The Severn Bore

Creating our own wave!

When I was a teenager my dad told me all about this natural phenomenon. I never expected to be in the right place at the right time but on Friday evening we (John, myself, Mick & Lynn) were, so we just had to go and see .......didn't we?

I had researched the times etc and it seemed that the best place was at Newnham because it seemed the only chance of seeing it in the light at 20.44 pm.! A 4 **** Bore. Apparently the best you can get is a 5 ***** but there are none of those expexcted this year. I thought we might be 4 lonely little people sitting by the estuary. WRONG!! There were soon hundreds of spectators on both sides of the river!

THE Wave!

We counted 36 surfers, 8 canoeists and 4 lads in a dingey all ready to tackle the bore.

Surfing the wave.

Glad we made the effort to go and see it. Apparently, if they go ahead with the proposed Severn Barrier, it will exist no more.

Who's bright idea was this then?!

Today ................. we climbed a hill!

WHY? you might ask.

This is why.

Bredon Hill to be exact. 991 feet above sea level with apparent views of 8 different counties:-Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire - definitely.

Others? Don't know. We had to cycle about 4 miles to get to the start of the climb - well a mixture of cycle and push uphill actually! My goodness gracious me!!! We will be so fit and healthy!! AS IF!!!!

We are now on the Lower Avon and mooring opportunities are few and far between. Last night we wanted to stop at Pershore - no chance! Not one space to be had. Mind you, we did what we said we would never do again on a river and that was go on too late into the evening. We have learned that, on rivers, you really need to start looking for a mooring about 4pm at the latest.

We have time to go back and try again so, depending on the weather, I think that is what we will do.

We are at a place called Eckington Bridge and it really is lovely - the river is quite wide, open aspect to one side, fabulous old 5 arched stone bridge and lots of ducks and swans.

So Glad we Stayed

Evesham River Festival - what a fantastic event!

And John moans about my flowers!!

Everything has been so well organised and co-ordinated and there has been masses to do and see. On the Friday night there was a beer tent and free entertainment. All day Saturday there was a huge variety of more free entertainment - Punch & Judy for the children, comedy sketches akin to the Edinburgh Fringe, a folk band, a rock band, 200 Morris Dancers the like of which you have never seen before!, (I could definitely take to it!), Line Dancing (I definitely couldn't take to it!) and the local radio broadcasting live. There were also lots of stalls selling crafts, novelty toys, old fashioned sweets (Gill would not have been able to resist!) and, of course, lots of food outlets. I so take my hat off to all those who have participated to make this such a fantastic town event.

This was one of the comedy sketches and it was really funny.

There were also boating competitions and the local boaters entered with 110% support and commitment. The theme for the boat decorating competition was "The Circus" and entries were amazing!

It was really good to see cruisers and narrowboats joining in together. In the evening there was a boat illumination competition and ....... WOW!! John moans when I ask for one

little strip of lights at Christmas time!! To finish off the Saturday,

Evesham Council provided a fantastic firework display. The rain was dreadful during the evening but boaters are hardy folk and stuck it out! All of this only cost us our entry fee.

A few more things went on during Sunday - silly games, prize awards, thanks etc and a brass band. What an excellent community spirit there is Evesham Riverside - I envy them. This is the sort of thing Staines should be doing. I'm so glad we decided to 'give it a go'!

Funeral for some Friends

For the special attention of Anne Elliott who saw this sad day coming ........

These boots have been our faithful friends and served us well for many, many years but, yes Anne, yet again you are right! John's boots are now leaking and mine? ......... Worn out! The heels have almost disappeared and so have the circular grips on the soles. They also are leaking and are now b***** uncomfortable! Time to go to that great Millets in the Sky. We are now in Worcester so I'm sure they can be replaced here.

SO:-

"Goodbye Norma & Jean & Gladys & Doris

Though we love you and you have served us well -

JUST REMEMBER -

For years and years you never let the socks get soggy when the rain set in.

And your footsteps constantly tramped over miles of Britain's countryside

But, unfortunately, your soles wore out -

Long before your leather ever will!"

It has been suggested that you are permanently displayed on the roof of the boat! Planted up with flowers? !!!!!!!!!!!! John thinks we should advertise you on e-bay as Bygones and sell you on!!!

Cuckoos in the nest

Cuckoos in the nest in more ways than one!

Every year boaters who have boats, like "Ellen" built by the legendary (it would seem) Les Allen and Sons are invited to get together - 'A Gathering'. Although it is not really our type of thing, we have been once before and, as this years meeting place was on route, we thought we would give it another go! As I say, cuckoos in the nest.

In actual fact, the Allen Gathering itself is a cuckoo this year because it has wheedled it's way into the 40th Anniversary celebration of the Worcester & Birmingham Canal Society which is being held at Tardebigge New Wharf. This is the first time we have been on this canal and it looks really nice - I'm even looking forward to going down all 30 of the Tardebigge locks in one go!

On Friday and Saturday evenings food and entertainment are being laid on in the new community centre a short walk across the field. Rumour has it that there are also stalls and Morris Dancing at some point over the weekend but communication (at least as far as we are concerned) has been virtually nil! I think a Social Secretary is badly needed .......... but I am not offering!

Everyone seems to know other boaters ................ except us!

Billy-no-Mates!! Oh well, the entertainment is good and ...... we will live and learn ....

................. or will we??!!