Village at War Second Day, Sunday

More photos from the Village at War weekend, Stoke Bruerne today.

It has been a great weekend, with lots of visitors, many dressed in costume, we look forward to next years event.

Keith.

Village at War, First Day

With the sun shining brightly and the chimneys smoking well it promised to be a great start to the Village at War weekend, here at Stoke Bruerne.

Brewing the tea for the troops.

All peaceful and quiet, but it would be heaving with visitors later.

We both took an early walk down to the trade stalls before they got busy.

The army vehicles were starting to set up.

Along with vintage cars and this bus.

The army encampment early in the day.

Paul who does a great George Formby impressi0n was pulling in the punters at the marquee, so much so it was difficult to get a photo of him.

It has been a great day, the weather has been superb, and the visitors have poured along the towpath all day. We have chatted to many people, and friends throughout the day. Let us hope that tomorrow is just as good.

Keith.

The Start of Things to Come

I thought I would take advantage of the quiet before the storm to get a couple of photos before the crowds make it difficult to take photos. The Museum Café has taped up it’s windows to prevent bomb damage.

The marquee is in place.

It just needs filling with stalls.

Boats and friends have been arriving, and we have been catching up with those we haven’t seen for a while.

Keith.

Northampton Again.

With our new TV being very poorly I caught the bus back into Northampton this morning to get it changed. It was so refreshing that Argos were more than happy to replace it. I hoped this replacement would work properly, as it was the last one in the shop. Fortunately it did work perfectly, and although we were not sure about the previous one, we had our doubts as to whether we were right about it being wrong, once we heard the audio on this one we know the original was definitely wrong. Apart from upgrading from a 16” screen to a 19” screen, the technology change from LCD to LED has reduced our power consumption from 48watts to 14watts, almost a quarter, a great bonus.

Keith.

Northampton

With plenty of time before the weekend we thought we would spend today in Northampton.

The River Nene.

We had lunch in the Eastgate. We bought a new TV from Argos.

However having got it home on the bus and set it up the audio was terrible, the speakers rattled and sounded like it was in a tin bucket! A return journey to Northampton tomorrow was on the cards.

Keith.

South Yorkshire man drowns after rescue drama - Local - The Star

South Yorkshire man drowns after rescue drama - Local - The Star

Toddler saved from drowning by quick-thinking boater - Local - Horncastle News

Toddler saved from drowning by quick-thinking boater - Local - Horncastle News

It can so easily happen.

Change of Pattern

For some time now I have had on display this rag rug.

I thought I would try it as an experiment as something a bit different. However no one has shown any sort of interest in it. When displayed on the boat with all my others, it doesn’t even get looked at! So over the past 4 days I have changed it to this.

The reason for this is that during last winter I made a new one similar to this, and it sold early in the year, hence the change. Let’s hope I have more success with the newer version.

Keith.

New Curtains

Jo has been busy today making new curtains for the boatmans cabin. She found a set of curtains in a charity shop for £3.50 and there is enough material to do 2 sets of cabin curtains.

These will be our winter curtains, without the lace edging, Jo will make a summer pair with the lace edging. Leaving the edging off the winter curtains will stop the lace turning black from the coal stove.

Keith.

Weedon Bec to Stoke Bruerne

10.5 miles, 4hrs 40mins.

Back to last night first, and my 60th Birthday dinner out at the Heart of England with Jo and our friends David & Elaine who I did not know would be joining us, what a nice surprise. I had the mixed grill and very scrummy it was too, good thing I was hungry!

This morning was definitely autumnal with the back cabin stove lit and wrapped up in winter togs. Passing Stowe Hill.

Heyford Fields Marina.

Leaving Gayton junction having used the services here.

Blisworth Marina.

Bordesley.

and Greenock.

Mill Wharf Boat Company and Blisworth Tunnel Narrowboats.

Approaching Blisworth Tunnel north portal.

My view once inside the tunnel.

Keith.