

Failing that, the newly re-branded 'Daventry Court Hotel' (previously the Barcelo) is about two miles away and very easy driving from the marina. http://www.pumahotels.co.uk/hotels/central-england/barcelo-daventry-northampton-hotel?gclid=CKWk9MWGiLACFSghtAodlQEqLw It goes about £75 a night but is relatively nice for that (rooms a little dated but nice enough, nice restaurant/ bar food and swimming/ gym.)

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Braunston Manor (as mentioned by MJG) is no longer trading.

 

Locally, 'The old workshop' b&b http://www.the-old-workshop.com/ is actually right here on the marina, but with only two rooms, I would expect it's probably booked up already... No harm in checking though?

 

Failing that, the newly re-branded 'Daventry Court Hotel' (previously the Barcelo) is about two miles away and very easy driving from the marina. http://www.pumahotels.co.uk/hotels/central-england/barcelo-daventry-northampton-hotel?gclid=CKWk9MWGiLACFSghtAodlQEqLw It goes about £75 a night but is relatively nice for that (rooms a little dated but nice enough, nice restaurant/ bar food and swimming/ gym.)

 

Cheers Starry, we have stayed in that Barcelo and it's a nice hotel. (when we bought our boat)

 

I hope they have changed the food pricing policy...we got a room their for about £25 plus £10 for a small JRT. But they wanted something like £15 each for a burger and chips. :o

 

I think Dennis got his monies worth by puking up in reception though...

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Food was actually pretty pricey if I recall... I only stayed there in 2009, I had just got a contract with a company whose head office was in Daventry while I was London based and I had three day's induction at their head office.

Food was paid for by them though, but I recall seeing the menu prices while choosing the meals.

 

It's quite strange for me now actually being here on a boat because I remember back to then driving in Daventry/ Braunston between the hotel and the office and seeing bits of canal and boats and thinking "I want one of those one day... Maybe when I'm 50 or so and have 'arrived' in my place in the world." :D

 

That reception still fills my nightmares... The floor is/ was mirror smooth marble- like stuff... I arrived on the first day, spotted the directors of the company, started to walk over confidently with a big smile to introduce myself, held out my hand... And basically did the splits on my heels on the shiney floor and ended up in a pile at their feet. And split my skirt all the way up the back too.

"Welcome to the company" Indeed.... :angry: So good on Dennis! :D

Edited by Starcoaster
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Thanks for the suggestions for accommodation, will look into them :-)

 

Hi Mike. Not bunking in another boat! Sofa here always available for the civilised (!) but I shall be in Northwich where I thought you were going to be!

 

James

 

Thanks for the suggestions for accommodation, will look into them :-)

 

 

Ooops!! Just sent this to the wrong boat! Sorry J

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I think its the parade that would freak me out and the sheer numbers of people.That parade makes me think of those sadistic Japanese endurance game shows.

 

George and Irene,hello again.Happy days at the port. I haven't any photos cos the film got lost in the post.

Carl I can handle a beer tent without blowing the entertainment budget.

Chertsey hope to catch up with you soonish,are you going to Parkhead?.

 

Have a good time everybody and hope the weather is kind.

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I think its the parade that would freak me out and the sheer numbers of people.That parade makes me think of those sadistic Japanese endurance game shows.

 

I enjoyed the 5 hour parade on Chertsey last year... wouldn't be so pleasant if the weather was against us..

I may make it by car again..

Casp'

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  • 2 weeks later...

Notice from BW/cart. I hope this info may be of use to some of you.

 

 

Braunston Grand Union Canal, South East

 

Wednesday 6 June 2012 - Sunday 1 July 2012

Braunston Historic Boat Rally Sat 23rd June and Sun 24th June 2012

 

Please note the following mooring and cruising restrictions to accommodate the Braunston Historic Boat Rally:

 

Moorings

This year all the 48 hour moorings in Braunston will be suspended which is a change from previous years. This includes all the moorings from Braunston Turn to the marina ladder bridge.

The suspended moorings will be in force as follows:

Braunston Turn to Bridge 91 (A45 Bridge) - From Wednesday 20th June until Monday 25th June (unless spaces become available).

Bridge 91 to the ladder Bridge (Braunston Marina) – From Saturday 16th June until Sunday 1st July (unless spaces become available).

 

Cruising

Please note cruising will be restricted once all the Historic Boats are in position and especially during the parades which will take place from 10 am each day. Priority will be given to boats in the parade.

Boats travelling North on the Grand Union will be able to cruise as normal past the moored boats.

Boats travelling south on the Grand Union may have to be directed through the Marina.

 

Elsan and Water Points (between Br 91 and Braunston Stop House).

These will be closed to moored boats once Historic boats are in position.

Please note alternative facilities are available at Braunston Turn.

 

Apologies for any inconvenience

 

Enquiries: George Dickinson 01908 681 276

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