Old Friends

Saturday 28 June

As this was old stomping ground we sent Martin a text to see if was still managing the Kings Bromley marina as we would be passing by later today. We first met Martin on the Coventry when we owned Anna of The Five Towns and he painted the pigeon hatch for us. Since then he worked at Streethay Wharf and he completely repainted our boat and made a wonderful job of her.
Back came the reply that he is now the manager of the new Kings Orchard marina that is less than a mile away. Come on in he said. So it was good to see him again after such a long time. Sad to hear that he had recently lost one of his two dogs, Jasper, due to kidney failure though.
After a longer than planned stay we headed for Fradley Junction and to have lunch in the famous Swan.

Then it was off through the beautiful Woodend Lock that is to be the proposed site of the HS2 crossing of the Trent and Mersey canal. Who was moored there but BCF member Peter aboard March Mole. Good to see you Pete!

Had to take a photee of the Armitage Shanks factory as we passed by

 

And of Rugely power station

 

We moored near Wolesley Bridge with the intention of having an Indian but when we got there it was heaving and a 40 minute wait for a table; should have booked. So we went to the Wolesley Arms, that was again busy, but were able to accommodate us in a pleasant part of the restaurant.

Sunday 29 June

It is Izzy's birthday today, Keith's Grandaughter; Happy Birthday Izzy xxx.
We set off early today for the short hop to Colwich where we attended the communion service at St Michaels and All Angels.

Prior to the service we were welcomed up the tower where we able to ring a touch or two of Bob Doubles. It is very strange that whatever we church we go to on the cut we always meet someone who has connections with Bristol. This time two of the ringers went to university there. Small world!

Before setting off again Keith applied the final coat of red paint to the spots where the horses had bitten on the handrail. We will see the results tomorrow when the masking tape comes off.
Keith made his regular checks in the engine compartment and discovered a fair quantity of water in and around the engine bearers. This was easily sucked out with a vacuum pump that revealed itself to be engine cooling fluid. This was substantiated by its feel and that the level of the coolant had dropped significantly. Two litres were sucked out! Turned out to be a screwed gland that became loose so a simple fix. Fortunately we were very near to the Anglo-Welsh yard at Great Haywood junction so Keith went off and bought 5Ltrs of antifreeze whilst Dianne went off to the nearby farm shop. Strawberries and ice cream tonight!

Half finished!