Hello peeps and another week at the Hillmorton locks (the busiest in the country).
So what has happened this week, well despite the inclement weather, boaters are still visiting in good numbers and after three weeks we are over the 600 mark. Can this mean an even busier year than 2017.
Thursday was fairly quiet but then I didn't remove my waterproofs all day. Friday was eventually a better day but still quiet in the morning. As a result of this unusual quiet period, volley Vince and I undertook to repair a dodgy hole in the bank just outside the top lock. This was in a particularly nasty spot just where a boater may step off to go and work the lock.
Another fine job done.
Friday afternoon saw the usual flurry of hire boats out of the Rugby area, some of them out for the week but the majority out for the weekend. Although some of the hirers were familiar with the operating of locks, most were new to the canal and as such were grateful for our guidance. All were sent on their way a little more knowledgeable and feeling a little happier.
Also to come through was a boater who had used our lockside phone number to ascertain if the locks were manned as he was a lone boater. We assured him they were manned and subsequently assisted him through all three locks whereupon exiting the top lock he deposited a bottle of extremely good red as a sign of his appreciation (and very nice it was to)
Although it is nice to be appreciated I must point out that the volly's will offer the same service with no reward, we're just pleased to help.
On a more serious note I must report an episode I witnessed of a private boat (so it's not always hirers) entering the middle lock. As the boat was approaching a crew member was opening the gate when his son, approx 6 years old, decided to run across the gate and jump the gap to the canal side. Fortunately he just landed safely but had he have fallen backwards into the lock entrance the steerer on the boat would not have seen him and the consequences dire. The next thing I knew the boat was in the lock and the boy was scrambling up onto the roof. At this stage I felt it right to intervene and point out the dangers of a young child, or indeed anyone, running about on the roof of a boat especially whilst it is in the lock. The steerer said it would be alright for the child to sit on the "slidey bit" but I had to point out this was just as dangerous. The last I saw of the child he was being walked along the towpath kicking and screaming that he wanted to go home. At least he wasn't being crushed between the boat and the lock wall.
A little sad note to finish this week peeps, one of our colleagues, Ted, has sadly passed away. All our thoughts are with his family.
