Victor: The Rochdale woes

LEARNING that the poor old Rochdale Canal was closed again prompted an investigation.

This proved it was the poor old Rochdale indeed, with eight closures already this year—even though unused for most of this time due to coronavirus—from broken locks to collapsed culverts.

And now Keith Gudgin tells us that the investigation of the broken cill on Lock 46 at Littleborough has discovered a hole in the lock, that brings the rather unwelcome news that the repair will take weeks.

But being told it is 'hopeful' that the team will be on-site this coming week, is not too cheering—eh? 

Towpaths for all

That is the slogan from CaRT, and it seems to be adding to its walkers, runners and cyclists—with nudists!

For lo and behold friends Jackie and Terry espied a nuddy fella calmly strolling along the towpath near Bridge 36 on the Leicester Section  Alas(?) too shocked for a picture of his flabby bum!

Whatever next? One has to ask!

A change for the worse

When at the re-opening of the rebuilt Anderton Boat Lift in 202 we were told by the then Chairman of British Waterways that not only does the lift stand as a testament to the engineers of the past but those of the present who rebuilt the lift to modern specifications, and that it would from then be open at all times for boats to move between the Weaver and the Trent & Mersey, together with its trip boat.

But now I learn that the lift will be available 40 minutes twice a day for just three days a week for boaters, which it would seem is no more than a policy to keep it clear for weddings and parties—and I shall say it—to hell with the boaters.

Better at Foxton

A bit of good news—no need to book your passage at Foxton Locks, as alas, the many boats expected that required a slot to be booked never materialised, with I hear the flight being virtually deserted, so it's turn up and through you go.

Plus there is an extra hour—the flight now being open from 10am to 3.15pm instead of 2.15pm.

Better for the hire companies

The boat hire companies have really picked up since overnight staying was allowed, with booking coming in fast and furious.  Linda Andrews of Cheshire Cat Narrowboat Holidays at Overwater Marina, Audlem, on the Shropshire Union Canal summing it up very well:

"We have been knocked down in the rush. Very little left for the rest of the season." 

Which is very good news indeed.

Victor Swift