This was a smashing fun men’s day out. The weather was kind to us and the company was great! The different levels of experience in steering led to much laughter and leg pulling. It was a wonderful time of fellowship and getting to know each other a little better. The slow pace of canal life [...]]]>

This was a smashing fun men’s day out. The weather was kind to us and the company was great! The different levels of experience in steering led to much laughter and leg pulling. It was a wonderful time of fellowship and getting to know each other a little better. The slow pace of canal life meant we had an opportunity to rest and recharge our batteries as well. Dave.

Once again the annual Riverway men’s outing has come and gone. And as last year it was a case of ‘once more unto the canal dear friends’as bill Shakespere once said. We met at Bartington wharfe at around 10 in the morning, 8 good souls in all looking forward to our time on the water..
After the preliminary advice from the owner on how to safely steer a barge all forgotten, we weaved down the canal to a turning circle to set off in the opposite direction.. Our trusty irish captain gave up after 43 attempts at doing a 3 point turn and we ended up stuck in the mud. Some judicious rocking and a new captain saw us off. This start put the banter and leg pulling into overdrive,just as well we all know each other.
Before reaching the first of two tunnels ,our Naval man took over the steering and narrowly missed a tree in the bank,in which we once again became firmly stuck. Imagine that and after all those years he had sailing under Nelson!!! We arrived at the first of two long tunnels under a hill ,single lane only so we could only proceed after waiting for half an hour.for the perscibed timing. The tunnel was  a marvel of victorian building
,eddie enjoyed sounding the hooter to warn any bats of our passing ..well done eddie ! no bats were harmed during the passage only eardrums .
A  second tunnel slightly shorter then followed and then lunch at a canal side hostelry,finally arriving at the basin where the Anderton lift was situated. Shaun who so kindly organised the whole outing talked the lift operators into giving us  a trip up and down . we moored to wait our turn ,engaging in conversation with 4 bargees on holiday from south africa,incredibly they knew my daughter who is still living there…small world etc. We leapt aboard  to go into the lift ,one slight problem one of the crew had tied the rear mooring line knot so well that it took four people on the barge shouting advice and four people on the quay to undo it…who was guilty????? Mr bowline no doubt.
So onto the lift,the structure was built in 1875 and fell into disrepair sometime in the 1980’s? and put back in commission by the lottery fund in 1997. It lifts alternating tanks containing up to two barges at a time up 60 ft,very impressive. We moored alongside the unfortunate colonial cousins and went for our ride up and down.  Lots of info and patience from the two guys who sort the lift out, they must see all sorts of incompetence during their day (not us surely!) In no time we were back up at the top and out of the basin guided by the experienced hand of the new captain,who skillfully and without hitting anything got us back most of the way,i cant mention this guys name due to overpowering modesty. Les was our final steerer and we arrived back at 6 after a very good day out,lots a interesting features on this stretch of canal but of course as usual the cherry on the cake was the incredible company and the good humour from all the participants . Many thanks to Sean once again for organising and the generosity of Les, An amazing day for the band of brothers,cant wait for next year. Gordon.

It was nice, for once, to be a ‘passenger’, and just to let things happen. The boat was a slightly different layout, but good. We were blessed to be able to take it down and back up the Anderton Lift, which we all found very interesting. Shaun

Joined seven other spirit filled brothers on the canal barge “Poppy”. Definitely not the Sea of Galilee, blowing a Hooley, however we did see the Lords Glory in the beautiful weather, countryside and fellowship. Thank you God for a cracking day in wonderful company. Bill

Great day out with our fellowship on the Trent and Mersey Canal, what an expedition on a canal boat! Steering with me and Bill  proved to be footpath trimming and tree trimming! Great day had by all. Eddie

This was our third annual boat trip and each time it has been special for different reasons. On this occasion it was the tunnels and the Anderson Sky Lift. Also it’s an opportunity and fun each time to test your nerve steering the boat straight and away from the banks! Les.

Christine Perkins a clergy wife from Battersea  London,  Jo Wylie and I were invited to minister at a six day Anglican clergy wives conference in Accra. The ladies traveled from as far as six hours away. As we [...]]]> I have just returned from a wonderful mission trip to Ghana, 5^th -13^th April 2010.

Christine Perkins a clergy wife from Battersea  London,  Jo Wylie and I were invited to minister at a six day Anglican clergy wives conference in Accra. The ladies traveled from as far as six hours away. As we ministered the Lord touched their hearts in an amazing way and many were baptised in the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues.

The theme for the conference was “There must be more than this.” And the morning sessions were based on the life of Gideon. Some of the other topics were Marriage, Hearing God’s Voice, and soaking in God’s presence. On the Sunday we traveled to two tribal areas north of Accra where new works had been opened. To start a work they began a school to bless the village and then proceed to do outreach from there.

I came away blessed and encouraged knowing the ladies would share what they had received with the congregations in their care. Ruth