May 29

The weather has continued cool and unsettled, so it is back to having the stove lit, and wearing layers with waterproofs.

I cruised onto the Runcorn arm of the Bridgewater canal, which is part of the oldest ‘proper’ canal in Britain. Still owned by the Manchester Ship Canal Company, there is very little commercial traffic, and the connection to the ship canal in Runcorn was abandoned in the 1960’s. Runcorn is therefore a somewhat derelict town, though trying to rejuvenate. I had intended to ring here, but the church was locked up, with no sign of anyone, much less used for ringing (at least at the present). Sad, because the church is in a prominent place, with the large light green arch bridge across the Mersey overtop, behind. Very pretty, but…

I made my way back to the main part of the Bridgewater canal to Grappenhall, where I waited for my friends Nick and Chris in Pendragon to join me. I was able to ring their on their 8, with a very active band including 3 teenage girls. It is a lighter ring of bells, so they were quite quick! After adventures with electrical things, Pendragon arrived, and we enjoyed a pub meal in the pub on a cobblestone street, complete with stocks outside for those who indulge too much! These are really left over from active use, in front of the pub and church.

Grappenhall village, with St. Wilfred’s church. Stocks formerly used for miscreants in white fenced area, right.

My bell on Wandering Canuck- not a usual accessory for canal boats!

Wandering Canuck and Pendragon, in lovely green ‘tunnel’ at Grappenhall