Return to Alrewas

Tuesday. Once again a glorious day. 

Early morning shadows over the fields. 

3 miles later we are approaching Fradley Junction, exactly where we wer just over 3 months ago with Brian & Ann. Seems a lifetime away. 

It's not only boats that attract the gongoozlers! 

Just above Junction Lock looking along to The Swan. 

In the lock and there are plenty of volunteer lock keepers on hand today to help us through. We know that we are back on the main system with all the boats going both ways on the canal. 

A brief stop to empty rubbish, etc., and then on again to Alrewas where they have an ArtFest. Spent the afternoon wandering around the village looking at all the pop up art. Much of it was painted on planks of wood, or bits of planks, and these were fixed up around the railings on the green, outside shops and in front gardens. When we walked into the village we had seen signs inviting people to walk the plank trail and this is what it was all about. A lot of hard work going on here but well worth it. Behind the Methodist church they had even created a beach complete with beach huts, deckchairs, teas, etc. Well done everyone. 

What a shame, we had to go to the pub for supper in order to get some free Wifi to upload a rather large data file. 

We went to the Crown, which we couldn't get into back in May, and were disappointed since by the time we had got a drink, linked up to the Internet and, generally, got settled, they presented a hand written menu - very limited in choice. OK, we stayed and the food we had was good. It seems that they had problems with the gas supply earlier in the day and hadn't been able to prep for the evening service. It would have been nice if they had told us that when we arrived, not after getting drinks, etc. OK, rant over, as I said, the food was good but the evening could have been better. 

Along to Handsacre

Monday and we set off again. 

We arrived at Colwich Lock to find a queue of boats waiting to go through. Luckily, boats were going both ways so it was a case of one in, one out. Just after we left the lock the farmer added to the fun by taking his cows across the bridge. 

Another clear sky and we are just passing the home base for Boaters Christian Fellowship. 

A closer view of their welcome sign. 

Next door to them is a place with many old travellers' caravans. Some modern and some traditional. 

This is where the canal crosses the River Trent just before entering Rugeley. 

Proof of what a fine day it is on the canal. 

On the Mossley side of Rugeley new houses being started. 

On the opposite side just waiting for the windows to go in. 

Now passing Spode House and Hawkesyard Priory. 

And just past the last of the moored boats - Scrooge. At least, I think it's Scrooge. 

This 17thC farmhouse used to be 'Tom Cobbleigh's Spode Cottage restaurant. Not sure what's happening to it now but it is no longer a restaurant. 

Here we are again, the Armitage Shanks factory. 

Pallets of toilets and wash basins ready for delivery. Not as many out in the yard as in the past. The loos all used to be stacked up along the edge of the canal. 

We moored about half a mile after Handsacre and basked in the afternoon sunshine. 

Look at that, another glorious sunset. 

We manage to shug it all off!

Sunday we decided to stay at Great Haywood and pay a visit to Shugborough Hall, the home of the late Patrick Litchfield. 

Here's the boat snug as a bug on its mooring. 

In the morning we went to church, crossing the bridge built by the Anson family so that they could go to church by carriage and not have to walk over the packhorse bridge (photo below). 

The church members were very welcoming and the vicar had a very relaxed approach to the worship. The singing was good and we had a very good time there - most refreshing. 

After church I checked out the oil level in the generator and, much to my alarm, found it almost empty. Cripes, we rely on the genny so much when we are moored up for a few days, especially if we want to use the toaster or electric kettle. Glug, glug, glug and all is now well again. After that we set out for Shugborough Hall - see photo above. 

Here's the packhorse bridge, one of the longest in England, which is, as you can see, very narrow. 

The bridge crosses the river just where the Trent and the Sow meet. 

This is the front of the house. 

And, here's the back. The grounds are quite extensive and, although we covered a lot, we will need to go back another day to see the rest. 

In the gardens is a ruin with notices all round discouraging climbing. Shame, I would have liked to clamber all over it. 

We visited the model farm which had everything on hand for the estate. Wheelwright, smithie, watermill, dairy, bread ovens, feed stores, brewery, stables ... the list goes on. 

A friendly face in one of the pens. 

And even more next door. 

Here we are looking toward the watermill which is just inside the door. We watched one of the cooks making scones and apple bread but we understand that this may not be happening after September. The council no longer have enough in their budget to operate the hall and have handed it over entirely to the National Trust who own the property. All staff have been made redundant and their future is uncertain. A great shame. 

We looked around the rest of the farm, the servants' quarters, the laundry, butler's pantry, upstairs and downstairs. We then went in the main house and had a quick look round as we were only about an hour off closing. It's beautiful inside and we saw Patrick Litchfield's private rooms and many of his photographs. After that, back to the boat for a touch of evening sun. 

Had a good TV signal so watched the Racing (recorded) X-factor and Victoria. All accompanied by roast chicken, roast potatoes, peas and cabbage followed by more crumble. And, of course, a glass of red wine. 

Lovely sunset to round off the day. 

Water, water, everywhere

Saturday morning and early morning shadows over the fields. 

We decided to move down through the lock to find a signal for some Saturday night TV. 

After moving the boat we walked into Great Haywood for a few basics from the shops. There are 2 shops in the village and, luckily, what one didn't have, the other did. But, before that, lunch at the Lockside Restaurant. Lovely homemade food with bread and butter pudding for afters. 

These houses were built around the turn of the 18thC when the old village of Shugborough was bought up and demolished by the Anson family. 

An old milepost in the village. 

Sheltering under the bridge during a brief afternoon shower. But ...

... when we got back to the boat, the heavens opened, thunder and all. No more going out today! 

Charging along now

Friday and we set off again down south. 

A wave as we go past to the boat chandlers where I got the morse cable. 

A lovely sunny morning and a look at some of the newer properties in Stone. 

And a look at some of the older ones. These buildings housed a brewery at one time. 

This is a very old boatyard that is the base for the oldest boat hire company operating on the canals operated by the Wyatt family for over 60 years. 

And just below one of the locks is a wood carving in memory of a lady who, whilst being transported to London, was set upon and found drowned in the canal. Two of the attackers were hung and a third deported. 

The Star pub with tables and chairs right alongside the lock. The lock is also overlooked by a bridge so plenty of spectators on a fine day, especially when the pubs open. 

It's marvellous how canals are now being made a focal point for new housing. 

A few views of some of the splendid countryside we're going through. 

Only 39 miles to Shardlow. 

Just waiting for the lock to fill. 

At last we arrive at Great Haywood and pick up one of the last moorings available just before the lock. A well earned glass of vino in the afternoon sun sitting outside on the towpath. This is what it's all about!