This is the interrupted tale of Richard Thomas’s trip in 2000, on the way to the National Festival at Waltham Abbey, and the crews who take over for the remainder of the trip..

11th August to 24th August 2000

Having experienced the delights of the 24 hour Tesco at Dudley before the Birmingham Exhibition trip we decided to repeat the exercise this time and staggered back to the boats with 14 laden trays of assorted foodstuffs. Just as well we had come up a day early, it took nearly the whole evening to store the stuff away.

Friday 11^th August dawned bright and clear and by 10 o’clock the crew had assembled. We had Richard Thomas as Captain, Celia Byham looking after the catering, David Goodman as the Driver, Nigel Wood as Assistant Driver, George Marshall and Paul, Janine and Tom Strudwick as crew. Various manoeuvres, including a Museum-wide search for wood, resulted in the boats being ready to leave at 1.00. The wise decision to have Museum fish and chips for lunch delayed departure until 1.45 when volunteers (honestly) wound up the bridge and we slid efficiently and nearly silently out of the arm, remembering to collect the bridge-winders-down. A good run via Brades brought us to Smethwick stop where we were forced to remove a quantity of thin wire and associated rubbish via the weedhatch. We finally tied up at Old Turn at 8.15.

Saturday morning was just as promising as Friday and we left the centre of Birmingham at 8.15 and made our way through Broad Street Tunnel to Gas Street and beyond into the Worcester and Birmingham Canal. A steady gentle journey meant that, although we bottomed a few times, we didn’t go hard aground until the notorious Bridge 84 and again on a mud bank beyond the railway bridge at 73. Some scientific work using Kildare as a battering ram got us clear on both occasions. We turned into the Stratford at 11.30 and paused in the stoplock to put the tunnel light in position. Brandwood Tunnel has a reputation as the local home for over active spiders with kamikaze complexes. Since we couldn’t find any arachnophobic crew members, Paul steered through only to find that all the eightlegged residents had gone on a day trip to Blackpool and we didn’t collect a single one. Shirley Drawbridge was reached by 1.30 and the Captain leapt energetically ashore and operated the bridge following every instruction except to withdraw his keys afterwards. This was not discovered for half an hour and so Nigel also leapt energetically ashore (with a bike) and cycled 1½ miles back, collected them and then returned 2 miles to catch up with the boats. Passing Stephen Goldsborough Boats we greeted FoP members, the Egginton family who were on their boat Slender Delta. Lapworth Top was reached at 4.30 and 3 hours, 13 locks, several stickings, Neil Ratcliffe and John Byham later we tied up for the night.

Sunday started with a visit to the water point to refill all tanks and then the joy of bowhauling Kildare across the junction while the rope became entangled with that octopus-like signpost. (And yes, I do know it’s only got three arms and a sticky up bit). By 10.30 we were turning on to the Grand Union and soon the first showers of rain were felt. Through Shrewley, which was wetter inside than the rain outside, and then into Hatton top at 12.40. Our descent was aided by Nick Haynes and family and later John Byham and impeded by a fibreglass cruiser with a dodgy engine and only two crew, one of whom stayed on the boat. However, assistance from our lock wheelers kept them clear of us most of the time, until their engine packed up completely and we were able to pass. In increasing rain we reached the bottom at 3.15 and sheltered under the A46 for a half hour tea and cake break to bid farewell to our helpers. An unintended departure entanglement with some bushes caused some ill-bred comments from the land party as we made our way toward the Cape and the last two locks for the day. 6.00 saw us tied up at Radford Bottom. Not having had enough exercise during the day, Nigel and George walked a mile to a pub that wasn’t and then a further mile to one that was but shouldn’t have been, before walking part way back to Leamington in an endeavour to find the boats which were actually getting further away every step they took.

Monday saw a great deal of practice breasting and singling out the boats on the climb to Stockton where, after Blue Lyas Bridge we were able to leave them breasted for the climb to the top. As we left Stockton we passed Enterprise No 1 which was originally the FMC Steamer Count. An uneventful run ensued to Calcutt and then along the joint Oxford Canal pound to Braunston where we arrived at 5.00, just in time to link up to the BW powerpoint, before they went home. Tim Coghlan generously allowed us to use the showers at the marina, an offer that was enthusiastically accepted.

Tuesday started with an excellent, unimpeded climb up to the tunnel and a run through to Norton Junction. Here, however, any ideas we may have had of an equally good run down Buckby, were quickly dispelled. There was a queue that built up as descending boats argued over lock possession with ascending craft. We held back and let them sort it out. John Byham once again joined us bringing much needed supplies, which included wine. In Buckby Bottom Lock loud protests from David in the engine hole drew our attention to a triple waterspout from the lock wall, which was flooding him out. Energetic, but inexplicably slow efforts eventually removed him from the hazard and muttered, almost inaudible, profanities drifted up to us as he dried out. We arrived at Heyford Wharf at 4.00 and loaded 4 tons of best Welsh Steam Coal (actually mined in Poland) and after sheeting up, carried on for a further half hour, to tie up at Bugbrooke for the night.

We had made such good time that we were due to spend Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning on show outside the Museum at Stoke Bruerne. Accordingly, we had a slightly more leisurely start and were away by 9.15 along the long pound to Blisworth where we entered the tunnel at 11.00…………

Richard Thomas

To follow Richards tale look here ! Tale from a Hospital bed

Stoke Bruerne to Leighton Buzzard

The story is taken over by Nigel Wood who was appointed as acting Captain. [For those readers who do not remember Richard was injured in Blisworth Tunnel]

After an afternoon of hosting many visitors to the boats, which were moored alongside the poplar trees at Stoke Bruerne, we treated ourselves to a slap-up meal in the Boat Inn. George and Nigel stayed in the bar to learn about life on canal hotel boats from the 2 visiting hotel boat crew members (female as it happens).

Following the unscheduled crew change the day before, it was readily agreed to get an early start (a lunchtime departure had been planned). This would give us more slack in the timetable to allow for any more "excitements". Dave was up with the larks to light the fire. The boiler was still warm from Wednesday and we were able comfortably to depart at 9.30. A lot was asked of Dave over the next 2 days in not having a great deal of relief from "engine hole" duties, but he responded to the challenge in a thoroughly professional manner without complaint.

At 12.30, anxiety was expressed by steerer George and engine driver Dave over the effort required to cruise along a straight deep channel. Mooring alongside some dumb dredging barges between bridge 59 and Yardley Wharf, Nigel furtled with the stick with the curly hook on it (there must be another name) around the prop. A subsequent weed hatch removal produced fishing twine which had been wrapped around the prop shaft. [Note to weed hatchers: Following the clearance, Nigel secured clamps on the hatch hand tight – they should be nipped up with a hammer.] A torchlight inspection whilst underway revealed the hatch to be apparently watertight. It wasn’t until the next crew shifted some coal backwards to lower President’s stern, a leak developed in the hatch. It turns out that Nigel had inadvertently dragged the rubber gasket across the mating surfaces of the hatch causing it to ride up and not seal properly. All weed hatch aficionados can learn from this.

The towpath telegraph had beaten us to Cosgrove Lock (our original destination for the day), a friendly BW man asked after Richard’s well being. Happily, we were able to pass on some reasonably good news.

At our overnight mooring on Thursday 18th at Fenny Stratford lock, we were met by Dave Powell and John Byham who was brandishing extra provisions. Their moral support was certainly appreciated by acting Captain Nigel. Celia was whisked off to Northampton to visit Richard whilst the filthy crew got down to some serious hot blow-down work. This involves raking out the fire and using residual boiler pressure to drive out the water from the boiler into the cut. The prime purpose is to rid the boiler of the very fine silt which gets past the canal water intake filters. To make the process most effective, President must be rocked from side to side "in a vigorous manner" to stir up the silt in the boiler. The more "rockers" the better. A passing couple from an immaculate nearby moored boat were most bemused by the spectacle.

Friday morning we filled the boiler up with tapwater through the whistle hole from the water point beyond the lock. That is what water points are for isn’t it? A cold boiler meant a 4 hour steam raising time and a lunchtime departure.

We soon stopped for lunch (unheard of before) in one of the most torrential downpours of the week. George was appalled at this whimpish action, but he was overruled. The sandwiches were getting too wet to support their own weight.

Congestion around Soulbury locks was added to by a flotilla of Wyvern hire boats – well about 6 really. The scenery south of Soulbury was rural England at it’s best. To quote Nicholson "the canal enters the valley of the Ouse and meanders sharply, making the navigation itself seem like a river, which is rare on the Grand Union. Steep hills rise to the east and west, thickly wooded to the east. A low towpath hedge allows fine views of this beautiful valley". We shared this view with a heron.

Thanks to Dave Powell, a fine overnight mooring had been arranged for us on the 2 hour shopping mooring at Tesco’s Leighton Buzzard. We arrived on schedule at 6.15. Some of the crew departed for domestic bliss whilst Celia, Dave and Nigel stayed on. Dave was introduced to the culinary delights of a kebab shop for the first time in his life.

After a hearty breakfast in Tesco’s on Saturday morning (dressed in civvies) we were able to hand over a "ready to go" President to the fresh crew.

Nigel Wood

The buckled wheel, George’s Spot, Mr Grim, gourmet cheese, Big Birthday, new engine trip

( or the trip to Waltham Abbey 2000 )

Date: 19th August  – 26th August 2000

Crew: Simon Nuttall / Mr Grim (Captain), David Stott (Driver), George Nuttall (Chaplain), Martin Burke (Antiquarian) Geoff Dean (Archivist), Jack Dean (Cabin boy)

Journey: Leighton Buzzard to Waltham Abbey, Inland Waterways Festival 2000.

Saturday 19^th August

A quiet and reflective crew gathered respectfully on the towpath behind Tesco’s in Leighton Buzzard, going about their business in near silence, mindful of the discomfort Richard Thomas would be experiencing in a hospital bed, not far away. They wondered how on earth he might possibly lie still on all his bruises! Captain Nuttall – in a canalside homily – gently reminded his raw and sensitive shipmates that if they attempted any similar acrobatic tricks in difficult circumstances, there was a chance that he might become a little piqued with them (although his language was a shade more earthy!) The events surrounding the tunnel injuries slightly overshadowed the exciting conclusion of this journey, which would see the delivery of a new engine for President, at Waltham Abbey on the following Friday. But more of that later…

Suitably chastened, the boats set off at 2.00pm, fondly waved farewell by our eminent Chairman and made unremarkable progress, on a glorious afternoon, through a few ‘practice’ locks. The rolling countryside sauntered past, the only irritating feature being a Springer alternatively whizzing ahead and then being passed too regularly, usually after we had wasted time waiting for it at a lock! The end of a fine day came below Marsworth Locks, where we moored and enjoyed a spaghetti Bolognaise, cooked by Jack. Simon had generously contributed three bottles of impressive sounding French red wines, but Dave Stott’s finely tuned nose and palette, honed through years of hotel and guest house experience, soon discovered them all to be vinegar! It was back to the boxed dry white. Quick trip to the pub, then back to Kildare for Martin’s nightly pre-retirement cheese orgy and a reasonably early night. [ Ed. For those who have not crewed with Martin Burke, he finds its impossible to retire without a cheese sandwich ]

Sunday 20^st August

We pulled away from the moorings at 9.00am, to a good deal of friendly interest. Dog walkers, sightseers, publicans and canalside-cottage dwellers variously waved, took pictures, shared greetings or just smiled and watched. Passing through the flight of locks was easy, except when we were confronted with two – what can only be described as – ‘floating conservatories’ blocking one lock exit.

Simon introduced the concept of the ‘Judy breakfast’: cereal and orange juice immediately after waking, followed by fried bacon and egg sandwiches, cooked and eaten whilst travelling in the early morning. This procedure was followed on all subsequent mornings. The trip along the Tring Summit pound was mostly trouble-free, although the low water levels meant scraping the bottom occasionally. The morning became very hot, and Dave sweated in the engine room. Even the helmsmen were pleased with shaded sections of the cut. There was little traffic so Jack and Martin, whizzing ahead on the two bicycles, set up a routine of preparing locks in good time, for us to sail through easily. We stopped at Berkhamstead for a refreshing pub lunch, and entertained the Sunday midday regulars at the lock-side pubs on our way through the town.

A hot morning became a warm, hazy afternoon. Our progress unimpeded, we arrived tired and dusty at Kings Langley. A late meal was followed by a short pub trip.

Monday 21^st August

Having moored opposite a youth outdoor centre building, our early morning routines were distracted by a young tour party who were guided by the captain through the niceties of the boats. Our crew was also increased by Mike and Liz Young joining us for the day. We got underway at 9.15.

The day was hotter than the previous one. Once again, advance parties cycled ahead to set locks and prepare for streamlined progress; which worked perfectly until Jack spectacularly buckled one of the front wheels! From then on, increasingly more tired crew had to WALK briskly to maintain the furious pace we had set ourselves! Other boaters regularly generously offered their locks.

Notable in this busy day was the stop at Tesco’s in Rickmansworth. The skipper, having decided to cycle for that period of the day, watched in bemused astonishment from the other bank, as President manoeuvred a difficult mooring alongside the store. Leaving George marooned, holding a rope, the whole procedure had to be repeated, with Simon directing events from afar. Fresh supplies of gourmet cheese had been taken on at this stop to feed Martin’s increasingly voracious appetite.

The boats reached Bridge 180, at the Horse and Barge, at half past four, and most of the crew looked forward to a leisurely restorative evening. Until Simon had the inspired idea of cleaning the boiler tubes. Everybody enjoyed the joke…until they realised he was serious! Aching arms and legs were subjected to further punishment pushing the brush through the caked tubes. (Oh you weak and feeble lot) Even Liz sweated for the cause and a soot-caked Jack resembled a 19^th century chimney boy. Like the rest of us, he had to shower with real purpose at the end of the day. The meal was eventually enjoyed before a few drinks in the pub at the end of gangplank.

Tuesday 22^rd August

We arose relatively early and were away before 9:00. With clean tubes, David coaxed wonderful speed out of the engine, and we all enjoyed a swift and lively run to Denham Deep Lock. Our only delay was at Uxbridge, where Simon displayed his advanced steering skills, by reversing the two boats up a short cut to the boatyard to collect a new gas bottle. Much whistling and waving accompanied our trip through Uxbridge to Cowley and beyond, announcing our presence to the many canalside office and business buildings.

Having been prepared for the problems of Bull’s Bridge Junction, Geoff managed to enter the Paddington Arm in one sweep, with Jack helping ably on Kildare. Another short stop was made for Simon to purchase some hardware – involving an extraordinarily funny incident of Martin stepping ashore, impossible to explain to anybody who was not there! Then, excellent progress into central London – George enjoying every moment at the helm, as crowds of flat dwellers and pedestrians acknowledged our passage towards Little Venice.

Whilst the boat owners and others enjoyed our arrival in Paddington, they had very little space for us to moor. Once again, Simon coolly proved his driving skills to his awe-struck crew, as they poled, pushed-off and pulled on ropes to assist him placing two big boats into a pocket handkerchief sized corner of the basin. Geoff disappeared into Maida Vale, dressed in 19^th century boatman’s gear, to discover another Tesco, for necessary supplies. Everybody else worked hard to clean up. Evening meal followed by a warm evening outside the Warwick Castle pub, a few streets away.

Wednesday 23^th August

We left much easier than we arrived. It was Simon’s birthday, and the crew sang Happy Birthday lustily as he arrived back to the boat from who knows where…David Stott came up from the engine room, in his best bib and shirt, to steer the boats through Regents Park to Camden Lock. He swept confidently through St Pancras and the Islington Tunnel, as the weather once again became very warm. Then, his greatest moment involved a clean, spectacular turn into the Hertford Canal. The only blot on this impressive piece of driving came when David made an emergency stop, compassionately to rescue a tortoise clutching desperately – so he thought - to the bank! It turned out to be an enormous disdainful turtle, that could swim rather well – which it did the moment help approached. [ Ed. We later found out that the cut hereabouts is full of them.] The boats and their crew, however, were left stranded on a very shallow bank – and it took some time, and a number of willing passers-by to refloat them.

We met a day-trip party of boaters exploring the canals of the East End, who had not anticipated coming across a steam powered working boat! And then, just beyond the last lock of the Hertford, before the River Lee, George discovered the ideal picnic spot, behind a wall, sheltered by some bushes, with relatively small amounts of dog leavings! It was an important moment – and the crew was aware of its significance. "George’s Spot" became the material of boating legend.

The afternoon progress up the River Lee was excellent. It was a hot, tiring journey, through wide spans of river and huge locks. Jack came into his element operating these electrically powered monsters. Just after Ponders End lock the boats, as part of a previous arrangement, moored alongside a Beefeater eating house, where our Chairman awaited us. The two Davids became increasingly starry-eyed about the prospect of the new engine, to be delivered at Waltham Abbey, and eventually left to pay it short, respectful visit, and finalise the ceremonials of the following day. Less exalted members of the crew gave the boats yet another clean, tied up sheets and slack covers, and showered in preparation for the double birthday celebration in the adjoining restaurant. Not only was Wednesday Simon’s birthday – but the following day – wonderfully timed to receive the present of his dreams – would be David Stott’s sixtieth! Much quaffing, toasting and merriment was had that night.

Thursday 24^th August

The great day! Due acknowledgement was made to David’s birthday rituals, with particular recognition of the many years we were all celebrating, then he was whisked away to join a steam driven lorry, carrying the new engine to the boat show.

Many Friends of President and other friends were present for a great moment and hundreds of photographs were taken. We were all delighted to see the bruised, but smiling, Richard Thomas, upright in a wheel chair, dispelling the rich, wild, fruity rumours of his untimely demise!

After the engine was craned aboard, there was the short trip through the final lock of this journey to complete and we slipped through the boats thronging both banks, to our mooring, just below the bridge leading to the main exhibition area.

Postscript – Apart from the many special events and happy moments this trip afforded, it was remarkable in other ways. Everything worked well. Everybody enjoyed the company of the others, everybody worked hard and the spirit of support was high all week. There was a lot of laughter and fun – and many jokes special to that crew . The weather was lovely and other boaters were co-operative and generous. It was a great trip!

Geoff Dean

P.P.S. The Captain was able to extract his revenge on one Jack Dean, who had christened the illustrious leader Mr Grim. On the final morning he was sent to Dave Stott to collect a long weight (wait), Dave immediately spotted the joke and returned Jack empty handed ten minutes later – isn’t revenge sweet!