Thursday 29th June 2017
The drizzle got a little heavier around mid-day but despite this it was a better day for weather as 12 boats slipped gently down the 13 locks to Milnsbridge Basin. ‘The boat with no name’ which had been shadowing the 12 to Slaithwaite joined the main Pennine Explorer cruise as Troubadour was due to lay over for a few days. Water levels were still high over the weirs which meant that some had to be drained off by CRT when we reached Milnsbridge bringing an extra 12 lockfuls. Thanks are due to Paul and Lesley (HCS boat crew), friend Jean, and Mike and Alan from Calder Navigation Society who put in a good shift helping with locks. Also thanks to Will, Colin and Richard from CRT who kept the water managed through the day. ‘We’ve had far more help than we ever envisaged on this trip’, said Glenys Kershaw of NB Camarilla.
Keith Sykes arranged a special evening visit to the Colne Valley Museum at Golcar which involved a short bus journey. 5 volunteers welcomed us, and in showing us around, explained about life in a weaver’s cottage in 1845, and how spinning and weaving was done before the factory era. We were also shown the clog-makers workshop. A pleasant evening was rounded off with tea and biscuits in their well-appointed café. We’re grateful for the enthusiasm of the museum volunteers and the time they made available.
Paul from the Canal Society gets started on Lock 22E with the weather looking none too promising. Pomona’s dog is unimpressed too.
Lock-wheelers Jean (left) and Lesley (right) are ready for anything as they start to work Lock 21E at Slaithwaite.
Jack struggles to hear anything on his mobile whilst in Lock 15E at Linthwaite, as CRT’s Will checks on water levels.
Bream descends Lock 15E with the magnificent Titanic Mill behind.
A Colne Valley Museum volunteer shows how a Hargreaves Spinning Jenny works.
Part of the 12 boat flotilla moored at Milnsbridge.
Huddersfield beckons …
(All photos: Alan Stopher)
