Victor thinks Crick was okay for some

Published: Tuesday, 30 May 2023

THE previous weather forecast of hot weather for the final day of Crick Boat Show being another miscalculation on the forecasters' part caused the show to be okay for some.

CrickEntranceOnce the queue at the gate being held back until 10am was let loose it caused a rush to the nearby clothes marque for warmer clothing as the cold wind took hold, the business doing a roaring trade!

But our normal policy of interest in the various products of other stands followed by the question—"what sort of show have you had?" met with somewhat negative results.

Various excuses of course, but the main one being that people were just not spending as in previous years, and no few stand holders seeing it as their last show.

CrickFenderDoing good business

However some were obviously selling, and the food and drink outlets were doing good business.

Amongst out own purchases were four fenders for £30 from Midland Chandlers, as unavailable at our own 'chandlery' at Sawley.  And these new ones had a decent rope running through and even plastic covered metal ends that will not rust.

The fella selling brass tiller pins was a bit grumpy when I asked why no chrome ones, as tillers are chrome, so perhaps he was one of those having a bad time.

CrickWhiteMillsA good idea

But good to see those lovely ladies from White Mills again, who have made such a success of their marina on the Nene. What is in the white box? Treats for the dogs, of which there were aplenty, ours included. And what I thought a good idea.

The last trek through those broad locks, and particularly Weston Lock, on the way back to Sawley on our cruise finally did it for our Jan, as there was no way she could move those misaligned gates any more and Thomas too old. So the decision, after 25 years is she wants to move to Mercia Marina so as to cut them out, so a visit to its stand.

CrickMerciaWe were given the treatment of course, but alas it was wasted on Thomas, having promoted Mercia Marina right from its start and given it a countless amount of free publicity.  So obviously knows what it is all about.

That makes we wonder—is it pay-back time?  If you know what I mean...

After all, over the years narrowboatworld has had literally millions of hits, that has certainly brought in boats to the Mercia jetties in addition to advertising its many events. We shall see.

Had a search for old friend Andrew Denny, Assistant Editor of Waterways World  whilst at the show, but alas nowhere to be found.

CrickCaRTThe slogan

But carrying on at Crick we eventually came across the Canal & River Trust stand, and a slogan that for once really hit the nail on its head!—'Fragile and vulnerable network,

And no truer words ever!

But what it forgets to mention is that CaRT itself is surely responsible for such a 'fragile and vulnerable network' in its spending on so many non-waterway endeavours whilst leaving the network in the hands of contractors, whom it has been shown are just not capable—a swing bridge failing four times this month alone clearly showing.

But back to the show, and perhaps we were too early as there were not many people around the actual stands, and when the sunshine did eventually show its face it was too late in the afternoon and alas it was a 4pm finish, so people did not get the advantage.

CrickVetusGoing electric

There was a product that took my interest getting rid of the boat engine, gearbox, shaft and even the propeller. The Vetus E-pod Electric Propulsion System, that simply takes the place of the prop at the stern.

This our being told it gives 'Maximum motor power and long distances on one battery charge due to efficient motor management and direct 360º liquid cooling. A full day on the water without any limitations'.

But this little beauty knocks you back £9,608.48.

But asking about recharging on our 16 days cruise for instance I was left in doubt with a somewhat ambiguous reply about using marinas, and that eventually Canal & River Trust will supply charging points as it will create a source of income.

As to how long the batteries took to recharge, no definate answer was forthcoming.  One thing for sure River Canal Rescue had better get plenty of batteries in its vans—or waste hours recharging.

Broke all records

As to the show, needless to say we will be informed that the crowds broke all recordsas they always do! But somehow I think this will be our last time.

Anyway, a photo where there were crowds, and perhaps why many people visited...

CrickBoats

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