Market Haborough.

Keith and I enjoyed the parade from Foxton to Market Harborough. It took place on a bright sunny morning. Top hat and tails, boatwoman's bonnets and boatsman's attire were the order of the day. It was so nice to see people dressing up for the 200th Anniversary Parade. Hadar was fourth in the parade, behind Vagabond carrying the band, the horse boat Vixen and Laplander the steam boat. All other pleasure craft followed on behind us. Along the way people waved and took their photos. It was a wonderful sight. Arriving at Union Wharf in Market Harborough, the procession of boats was greeted by a fantastic crowd of gongoozlers. Edward Garnier MP and Roger Helmer MEP unveiled a plaque with information about the wharf. With all the speeches over with, we all then paraded down the hill to the Angel Hotel where we were given a sumptious lunch. We were all seated in the very same room that was used for the celebration meal in 1809. On the menu, was local smoked trout, with a salad and horse radish sauce, followed by game casserole, with a herb dumpling, vegetables and roat potatoes, pudding was Bread and Butter Pudding with custard. It was a fabulous meal and everyone had a fantastic time. I am unable to post pictures at this time as our signal here in the basin is poor.

Since the event we have not left the basin, because Keith has been poorly. His water infection reared its ugly head again, and on the Monday he was seeing a GP at the Medical Centre. The doctor has put him on antibiotics again. Keith is also having treatment to sort out a bowel problem caused by his previous antibotics which were given to him at Great Haywood. I will not go into details, but will just say that Keith is in a lot of pain at the moment and it is a bit of a worry. We have not been able to progress with our coal run, which is unfortunate. People have been very understanding and have been coming to us for their coal. Debbie at Canaltime has been wonderful in letting us stay in the basin. Keith is seeing the GP again on Monday morning, so we will see what she has to say. I will keep you posted.