And so to the final blog of the 2010 Mikron Summer season which has come all too soon. Just a moment ago it was a glorious spring at the end of a very long hard winter and we were setting out on Tyseley for our first canal shows. Now the leaves are falling into the muddy water of the Shropshire Union Canal the rain is falling again and the ducklings are grown. Who painted the Haws and the blackberries when I wasn’t looking?
It’s been a really good tour again, met so many nice people, had loads of great shows in marvellous venues and as always been helped on our way time and again by so many good friends of Mikron – too numerous to thank you all but you know who you are and that your help is appreciated so much by us all.
Final thanks go to the team who make it all happen - Marianne, Pete, Gemma, Rachel and Rick – who have been a tower of strength throughout. Look forward to seeing you all in the Autumn tour.
Thursday, 26 August 2010
Wednesday, 25 August 2010
MORE RAIN
Beyond a joke now. August must officially be a wash out as usual. Spencer at the Brandy Cask knows we are a harbinger of doom bringing storm and tempest with us every year. Fortunately David Millett of the Surrey and Hants Canal Society moved us into Fleet Football Club bar before the heavens opened. It’s still raining now at past midnight. When we get back to Gnosall and then High Offley I want fine weather – fat chance. It’s still very warm though and houses continue to be good so shouldn’t complain. Penultimate day’s boating tomorrow. Another year gone - shame.
Trecked up the Shroppie in drizzle and set up the marquee in rain but it cleared into a fine but very cold night. Mike Lucas paid us a visit and we talked boating and sang in the pub at High Offley till Olive chucked us out.
Trecked up the Shroppie in drizzle and set up the marquee in rain but it cleared into a fine but very cold night. Mike Lucas paid us a visit and we talked boating and sang in the pub at High Offley till Olive chucked us out.
Sunday, 22 August 2010
NEW PUMP OLD SEALS
For reasons to complicated to go into the old seals are back on the pump and it’s weeping water again. Managed ok up the Severn and no replacements available so we are carrying on as it is. A great show at the Tontine Gardens courtesy of Stourport Forward with nearly 200 people on a site overlooking the wide beam locks from Stourport basin onto the Severn. Off at 7am on Thursday up the Staffs and Worcester – as lovely as ever but very slow going and showers turned to heavy rain which kept up all day. Stopped for water at Stewponey Wharf so the tanks were very full. A slight knock on a lock gate caused by much turbulence from the weirs due to the heavy rain and the tanks leapt forward and pulled off a hose. After a while Tyseley starts leaning to starboard. An inspection revealed the bows were full of water and all costumes and extension leads submerged.
Thankfully the Witts came to our rescue and met us at Wightwick where we arrived about 9pm after 14 hours more or less continuous boating and took all to be dried. Cycled to the Spar in Wightwick and picked up drinking water as tanks are fouled with bilge water and baby wipes for washing.
Collapsed into bed at midnight and set off at 6am in pouring rain again. Fixed hose back on tanks and filled with water which thankfully stayed in the tanks. Onward to our last lock of the tour on the Shroppie. Lovely show at the Witts who dried our costumes, fed us and lent us a marquee, extension leads and induced diabetic coma with white chocolate cheese cake.
Felt a bit tired and realised that 30 hours boating and 3 shows in four days was probably the reason why.
Packed into the van again – thanks Ed Fulcher for bringing her up to Gnosall and trying to get home from Gnosall to Tewksbury on his new bus pass. Only took him 12 hours and gave him the idea for next year’s Mikron show on the bus service called ‘A Comedy of Errors’ –nice suggestion Ed but it may have already been done. Have to look into it. And back to Pershore to the Brandy Cask. Promised rain which didn’t materialise but we did the show in the bar anyway to a packed house – literally.
Thankfully the Witts came to our rescue and met us at Wightwick where we arrived about 9pm after 14 hours more or less continuous boating and took all to be dried. Cycled to the Spar in Wightwick and picked up drinking water as tanks are fouled with bilge water and baby wipes for washing.
Collapsed into bed at midnight and set off at 6am in pouring rain again. Fixed hose back on tanks and filled with water which thankfully stayed in the tanks. Onward to our last lock of the tour on the Shroppie. Lovely show at the Witts who dried our costumes, fed us and lent us a marquee, extension leads and induced diabetic coma with white chocolate cheese cake.
Felt a bit tired and realised that 30 hours boating and 3 shows in four days was probably the reason why.
Packed into the van again – thanks Ed Fulcher for bringing her up to Gnosall and trying to get home from Gnosall to Tewksbury on his new bus pass. Only took him 12 hours and gave him the idea for next year’s Mikron show on the bus service called ‘A Comedy of Errors’ –nice suggestion Ed but it may have already been done. Have to look into it. And back to Pershore to the Brandy Cask. Promised rain which didn’t materialise but we did the show in the bar anyway to a packed house – literally.
Sunday, 15 August 2010
UP AND DOWN THE SEVERN
Took the van down to the Coal House in Apperley and cycled back visiting Odda’s Chapel on the banks of the Severn at Deerhurst on the way back a marvellously atmospheric Saxon chapel, lovingly but not over restored and the equally beautiful Saxon parish church. If only we had defeated the Normans at Hastings...
Past huge oaks in the water meadows. I was surprised to see the Severn so low. The muddy banks had wet mud about two metres above the water line. When we got to the Severn lock the keeper told us that it was an unusually high tide and to look out for trees in the river. The tide had just turned so we went on to Apperley.
Coming back to the boat before the show it had sunk a metre below the level of the jetty whereas when we arrived it towered over it. As we watched the shooting stars in the small hours, the water rose again and we slackened off the ropes to reach down to the jetty which rapidly disappeared under the surging muddy water. I had visions of having to dive down to release the ropes as we rose but of course the water soon subsided again and at dawn we were mud bound again with the jetty above rather than below us.
Similar experience at the floating moorings at Haw Bridge. Trees banging against the side of the boat and scraping off into the darkness. Discarded gas cylinders being carried upstream like a freight train and then coming back and wedging between Tyseley and the pontoon.
The current coming up so fast it takes the swans where they don’t want to go – hissing angrily. The wise ducks sit on the pontoon and wait for better times.
More trouble with the cooling system again. River Canal Rescue to our rescue again. Another impeller gone the way of all flesh – don’t know why for sure – may have had the water intake blocked accidentally as we waited at Avon lock but as soon as Rick noticed the water wasn’t circulating and the temperature was up the damage was done and more impeller bits strewn round the system. Now the impeller is replaced the seals on the water pump are leaking again. What Ho! The pump is off to be repaired again. Looking forward to seeing it back tomorrow. Our mechanic, Matt, is on the Sharpness lifeboat tomorrow but plans to come and stick it all back together sometime tomorrow afternoon or evening.
Typical August summer holiday weather, cold and wet with occasional sublime outbreaks of sun such as at Randwick when the fields steam the clouds rise and blue sky turns to a perfect pink and amber sunset with high streaky clouds.
Past huge oaks in the water meadows. I was surprised to see the Severn so low. The muddy banks had wet mud about two metres above the water line. When we got to the Severn lock the keeper told us that it was an unusually high tide and to look out for trees in the river. The tide had just turned so we went on to Apperley.
Coming back to the boat before the show it had sunk a metre below the level of the jetty whereas when we arrived it towered over it. As we watched the shooting stars in the small hours, the water rose again and we slackened off the ropes to reach down to the jetty which rapidly disappeared under the surging muddy water. I had visions of having to dive down to release the ropes as we rose but of course the water soon subsided again and at dawn we were mud bound again with the jetty above rather than below us.
Similar experience at the floating moorings at Haw Bridge. Trees banging against the side of the boat and scraping off into the darkness. Discarded gas cylinders being carried upstream like a freight train and then coming back and wedging between Tyseley and the pontoon.
The current coming up so fast it takes the swans where they don’t want to go – hissing angrily. The wise ducks sit on the pontoon and wait for better times.
More trouble with the cooling system again. River Canal Rescue to our rescue again. Another impeller gone the way of all flesh – don’t know why for sure – may have had the water intake blocked accidentally as we waited at Avon lock but as soon as Rick noticed the water wasn’t circulating and the temperature was up the damage was done and more impeller bits strewn round the system. Now the impeller is replaced the seals on the water pump are leaking again. What Ho! The pump is off to be repaired again. Looking forward to seeing it back tomorrow. Our mechanic, Matt, is on the Sharpness lifeboat tomorrow but plans to come and stick it all back together sometime tomorrow afternoon or evening.
Typical August summer holiday weather, cold and wet with occasional sublime outbreaks of sun such as at Randwick when the fields steam the clouds rise and blue sky turns to a perfect pink and amber sunset with high streaky clouds.
Tuesday, 10 August 2010
AVON CALLING
Great to be back on the Avon though sadly the Fleet Inn moorings are continuing to fall apart. Despite the pub closing next week and a fairly grey evening turning to drizzle we had a good turnout for Pedal Power. Quite a few people who came to Worcester came out again to see the other show.
Launched the new Ruby appeal – details on the Autumn tour leaflet – and hoping that we will not have to sell Tyseley to continue touring next year – our fortieth anniversary. Saw mink running along the side of the Severn as we came down and enjoyed seeing the gravel barges going up to Ryall wharf. Amazing the difference to the draught when fully laden with the water right up to the gunwhales. When empty the barges tower over the river. No wonder they need to keep right to the centre of the stream.
Spent monday morning climbing up Bredon Hill. A lovely day with high clouds and full sun on the ripening corn and the already harvested linseed fields. A touch of Autumn perhaps – winter ? Christmas? Had an amusing altercation with a group of walkers on the top overlooking one of the loveliest views in the country across the valley of the Avon and the Severn towards the Malvern Hills. They were pointing out landmarks to each other – as you do at the top of hills –
‘Look Gareth has spotted Upton on Severn over there’.
I heard someone say ‘That can’t be Upton on Severn it’s too far North’ - it was me. Soon I was surrounded by blue gortex, ordnance survey maps flapping in the wind and gesticulating binoculars...
‘Yes it is – look you can see the church spire and over to the left a little white round thing which is the school’
‘I can see a spire to the right of a round thing’
‘That’s not a spire – it’s a chimney. The spire is to the left’
‘But look it’s midday so the sun is more or less directly in the South so if I line up my map with my shadow Upton would be much further South’
‘But a half an hour on as it’s gone twelve now – and have you taken account of British Summer time?’
‘Well more or less directly South’
'You can see the Avon down there between us and that town and look there’s the Swan’s Neck with the wood behind it’
‘Ah yes ...But the wood is in front of it’
'To the East of it you mean'
‘Look there’s Nafford lock to the right’
‘That’s Strensham Lock’
'No it’s not the river bends twice before the Swan’s Neck – look at the map’
'What’s that village there then?'
'That’s Birlingham'
'It’s too close for Birlingham it must be Bredon'
'Bredon is behind the hill'
'But look there’s Pershore just behind it – you can see the abbey'
'Where – I can’t see any abbey'
'So where’s Tewksbury'
'Behind the Hill'
'What’s that then?'
'Oh yes It’s Tewksbury – or is it?'
'So where’s the Abbey?'
'I don’t know but there’s the motorway between here and the Malverns.'
'What the M5? Of course it’s between here and the Malverns...'
'What’s that then. The M50?'
'No no no. Look at the map there..'
'That’s Upton'
'No it’s not it’s Pershore!'
After about 20 minutes of this we parted none the wiser, all thoroughly annoyed and without wishing each other Good Day.
Launched the new Ruby appeal – details on the Autumn tour leaflet – and hoping that we will not have to sell Tyseley to continue touring next year – our fortieth anniversary. Saw mink running along the side of the Severn as we came down and enjoyed seeing the gravel barges going up to Ryall wharf. Amazing the difference to the draught when fully laden with the water right up to the gunwhales. When empty the barges tower over the river. No wonder they need to keep right to the centre of the stream.
Spent monday morning climbing up Bredon Hill. A lovely day with high clouds and full sun on the ripening corn and the already harvested linseed fields. A touch of Autumn perhaps – winter ? Christmas? Had an amusing altercation with a group of walkers on the top overlooking one of the loveliest views in the country across the valley of the Avon and the Severn towards the Malvern Hills. They were pointing out landmarks to each other – as you do at the top of hills –
‘Look Gareth has spotted Upton on Severn over there’.
I heard someone say ‘That can’t be Upton on Severn it’s too far North’ - it was me. Soon I was surrounded by blue gortex, ordnance survey maps flapping in the wind and gesticulating binoculars...
‘Yes it is – look you can see the church spire and over to the left a little white round thing which is the school’
‘I can see a spire to the right of a round thing’
‘That’s not a spire – it’s a chimney. The spire is to the left’
‘But look it’s midday so the sun is more or less directly in the South so if I line up my map with my shadow Upton would be much further South’
‘But a half an hour on as it’s gone twelve now – and have you taken account of British Summer time?’
‘Well more or less directly South’
'You can see the Avon down there between us and that town and look there’s the Swan’s Neck with the wood behind it’
‘Ah yes ...But the wood is in front of it’
'To the East of it you mean'
‘Look there’s Nafford lock to the right’
‘That’s Strensham Lock’
'No it’s not the river bends twice before the Swan’s Neck – look at the map’
'What’s that village there then?'
'That’s Birlingham'
'It’s too close for Birlingham it must be Bredon'
'Bredon is behind the hill'
'But look there’s Pershore just behind it – you can see the abbey'
'Where – I can’t see any abbey'
'So where’s Tewksbury'
'Behind the Hill'
'What’s that then?'
'Oh yes It’s Tewksbury – or is it?'
'So where’s the Abbey?'
'I don’t know but there’s the motorway between here and the Malverns.'
'What the M5? Of course it’s between here and the Malverns...'
'What’s that then. The M50?'
'No no no. Look at the map there..'
'That’s Upton'
'No it’s not it’s Pershore!'
After about 20 minutes of this we parted none the wiser, all thoroughly annoyed and without wishing each other Good Day.
Thursday, 5 August 2010
WORCESTER
Finished the trip into Worcester in heavy rain but soon dried out and moored up at the back of the Commandery. Found ourselves sitting on the silt this morning as the pound had inexplicably drained in the night but British Waterways were 'aware' and soon had us floating again. Interesting number of rats and mice who took advantage of the dry banks to potter about on the mud and investigate all the nooks and crannies usually under water.
Monday, 2 August 2010
BEYOND ROWINGTON
Tom O'the Wood sadly closed again but thanks to Mike and Jude Palmer, show sponsors in Rowington, they organised the village hall and given the steady rain it was a great success on several fronts. Lapworth flight and even the very shallow stretch around bridge 31 presented no problems the next day. Could be the rain and the fact that with dry bilges we are riding a lot higher in the water than last year.
A lovely trip up the Stratford - on - Avon canal and despite the Norton guillotine lock snapping at our heels we pushed through slowly but surely and made good progress to Alvechurch where so far the sun is shining and there is every possibility that we will perform outside on the wharf for the first time in three years. Fingers crossed.
A lovely trip up the Stratford - on - Avon canal and despite the Norton guillotine lock snapping at our heels we pushed through slowly but surely and made good progress to Alvechurch where so far the sun is shining and there is every possibility that we will perform outside on the wharf for the first time in three years. Fingers crossed.
Friday, 30 July 2010
BACK AGAIN
A lovely day’s boating over the summit of the Oxford on leaving Cropredy in misty rain followed by bright sunshine and then soft rain again. Keith at the Wharf Inn has acquired two large Vietnamese pot bellied pigs who are on a diet as they are overweight. This doesn’t stop them drinking the slops though and apparently pigs have a complete tolerance of alcohol and never become drunk. A bit of drizzle in the early evening but still warm and overcast clearing to a beautiful sunset over the rolling Oxfordshire fields. The apple tree in the pub garden laden with fruit as summer moves steadily on. Off again at seven tomorrow but Gemma has promised porridge.
A long day’s boating along the Oxford starting in bright sunshine at 7am and then driving rain and then sunshine again. Sad to leave the Oxford which is very windy, very bendy, very shallow in places but uniquely beautiful and so English and crashed round the corner at Napton Junction and onto the M1 of canals, the Grand Union and up the big locks at Calcutt and on to the Boat Inn at Birdingbury. New landlord but very much keeping up the Mikron tradition with a good house, lovely food and now a marquee as well! We didn’t need it as the evening was fine and clear but bodes well for the future. Thanks Paul and Matthew for making us so welcome.
Off again the next morning and a moving day, plenty of locks and plenty of interesting things to see. Ended up at the Cape of Good Hope but never made it into the pub but sat and drank wine and played Uno in the Boat at the foot of the stairway to heaven. Ploughed up the stairway in good time, teamed up with a nice boat and did the whole flight in two and a half hours. It seems to get easier and quicker every year.
On leaving Hatton, getting round in the pound not as easy as it should have been, lots of mud and plenty of incompetence from me. Emptied the elsan – glad to see everyone seems to be chewing their food properly and up a very low canal to Rowington. Gemma made porridge with hand picked blackberries which seem to be very good this year – made into a lovely compote. Weather still grotty and steady rain as we set up in the village hall in Rowington as sadly the Tom O’ the Wood is closed. Thanks to Mike and Jude for organising the venue and for show sponsorship and wine and cheese...and cheese and wine.
Forecast says rain for next few days...
A long day’s boating along the Oxford starting in bright sunshine at 7am and then driving rain and then sunshine again. Sad to leave the Oxford which is very windy, very bendy, very shallow in places but uniquely beautiful and so English and crashed round the corner at Napton Junction and onto the M1 of canals, the Grand Union and up the big locks at Calcutt and on to the Boat Inn at Birdingbury. New landlord but very much keeping up the Mikron tradition with a good house, lovely food and now a marquee as well! We didn’t need it as the evening was fine and clear but bodes well for the future. Thanks Paul and Matthew for making us so welcome.
Off again the next morning and a moving day, plenty of locks and plenty of interesting things to see. Ended up at the Cape of Good Hope but never made it into the pub but sat and drank wine and played Uno in the Boat at the foot of the stairway to heaven. Ploughed up the stairway in good time, teamed up with a nice boat and did the whole flight in two and a half hours. It seems to get easier and quicker every year.
On leaving Hatton, getting round in the pound not as easy as it should have been, lots of mud and plenty of incompetence from me. Emptied the elsan – glad to see everyone seems to be chewing their food properly and up a very low canal to Rowington. Gemma made porridge with hand picked blackberries which seem to be very good this year – made into a lovely compote. Weather still grotty and steady rain as we set up in the village hall in Rowington as sadly the Tom O’ the Wood is closed. Thanks to Mike and Jude for organising the venue and for show sponsorship and wine and cheese...and cheese and wine.
Forecast says rain for next few days...
Monday, 26 July 2010
HOLS AND BEYOND
Rain got the better of us again at Lower Heyford and we packed into Kizzie,s Restaurant to avoid the heavy showers and high winds that had continued throughout the day. As we finished setting up the wind dropped, the clouds lifted and the sun came out. It was too late to move by then so we stayed where we were. Then home for a week’s break. Got back to Hebden Bridge and on to my own little boat in the early hours of the morning. Ready for bed and a week off. Looking forward to the second half soon. Please let it stop raining now, the grass has gone a shade greener and the canals are full again. Time for some more sun...
Well the rain has been continuing but both shows at Cropredy were fine and warm and we played to large audiences. Thanks to Auntie Shirl for all her hard work especially in publicising the shows. Plenty of water in the Oxford Canal and plenty of hire boats but we had a good trip up to Fenny Compton and now anxiously watching the grey skies. More soon.
Well the rain has been continuing but both shows at Cropredy were fine and warm and we played to large audiences. Thanks to Auntie Shirl for all her hard work especially in publicising the shows. Plenty of water in the Oxford Canal and plenty of hire boats but we had a good trip up to Fenny Compton and now anxiously watching the grey skies. More soon.
Thursday, 15 July 2010
RAIN IN THRUPP
Woke on Tuesday to find water falling from the sky in vertical strips and had to spend the day dozing, eating and doing crosswords out of pure shock. Fortunately the drizzle only continued during the get in and sporadically during the show so no major disruption. Great to see a large party of Oxford cyclists charging in at the last moment, everyone sporting at least one item of luminous yellow apparel, the sure sign of a cyclist and LED lights hanging off every rucksack. Thanks to Zoltan and Sam for making us so welcome – we really appreciate it.
Aynho is turning into a nice venue. Renee and Ali are settling in and have removed the largest of the concrete planters in the middle of the courtyard and so now there is a nice playing space. Rain bucketed down for about 15 mins and then settled into a calm dry evening.
Moving onto Banbury the Oxford canal is as lovely as ever. Fluffy clouds, sudden rain storms, poplar plantations thrased by wind and then sudden sun on the ripening corn fields backed by huge blue skies and high streaky clouds. And then rain again...
Aynho is turning into a nice venue. Renee and Ali are settling in and have removed the largest of the concrete planters in the middle of the courtyard and so now there is a nice playing space. Rain bucketed down for about 15 mins and then settled into a calm dry evening.
Moving onto Banbury the Oxford canal is as lovely as ever. Fluffy clouds, sudden rain storms, poplar plantations thrased by wind and then sudden sun on the ripening corn fields backed by huge blue skies and high streaky clouds. And then rain again...
Tuesday, 13 July 2010
DAY OF FUN
Got up early and got the bus into Oxford for company day of fun. Put our wages in the bank and then met up for coffee and cake in a pavement cafe. Bought food and wine in Sainsbury’s and went to see Rob Matthew (remember him? ex Mikron actor and co author of ‘If you go down to the woods’) in an excellent production of The Tempest in the gardens of Wadham college. A perfect day for it, we sat in the shade and drank wine and enjoyed other people running about shouting. A great production, very inventive but not tricksy with excellent performances, clear storytelling and a lot of fun. Rob was superb as the drunken steward, Stephano. Then punting of course, Gemma was the star and we glided round the little circuit from Magdelen bridge, feeding the ducks who were so tame (or so hungry) that they chewed your fingers if you left them unattended for a moment and leapt into the boat after crisps. By the time we had downed a pitcher of Pimms and stuffed ourselves with Korean food I had reached the shores of Lethe and had to be walked to a taxi and so to bed. As Rick pointed out it was a bit of a busman’s holiday going to the theatre and boating but fun all the same.
Saturday, 10 July 2010
GOOD WEATHER
The good weather this summer so far makes a massive difference to our enjoyment and success. We’ve had four great shows on the trot – Caversham Court in Reading where we played to about 200 people, the next day Goring Lock – guest of long time Mikron Friend, lock keeper Mike Eagles - where again about 200 and then Benson Marina, organised by long time Friend, John Dalton where about 130 people. When it’s cold and wet we often play to a very small crowd – this year it’s been great. Just hope the continuing dry spell doesn’t mean low water levels – all is well on the great Thames although there are rumours of possible closures of locks because of low water and at Day’s Lock today not much more than a trickle coming over the weir. But what will it be like on the summit of the Oxford? Another warm balmy evening at Long Wittenham – despite a home Aunt Sally competition, football on the telly, a folk night and a scout meeting at the pub (Sandra and Mel’s place is a real community centre!) we played to over 70 people half way down the garden and had a great night with many friends from the TUC, cyclists, walkers and boaters who all seemed to enjoy the show and hissed, booed, cheered and clapped in all the right places – and were extremely generous in the collection.
Wolvercote - another lovely show on the village green – people sitting on the grass with picnics, kids playing football and climbing trees, dogs invading the stage trying to get the actors to throw a ball for them. This is the summer we have longed for. It tried to rain but as soon as we brought the gazebo out of course it stopped. Walking back from the pub the glow worms are shining in the grass a luminous green more garish than high vis jackets and a toad scuttles across the path and back into the safety of the greenery. At supper on the bows Rick and I watched a couple of Kites swooping down to the canal to catch the many fish rising to the surface after the myriad of flies hovering over the water.
Gemma back to hospital world for check up on her finger and then on to Bablock Hythe. A truly wonderful summer’s day, blue sky and high clouds; boating very slowly behind a hire boat through the bends past Eynsham ; the Thames at it’s most beautiful. Hard to believe that this is the same river that surges past Tower Bridge. We all swam in the river at Bablock, it’s the only place to be when it’s so hot and then another warm still evening and a good show followed by beer and then tomorrow...a day off.
Wolvercote - another lovely show on the village green – people sitting on the grass with picnics, kids playing football and climbing trees, dogs invading the stage trying to get the actors to throw a ball for them. This is the summer we have longed for. It tried to rain but as soon as we brought the gazebo out of course it stopped. Walking back from the pub the glow worms are shining in the grass a luminous green more garish than high vis jackets and a toad scuttles across the path and back into the safety of the greenery. At supper on the bows Rick and I watched a couple of Kites swooping down to the canal to catch the many fish rising to the surface after the myriad of flies hovering over the water.
Gemma back to hospital world for check up on her finger and then on to Bablock Hythe. A truly wonderful summer’s day, blue sky and high clouds; boating very slowly behind a hire boat through the bends past Eynsham ; the Thames at it’s most beautiful. Hard to believe that this is the same river that surges past Tower Bridge. We all swam in the river at Bablock, it’s the only place to be when it’s so hot and then another warm still evening and a good show followed by beer and then tomorrow...a day off.
Sunday, 4 July 2010
WOOLHAMPTON
Great weather for the whole of our stay in Woolhampton and consequently excellent houses for the two shows there. Thanks to Margaret again for doing all our washing and taking all our recycling. On Wednesday we went by van to Lechlade and performed there for the second time. Thanks to Bob and Penny - not least for the lovely meal after the show. Got the water pump fixed - it needed a new one again which is the third in three years - being driven by actors is obviously hard work for an old narrow boat. Fought our way back along the Kennet and Avon through all the swing bridges and deep locks. Going through one lock with another boat we were pushed very close to the cill. The couple on the other boat said in their guide it says Maximum length of boat 70 foot if paired up. At 72 foot I let them go on and we went through most of the rest of the locks on our own and siting across the lock! If it's in the Nicholson guide I didn't see it. Moored up at back of Tesco in Reading now enjoying a jacket potato and baked beans in the cafe.
Tuesday, 29 June 2010
ON LEAVING HENLEY
Mixed feelings on leaving Henley. The landlord of the Angel on the Bridge, Mark is so kind and hospitable that it is a pleasure to visit his lovely pub. We are allowed to moor up under the bridge in the centre of the town in the middle of the Regatta hullaballoo much to the irritation of passing fat cats in those little James Bond wooden speed boats. But on a hot evening the forecourt is packed with rowers and hoorays from the Regatta who have not come to watch a play about a Socialist Cycling Club but to down buckets of Pimms and go Ra Ra Ra at the tops of their voices all night long. We shouted the play into the milling crowd who crossed and re-crossed the stage staggering to the loo and the bar. There were three islands of spectators who tried to stay with us but to no avail. The level of noise and the level of happy indifference was just too great to overcome. We got to the end of the play - well done Rachel, Gemma and Rick for carrying on - but it was an unequal struggle and gave no pleasure to the audience - (both those interested and those not).
It was a welcome change to visit our long term friends at the Chichester Canal Society the next day and play to a very appreciative audience as part of the Chichester festival in Donnington Parish Hall.
We are now moored up at the Rowbarge in Woolhampton ready for tonights show having had a lovely days boating up the Thames and along the Kennet and Avon Canal which seems more calm and beautiful every time I do it. Like falling into a green tunnel past hay fields, little flint cottages and boiling weir streams.
It was a welcome change to visit our long term friends at the Chichester Canal Society the next day and play to a very appreciative audience as part of the Chichester festival in Donnington Parish Hall.
We are now moored up at the Rowbarge in Woolhampton ready for tonights show having had a lovely days boating up the Thames and along the Kennet and Avon Canal which seems more calm and beautiful every time I do it. Like falling into a green tunnel past hay fields, little flint cottages and boiling weir streams.
Saturday, 26 June 2010
HAPPY DAYS
Much refreshed by lovely day of rest in Marlow. Nothing to do but eat a nice lunch with a bottle of Pinot Grigio, snooze in the park and swim in the Thames. Yesterday a lovely evening at the Bounty in the independent republic of Cockmarsh with a large and appreciative audience. And today back up the Thames to Henley. Sun shining, plenty of keen scullers practising for the regatta I guess. You might think there is discord between coal boats and plastic boats (much exagerated in my opinion) but it is as nothing to the steadfast aloofness between narrow boats and scullers who inhabit a different planet altogether. Huge fat carp turning lazily in the weeds at Marlow Lock like a whale.
Thursday, 24 June 2010
DAY OFF
What a long week. Last day off was on the 16th June and was spent in hospital world in Coventry. On the 17th we set off at 6am and boated all day arriving at Hillingdon about 12 hours later. The following day we went to HNBP for gas and water and life jackets and elsan and did the show in Uxbridge. Another early start and going through Camden lock bedlam (usual foul abuse from trip boats) and another show and then the travel to Limehouse and then the tidal Thames. Woke up with a hangover and full of curry from the night before and finished the journey to Walton on Thames. Did the show. Next day boated to Maidenhead setting off at 7 am again, dropped Gemma at the most expensive restaurant in the country at Bray and managed to ground the boat on the public jetty and worry adjacent gin palace owners. Then on to Maidenhead and loaded the set from the boat to the van, avoiding trip boats and did the show at Medmenham. Back to boat and next morning re loaded set from van to boat. Water pump leaking more each day - have to do something about it soon. A crazy lady jumped on the boat and informed us that Rick was an American thief who dyed his hair ginger. Chucked her off and set off, arriving at Marlow lock where the lock keeper was to provide moorings. No moorings. So we sat on the public slipway by the Two Brewers - beloved of Jerome K Jerome - and watched bits of the football (Englerland v Slovenia) and then did the show. Re loaded to boat and up to the public moorings beyond Marlow bridge in the dark. And so to bed. A great week, good fun, great shows lots of nice friends of Mikron - old and new - but I'm tired now. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Monday, 21 June 2010
UP THE RIVER
A truly marvellous day’s boating up the tidal Thames. A nice morning’s journey down from Kings Cross to Limehouse basin meeting previous Tyseley boat captain, Dan Wexler as we went past his home mooring at Wenlock Basin with surprise guest, Mikron board member, Ruth Carter. Interesting and historical trip through East London on the canal and then waiting in Limehouse basin for the correct tide and left in our little flotilla at 5.45 pm which consisted of Tyseley with Mikron team and our guardian angel Ian Tuplin, for moral support and nautical know how. Midnight Rambler with Dan, Ruth and – another nice surprise – ex Mikron actors, Ruth Cateroche and Rob Took. Del Brenner and crew on Tug Boat ‘Major’ from the London region IWA. And little wooden launch, ‘Club Claret’ with Commodore Clive Evans and crew – friends of Gemma’s from the Brentford Cruising Club.
As the waters equalized the Thames crashed through the lock doors and we were off like a bucking bronco with a Thames Clipper immediately sweeping past at high speed and giving us plenty of wash to cope with. Tysleley never felt unbalanced though and ploughed through and over the waves with no difficulty whatever. It was great to pass all the famous London landmarks along the river – Tower Bridge, The Globe, The Wheel, The houses of Parliament. With working out which bridge arch to use and with so many large fast river craft behind, beside and before it was difficult to take in all the sights but the exhilaration of the sun, the churning water and the rocking boat was a superb experience. All too soon the river was less crowded and less choppy and we were up at Battersea on the long stretch up to Teddington. We made good time with no problems. Ian had brought a huge brie and this washed down with Pimms was an excellent fortifying combination for the crew until we managed at last to find haven at Teddington and finished the day with Cobra beer and curry. Thanks to all who helped on this exciting part of the trip – all of the above and not least the Hillingdon Narrow Boat Project for the loan of 5 excellent life jackets.
As the waters equalized the Thames crashed through the lock doors and we were off like a bucking bronco with a Thames Clipper immediately sweeping past at high speed and giving us plenty of wash to cope with. Tysleley never felt unbalanced though and ploughed through and over the waves with no difficulty whatever. It was great to pass all the famous London landmarks along the river – Tower Bridge, The Globe, The Wheel, The houses of Parliament. With working out which bridge arch to use and with so many large fast river craft behind, beside and before it was difficult to take in all the sights but the exhilaration of the sun, the churning water and the rocking boat was a superb experience. All too soon the river was less crowded and less choppy and we were up at Battersea on the long stretch up to Teddington. We made good time with no problems. Ian had brought a huge brie and this washed down with Pimms was an excellent fortifying combination for the crew until we managed at last to find haven at Teddington and finished the day with Cobra beer and curry. Thanks to all who helped on this exciting part of the trip – all of the above and not least the Hillingdon Narrow Boat Project for the loan of 5 excellent life jackets.
Saturday, 19 June 2010
VIRTUAL RAIN
Discovered for the second time that when on the internet weather forecast it shows an icon with overcast skies but no rain it means steady rain all evening from the time the get in is completed, right through ‘Good evening ladies and gentlemen, we are Mikron Theatre Company’, ‘There will now be a short interval’, ‘Thank you very much for coming’...the get out etc. Fortunately at the Packet Boat Marina we had the Floating Classroom – ‘Elsdale’ to come to our rescue and we picked up all the kit off the jetty and forced it into the bar and had a great ‘Pedal Power’ to a very enthusiastic audience of 25 people packed into a small space. It must have gone down well because we sold five copies of ‘Fellowship is Life’ – the book on the Clarion Cycling Club on which the show is based. For those of a statistical bent that's 20% of the audience.
17th June - MOVING DAY
Had a glorious day’s boating down from Marsworth to Hillingdon. Set off at six am with swirls of mist on the canal and no one about. Past Cow Roast where we broke down for the first of many times last year. Tyseley in great form this year, running cool, riding high. Getting through the locks at a great pace – doing a journey that even according to Chris Clegg’s Canal Time Map should take 14 hours in only 11, very unusual for us to beat Mr Clegg. Seeing the clear waters and the water lilies of the lower Grand Union again and ending up at the Coy Carp opposite the Hillingdon Narrow Boat Project at 6 pm. We even had an hour for lunch. A perfect summer’s day.
Wednesday, 16 June 2010
HOSPITAL WORLD
Just sitting in McDonalds in Coventry with waterside acrobat Gemma who decided to do a somersault off the stern and broke her finger. Good news is that we have been back in Hospital World in Coventry - the largest Hospital in the world ever - and the fracture is healing well and she won't have to have an operation. Also being in McDonalds there is WIFI I wanted to upload some nice photos of the Clampit family on tour which Gemma took in the first week but the signal is not good enough so that will have to wait until I reach proper civilisation - if that ever happens - seems unlikely in HOSPITAL WORLD.
WET, WET, WET
Leaving Milton Keynes on a sunny morning heading towards the three locks at Soulbury I managed to fall in the canal poling off a mudbank that we had somehow got stuck on and landed in water up to my ankles. Only to fall over as I landed and soak myself thoroughly. Arriving at The Grand Union, a new venue, the sun was still shining and the weather forecast was light showers so we set up the gazebo just in case. Half way through the first half the heavens opened and bucketed down for the rest of the night. We struggled on with us under the gazebo and the audience under the pub’s large umberellas and a sheet of vertical water between us. Many thanks to Graham and Linda Cooper for taking our costumes to dry them. Continuing the theme we again got stuck fast on a mudbank approaching Church Lock at Grove the next day and Rick valiantly got in the water to push us out. The pictures of Rick changing his clothes on the bows wearing only a leather hat were interesting to say the least!
Luckily the rain left us alone at Marsworth although it was extremely chilly which fortunately didn’t deter a large and enthusiastic audience enjoying Striking the Balance. Thanks to our great friend, Beryl Hunter for feeding us, taking washing and doing so much to publicise the show and get a good house.
Great to see a large shoal of the Marsworth carp in the canal by the White Lion sucking the bread under the water like a lot of fat, bearded old men.
Luckily the rain left us alone at Marsworth although it was extremely chilly which fortunately didn’t deter a large and enthusiastic audience enjoying Striking the Balance. Thanks to our great friend, Beryl Hunter for feeding us, taking washing and doing so much to publicise the show and get a good house.
Great to see a large shoal of the Marsworth carp in the canal by the White Lion sucking the bread under the water like a lot of fat, bearded old men.
Friday, 11 June 2010
STOKE BRUERNE
Typical freezing wind at Stoke Bruerne but a good show with many friends of Mikron who braved the cold – fortunately the friends of the museum kindly put up a marquee for us, but even so it was more like November than June. Set off at seven this morning expecting to meet lots of boats coming up for the festival but all is quiet and we got through the seven Stoke Bruerne locks by ten past eight and on to MK.
Just passed my favourite lock, Cosgrove, which always seems so peaceful and tranquil with cows grazing, the defunct Stratford Cut going off through the trees and a man made of wire using a boating pole (well it is Milton Keynes after all) by the lock pool.
Approaching the aqueduct saw my first Heron, still and intent poised above the water. Ducklings beware!
Just passed my favourite lock, Cosgrove, which always seems so peaceful and tranquil with cows grazing, the defunct Stratford Cut going off through the trees and a man made of wire using a boating pole (well it is Milton Keynes after all) by the lock pool.
Approaching the aqueduct saw my first Heron, still and intent poised above the water. Ducklings beware!
WEDNESDAY 9TH JUNE 2010
Been a busy few days with great shows at the Admiral Nelson in Braunston and Badsey’s cafe at the Locks, Hilmorton. Our host Ian had known Mrs Thatcher in his time as a policeman and was particularly amused by ‘The Lady’s not for Turning’. On Monday we drove to Southwell for a new venue – The Hearty Goodfellow – and performed for a hundred jolly people in torrential rain in a marquee in their car park which was fun and we look forward to returning soon. Boating now to another new venue, The Narrowboat Inn at Weedon. Plenty of water in the canal due to heavy rain and not too long to queue at the Buckby flight.
Highlight of my day so far was seeing Rick try to chuck his coat back into the boat from the bank only to see it sail easily over the gunwhale and into the water. It amused me anyway.
Highlight of my day so far was seeing Rick try to chuck his coat back into the boat from the bank only to see it sail easily over the gunwhale and into the water. It amused me anyway.
Wednesday, 9 June 2010
RAIN AND SHINE
Been a busy few days with great shows at the Admiral Nelson in Braunston and Badsey’s cafe at the Locks, Hilmorton. Our host Ian had known Mrs Thatcher in his time as a policeman and was particularly amused by ‘The Lady’s not for Turning’. On Monday we drove to Southwell for a new venue – The Hearty Goodfellow – and performed for a hundred jolly people in torrential rain in a marquee in their car park which was fun and we look forward to returning soon. Boating now to another new venue, The Narrowboat Inn at Weedon. Plenty of water in the canal due to heavy rain and not too long to queue at the Buckby flight.
Highlight of my day so far was seeing Rick try to chuck his coat back into the boat from the bank only to see it sail easily over the gunwhale and into the water. It amused me anyway.
Highlight of my day so far was seeing Rick try to chuck his coat back into the boat from the bank only to see it sail easily over the gunwhale and into the water. It amused me anyway.
Sunday, 6 June 2010
BACK ON THE WATER
The mikron blog is back. Just a very quick post to say we are back on the waterways at last. Tyseley is in great condition having been given a good going over by Paul Lorenz during the break and many little and not so little jobs sorted out. One example - Lots of brand new copper piping on the cooling system which is now (touch wood) working like a dream.
Also quite a few useful additions from Ian Tuplin on the move down, phone chargers (!), a 240v socket in the boater’s cabin run off the invertor and a beautiful new chimney with chunky brass bits and a new water can all done out in lovely traditional canal painting. Thanks Ian, Ruth and Paul.
Further good news, the bilges are dry and so Tyseley is bobbing about like a happy cork which is especially evident when Rick moves from one side of the boat to the other. This coupled with good water levels and dredging on the grand union means we have made excellent progress and boating is a joy.
More soon.
Also quite a few useful additions from Ian Tuplin on the move down, phone chargers (!), a 240v socket in the boater’s cabin run off the invertor and a beautiful new chimney with chunky brass bits and a new water can all done out in lovely traditional canal painting. Thanks Ian, Ruth and Paul.
Further good news, the bilges are dry and so Tyseley is bobbing about like a happy cork which is especially evident when Rick moves from one side of the boat to the other. This coupled with good water levels and dredging on the grand union means we have made excellent progress and boating is a joy.
More soon.
Saturday, 8 May 2010
BACK ON THE ROAD AGAIN
Well here we are again. Just coming to the end of our Spring tour. Striking the Balance is settling down very well. We had a great show at the Picket in Liverpool last night, organized by Union Learn of the NW Area TUC with a very enthusiastic audience who cheered (and booed) at all the appropriate points. It seems to be a subject that stirs people's passions - one way or the other! Back to Marsden for rehearsals of Pedal Power on Monday.
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