keble

We hired our first boat in 1976 from Stone (via Hoseasons). It was an attractive wooden boat, quite short (we often shared narrow locks with other hire boats), and wheel steering from the centre well. We wanted to do a complete ring but the Harecastle tunnel was closed, so we turned at Chester. The Shroppie was fantastic, eerie cuttings! And the junction with the S&W at Wolverhampton was like a graveyard. It must have been an Olympics year because we hired a tiny B&W tv. Not sure if I remember correctly but I think the loo emptied into the cut ....

Haha, my favourite acronym!

Steamboats on the Stroudwater today; rope wrapped round prop!

It might be worth contacting the Stroud Valleys Canal Company. I believe they do have archives. Also Ken Burgin has some historical info, for example see http://www.pikelock.co.uk/canal/canals.htm Hope you find some pictures; PM me if you need help on the ground as I live in the area.

Why (would one suspect that)?

What were you thinking?!

Ah yes, I just found out this week that falling in isn't the only danger.While crewing a tug I went forward to fend off when the tug went skew in a bridge hole. I rapidly found out that the gap in front of me was narrowing FAST, so had to retreat quickly. Result a badly bruised cheek bone, but could have been much worse. Moral: do not try to stop the boat with your body. Easy to forget!

Did that work?

Ouch, the bid for £15 million to join up Saul on the G&S to the restored section at Stonehouse has failed. CCT are optimistic though: http://www.cotswoldcanals.com/pages/posts/stroudwater-navigation-funding-bid-fails-854.php and http://www.cotswoldcanals.com/media/news_pics/Questions%20%20Answers%20Table.pdf Going to be a few dejected volunteers ....

Thanks Paul. That website is way more informative than CCT's.