From the log of n/b COLLIE II - written by Kenn
Wed 24th Feb 1988
Annice and Kenn arrived about 10:30 and set off downstream about 11:00. After
filling with water and chatting to Ted (the Lock Keeper at Sawley) about his
new gates and the floods from the Soar Flood Preventioon Scheme, we made the
Trent Lock and the Steam Boat for lunch at 12:00. After dinner we set off for
Long Eaton and a stop near the Barge Inn. It is blowing a gale and snowing as
well.
Thursday 25th Feb
We awoke to a cold but dry day and pottered off into Sandiacre. We moored and
had dinner at the Plough before returning to the lock cottage for the evening.
I've fitted the new bilge pump switch but a) it needs cutting down so it operates
in less water b) it needs mounting to a bit of wood to stop it falling over.
Steve Champion came over in the evening and we did a stock take in the lock
cottage of IWA Rallies Ltd stock. Then we had tea and a chat with Mick &
Carole Golds who were delivering ale for Saturday night.
Friday 26th Feb
Spent the morning sawing wood and cleaning the boat outside whilst Annice cleaned
the cooker. About 11am we pottered up to Sandiacre and moored outside the Red
Lion. Went for a few pints and a meal and met Pete Howard (workmate) who came
out for a drink in his lunch hour. After shopping we chugged back and moored
again just above the lock. Spent the evening in watching tv.
EREWASH CANAL PRESERVATION & DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION PIE
AND PEA EVENING.
Saturday 27th Feb 1988
I bought a can of black bitchamastic yesterday and spent the morning re-coating
one side of the hull ( above the waterline). Cleaned chimney brasses and cast iron stove pipe going down as far as I could reach whilst Annice polished the other brass work.
With the paintwork all polished as well she looked very respectable. During
the afternoon more and more boats turned up until there were over 20 filling
the basin and stretching up the cut. Met Mick Atherley in the lock house by
prior arrangement. Lawrence from Greens Mill was there so there was much talk
of beer. The evening was as much fun as last year with much singing of silly
songs. The beer ran out a bit early this year though.
Sunday 28th Feb 1988
Left Sandiacre about 9am and arrived back at Sawley about 11am. The weather
is warm and sunny although there is a stiff breeze. After packing up we left,
having had a good few days.