It's been a really busy day here at Norbury today.

It's been a really busy day here at Norbury today.

The trip boat has operated four trips as usual today, 11:00, 12:30, 14:00 and 15:30 hours. Each trip departs our Wharf outside the shop/tearoom and takes an hour round trip to Grub Street winding hole and return. There's plenty to see on the way and our experienced crew give a running commentary of things to look out for; like the infamous "High Bridge" that carries the Newport-Eccleshall road across the Shropshire Union Canal near to the village of Woodseaves. We ensure that our Fully Licensed Bar is well stocked to keep you fed and watered during the relaxing cruise.

We have undocked Sue's boat and it is now in the paint dock ready for Rich to start his magic on it tomorrow morning. The boat that has been in the paint dock has now been collected and started it's voyage to Droitwich.

There has been a bit of activity on the Wharf today. People stocking up with coal for the winter and our regular diesel and gas sales - not to forget the pumpouts!

Denise has been busy in the tearoom whilst Ange has been running from one end of the shop to the other - answering phones, serving customers etc. Lee has been pressure washing and Mick has been fitting the boat up that we got out the dock and stripping Thea.

I managed to take a picture as we were swapping boats on the dock today. It shows Thea passing Tycho. Both of these boats are Middle Northwich boats built for the expansion of the Grand Union Canal Carrying Company in 1936 (two of eight pairs ordered) and are peculiar as they have rounded chines and vee bottoms. It's nice to have two of these unique boats here at the same time.

Talking of old boats we have got quite a collection at the moment, which include: Ant, Calstock, Clover, Thea and Tycho.

Until tomorrow.

Best regards,

David.