Pelsall Junction

Cuts Froze!

Lets go boating on boxing day, err no, "cuts froze", New Years day....err no, cuts froze!. The cut is solid at Norton Canes and "Barnet" isnt going anywhere. So today was just a day to fire up the engine, make sure the batteries are up and warm up the cabin, with the range. The canal is quite exposed at the dock and despite "avving a go" I couldnt break the ice with the shaft.

Barging Along

After a uneventful three weeks moored in Walsall wharf 109 returned via the Walsall locks to the Wyrley and Essington where she headed for her Xmas break at Norton Canes Docks. On the same day Mark Pullinger of CanalScape-London sent out some screen grabs from the film "Barging along", he wanted the boats identified. So I got to work on them and WOW suddenly I as looking at "Barnet" loading!

The shot is in Limehouse dock and steel coils are being put aboard, next to her is the original paired butty "Barrhead". She was identified by the public health number which shows up as 181 on a high res scan.

Barnet to Walsall Town Wharf

Barnet made her way along the Wyrley and Essington to Walsall wharf today. the effect of the part dredging in Wednesfield was noticed, the improvement is very good. 10.30AM start was in Walsall wharf at 3.00PM!

Back to Base

Thursday 15th October saw 109 leave Broad St basin and head along the Wyrley & Essington to Norton Canes Docks.

To our suprise the latest dredging and clearout operation was encountered working in Wednesfield, it is really good to see the W&E being maintained in this way, something we have all wanted for a long time.

If this clearout is as effective as the one last year then the W&E will be better than some so called "cruisway" status canals!

Wolverhampton: Broad St Depot

After a sojourn in Gas St 109 moved via the new main line to Wolverhampton but not before we had a look at the entrance to the neglected and listed interchange basin.

From here we went onto Broad St depot. The approach to Wolverhampton is dismal to say the least, even new developments are in a semi state of decay, so much for the city's canal quarter!

BW AGM

109 travelled to birmingham to attend the BW AGM, the only boat to do so! There it was moored outside and the meeting saw the reunion of two L&H Patrons, vhris Coburn MBE and Dr David Fletcher CBE seen here with L&H chairman Brian Kingshott.