Starting 2017 as we left off...
We so enjoyed the Llangollen Canal last year, that we have come back this year. Thanks to the people of Ellesmere for the warm reception and the passing boaters for their interest. We will be between Whitchurch and Trevor for the next two weeks, leaving by 6th May.
We so enjoyed the Llangollen Canal last year, that we have come back this year. Thanks to the people of Ellesmere for the warm reception and the passing boaters for their interest. We will be between Whitchurch and Trevor for the next two weeks, leaving by 6th May.
Our final towpath customer in 2016 - what a lovely lady!
Where did the year go?
It seems like only yesterday that we were leaving our base at the start of the season, and with Christmas nearly here, we are wondering at how the time has flown by. Our canal trading year in 2016 was quite a bit of a change to our usual season and we decided to concentrate on events. This had its ups and downs, but we can't moan at the weather all the time. We covered the miles at a relentless pace and had the opportunity to trade at some locations that we wouldn't usually get.
All this rushing around did take its toll, and although we had a lot of fun, by the end we were worn out. A nice quiet winter is what we need, with some quality buying and we will be ready for what ever 2017 brings. What I can guarantee, is that it will include plenty of miles and plenty of locks!
It seems like only yesterday that we were leaving our base at the start of the season, and with Christmas nearly here, we are wondering at how the time has flown by. Our canal trading year in 2016 was quite a bit of a change to our usual season and we decided to concentrate on events. This had its ups and downs, but we can't moan at the weather all the time. We covered the miles at a relentless pace and had the opportunity to trade at some locations that we wouldn't usually get.
All this rushing around did take its toll, and although we had a lot of fun, by the end we were worn out. A nice quiet winter is what we need, with some quality buying and we will be ready for what ever 2017 brings. What I can guarantee, is that it will include plenty of miles and plenty of locks!
The Season Begins
With the first swallows of spring flitting over the Ashby Canal, we took our leave, and headed out for our first trading trip of the year. Cropredy in Oxfordshire was our first port of call, and from here our plan is to slowly make our way north again, and then along the Grand Union into Birmingham. Then we will cruise along the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal, ending up at Fazeley Junction (Tamworth) for the Floating Market from the 13th to the 15th of May.
After a quick trip to re-stock, we will then head north in June and July with Floating Markets at Great Haywood and Chester on the agenda, and the hugely popular Middlewich Folk and Boat Festival which we are really looking forward to. Dates for all the events are on our "where to find us" page and if you are coming any distance to see us, please feel free to drop us a line to check details. All we need is plenty of water and sunny days to make this year a real belter.
With the first swallows of spring flitting over the Ashby Canal, we took our leave, and headed out for our first trading trip of the year. Cropredy in Oxfordshire was our first port of call, and from here our plan is to slowly make our way north again, and then along the Grand Union into Birmingham. Then we will cruise along the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal, ending up at Fazeley Junction (Tamworth) for the Floating Market from the 13th to the 15th of May.
After a quick trip to re-stock, we will then head north in June and July with Floating Markets at Great Haywood and Chester on the agenda, and the hugely popular Middlewich Folk and Boat Festival which we are really looking forward to. Dates for all the events are on our "where to find us" page and if you are coming any distance to see us, please feel free to drop us a line to check details. All we need is plenty of water and sunny days to make this year a real belter.
2016 - Here We Come!
It is usually quiet for us in the dark damp months after Christmas, but this year, we have been very busy. Plans for our season out on the canals are coming together nicely, and we have already booked to attend 5 of the Roving Canal Traders Floating Markets, starting with Fazely Junction(Tamworth) on the 13th to 15th May. A few other events are also in the pipeline and I'm sure that other adventures will crop up once we are out and on the move.
The big change this year though, is that we won't be trading afloat at Easter. We have the opportunity to set up a "shop" ashore, and hope to open for the first time on Easter Saturday. We hope "Antiques Ashore" will serve as a valuable partner to our canal based trading, which will still be the senior of the two. It will, however, mean that we have a showroom to display more of our range of items as well as some bigger pieces and we intend to open whenever we are back at base. It is an exciting time for us, with a showroom to set up, and many miles to be covered.
We say - "2016, here we come!"
It is usually quiet for us in the dark damp months after Christmas, but this year, we have been very busy. Plans for our season out on the canals are coming together nicely, and we have already booked to attend 5 of the Roving Canal Traders Floating Markets, starting with Fazely Junction(Tamworth) on the 13th to 15th May. A few other events are also in the pipeline and I'm sure that other adventures will crop up once we are out and on the move.
The big change this year though, is that we won't be trading afloat at Easter. We have the opportunity to set up a "shop" ashore, and hope to open for the first time on Easter Saturday. We hope "Antiques Ashore" will serve as a valuable partner to our canal based trading, which will still be the senior of the two. It will, however, mean that we have a showroom to display more of our range of items as well as some bigger pieces and we intend to open whenever we are back at base. It is an exciting time for us, with a showroom to set up, and many miles to be covered.
We say - "2016, here we come!"
As Christmas tunes drift out of the radio, we are looking back on 2015. The good old British weather kept us on our toes at times, but despite wind, rain and scorching sunshine, we got out there, and covered the miles. Our trip to the picturesque Llangollen Canal was a lot of fun, and we plan to repeat it next year, with any luck. We met some wonderful people, too - including an afternoon chatting with Timothy West and Prunella Scales, and a fierce haggle with John Sergeant, as well as other canal visitors from near and far.
Now back at base, we are busy planning for next year, and it looks like it could be even better than this. In the mean time, Happy Christmas, and we hope to see you on a canal somewhere in 2016.
Now back at base, we are busy planning for next year, and it looks like it could be even better than this. In the mean time, Happy Christmas, and we hope to see you on a canal somewhere in 2016.
The Leaves are turning, and we head for home.
Autumn is now well under way and Antiques Afloat has headed for home. We have had a fantastic year, despite the weather and have been to some wonderful places and met some lovely people. It was great fun to be at the first Fenny Stratford Canal Festival in August and then the bi-annual Huddlesford Heritage Gathering in September. Our season finale was the RCTA Floating Market in the heart of Birmingham, which certainly brought the curtain down on our year with style. We may have slowed down, but we certainly won't be resting. Over the next few months we will be hunting down interesting stock for 2016 as well as continuing to trade in a more land-based way. If you are looking for anything we might be able to help with, please contact us. You never know, we may just have found that one-off item that you just can't live without.
Autumn is now well under way and Antiques Afloat has headed for home. We have had a fantastic year, despite the weather and have been to some wonderful places and met some lovely people. It was great fun to be at the first Fenny Stratford Canal Festival in August and then the bi-annual Huddlesford Heritage Gathering in September. Our season finale was the RCTA Floating Market in the heart of Birmingham, which certainly brought the curtain down on our year with style. We may have slowed down, but we certainly won't be resting. Over the next few months we will be hunting down interesting stock for 2016 as well as continuing to trade in a more land-based way. If you are looking for anything we might be able to help with, please contact us. You never know, we may just have found that one-off item that you just can't live without.
Bringing the summer to a close.
We will be heading off on our late summer trip, and this time we are heading south. Our route will see us trading along the south Oxford Canal and then doubling back to include a trip down the Grand Union, where we will be attending the Fenny Poppers festival. It has been a very busy year so far, despite the unpredictable weather, and we have met some fascinating people. We hope to catch up with more familiar faces on this trip.
We will be heading off on our late summer trip, and this time we are heading south. Our route will see us trading along the south Oxford Canal and then doubling back to include a trip down the Grand Union, where we will be attending the Fenny Poppers festival. It has been a very busy year so far, despite the unpredictable weather, and we have met some fascinating people. We hope to catch up with more familiar faces on this trip.
Stop Press! We're now on Facebook!
So, we've taken the plunge and started a Facebook page. Just click on the link at the top right of your screen. Bear with us as we explore the in and outs of "posts" and "likes" etc.
So, we've taken the plunge and started a Facebook page. Just click on the link at the top right of your screen. Bear with us as we explore the in and outs of "posts" and "likes" etc.
Read All About It!
We are very pleased to announce that from this season, Antiques Afloat will be stocking the popular newspaper "Towpath Talk". For those who don't know, Towpath Talk is the number 1 read for canal users, be it boaters, anglers, or those on foot. It is out every month, and gives all the current news, as well as interesting features. What's more, it's absolutely free! So pick up your copy from us at any of our weekend stops or catch us as we pass through.
We are very pleased to announce that from this season, Antiques Afloat will be stocking the popular newspaper "Towpath Talk". For those who don't know, Towpath Talk is the number 1 read for canal users, be it boaters, anglers, or those on foot. It is out every month, and gives all the current news, as well as interesting features. What's more, it's absolutely free! So pick up your copy from us at any of our weekend stops or catch us as we pass through.
A Day to Remember
On a clear day, from our winter base, we can see flags fluttering in the cool breeze. We are on the Ashby Canal in Leicestershire, and the flags we can see are on top of the hill which was at the hub of the Battle Of Bosworth. The battle in fact was fought all around here, and where we are, in the village of Stoke Golding, Henry Tudor was "crowned" the victor. On Sunday the 22nd of March however, it was not Henry who drew the crowds, but King Richard, his foe. We walked along the canal to the nearby village of Dadlington, to watch his cortege. To say that they came from miles around, would have been an understatement. Every lane and footpath had a continuous stream of people flocking to the village to pay their last respects.
The village green teemed with people, but the mood was reflective, rather than joyous. Many wore the white rose, and the church was busy with people taking a moment to remember not just Richard, but the many others, some buried here, that lost their lives all those years ago. Then the news spread, the cortege had left the Battlefield and was on its way. Richard did keep us waiting, and arrived ten minutes late, but he had waited over 500 years for this. At the head of the procession were two knights, their armour shining in the sunlight like mirrors, their two steeds proudly playing to the crowd. They paused by the church as the bell tolled, and then slowly the cortege made its way around the green. Behind the knights, was a sleek black hearse, with a simple coffin in the back, with a cluster of white roses on top. Behind followed the mourners cars, carrying local and Church dignitaries. At the green, the cortege stopped and the Vicar lead a short service, while local children scattered white rose petals for the fallen king. Then slowly King Richard continued on his journey towards Leicester, where he will be laid to rest.
At his defeat, all those years ago, he had been taken from these fields as a vanquished enemy, but today he returned as a proud king, with all the dignity and respect he was due. At last King Richard can rest in peace, as a man that died for his country, not the villain that history portrayed.
On a clear day, from our winter base, we can see flags fluttering in the cool breeze. We are on the Ashby Canal in Leicestershire, and the flags we can see are on top of the hill which was at the hub of the Battle Of Bosworth. The battle in fact was fought all around here, and where we are, in the village of Stoke Golding, Henry Tudor was "crowned" the victor. On Sunday the 22nd of March however, it was not Henry who drew the crowds, but King Richard, his foe. We walked along the canal to the nearby village of Dadlington, to watch his cortege. To say that they came from miles around, would have been an understatement. Every lane and footpath had a continuous stream of people flocking to the village to pay their last respects.
The village green teemed with people, but the mood was reflective, rather than joyous. Many wore the white rose, and the church was busy with people taking a moment to remember not just Richard, but the many others, some buried here, that lost their lives all those years ago. Then the news spread, the cortege had left the Battlefield and was on its way. Richard did keep us waiting, and arrived ten minutes late, but he had waited over 500 years for this. At the head of the procession were two knights, their armour shining in the sunlight like mirrors, their two steeds proudly playing to the crowd. They paused by the church as the bell tolled, and then slowly the cortege made its way around the green. Behind the knights, was a sleek black hearse, with a simple coffin in the back, with a cluster of white roses on top. Behind followed the mourners cars, carrying local and Church dignitaries. At the green, the cortege stopped and the Vicar lead a short service, while local children scattered white rose petals for the fallen king. Then slowly King Richard continued on his journey towards Leicester, where he will be laid to rest.
At his defeat, all those years ago, he had been taken from these fields as a vanquished enemy, but today he returned as a proud king, with all the dignity and respect he was due. At last King Richard can rest in peace, as a man that died for his country, not the villain that history portrayed.
Plans for the 2015 Season
There may be snow forecast, but here on our cosy narrowboat, thoughts are turning towards spring. Our first Antiques Afloat outing will be at Fradley Junction over the Easter Weekend (weather permitting). From there, we will head north, taking in the Shropshire Union and then towards the famous Llangollen Canal. Once again, we will be covering new trading ground, as well as our more usual spots.
Obviously plans can change and if there is an area or event that you think we should visit, please let us know. With over 2000 miles of canal out there to explore, the possibilities are almost endless!
There may be snow forecast, but here on our cosy narrowboat, thoughts are turning towards spring. Our first Antiques Afloat outing will be at Fradley Junction over the Easter Weekend (weather permitting). From there, we will head north, taking in the Shropshire Union and then towards the famous Llangollen Canal. Once again, we will be covering new trading ground, as well as our more usual spots.
Obviously plans can change and if there is an area or event that you think we should visit, please let us know. With over 2000 miles of canal out there to explore, the possibilities are almost endless!
Towpath Season draws to a close.
Well, Autumn has now arrived and we are slowing down. Soon Antiques Afloat will be trundling off to our winter hidey-hole and thoughts will turn to Christmas. Looking back over our towpath season, it has probably been our most exciting yet. We were very lucky to have had a wonderful trip over (and under!) the Pennines on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal and The Rochdale, where we spent time during the Tour de France. These have got to be two of the most stunning canals on the network, and even if you don't have a boat, are well worth a visit, especially the Standedge Tunnel (the longest canal tunnel in England) where you can take a boat trip from the Visitor's Centre at Marsden.
Other highlights were Whaley Bridge's Water Weekend, and the 200th Birthday of the Crick Tunnel and Grand Union Leicester Summit. Of course, without all the lovely people we met, it would have been a bit quiet. If we did meet this summer, and you saw something you just can't forget, let us know, or if we didn't manage to come your way, and you're interested in what we might have. With Christmas coming, we can certainly come up with a few gift ideas that you won't find on the High Street. We will publish our 2015 calendar in the New Year, but until then we are only an email or 'phone call away.
Well, Autumn has now arrived and we are slowing down. Soon Antiques Afloat will be trundling off to our winter hidey-hole and thoughts will turn to Christmas. Looking back over our towpath season, it has probably been our most exciting yet. We were very lucky to have had a wonderful trip over (and under!) the Pennines on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal and The Rochdale, where we spent time during the Tour de France. These have got to be two of the most stunning canals on the network, and even if you don't have a boat, are well worth a visit, especially the Standedge Tunnel (the longest canal tunnel in England) where you can take a boat trip from the Visitor's Centre at Marsden.
Other highlights were Whaley Bridge's Water Weekend, and the 200th Birthday of the Crick Tunnel and Grand Union Leicester Summit. Of course, without all the lovely people we met, it would have been a bit quiet. If we did meet this summer, and you saw something you just can't forget, let us know, or if we didn't manage to come your way, and you're interested in what we might have. With Christmas coming, we can certainly come up with a few gift ideas that you won't find on the High Street. We will publish our 2015 calendar in the New Year, but until then we are only an email or 'phone call away.
Happy Birthday to You!
On Saturday 9th August, Crick Wharf was host to the bicentenary celebration of the Crick Tunnel and the Leicester Section of the Grand Union Canal. Early in the morning a commemorative plaque was unveiled by various local dignitaries and then the festivities began. With boat trips through the tunnel and charabanc rides, many demonstration of crafts and the ever-popular steam boat "President", the day went with a swing.
We even had the canal engineer on site in period costume to keep us up to date on how the construction of the canal was going. In the evening, the entertainment was provided by an excellent hog roast and paella provided by The Moorings restaurant, and some local bands, who really had the place rocking.
It was a very well organized and supported event, and I think I can say that everyone had a great time. Here's to the next 200 years.
On Saturday 9th August, Crick Wharf was host to the bicentenary celebration of the Crick Tunnel and the Leicester Section of the Grand Union Canal. Early in the morning a commemorative plaque was unveiled by various local dignitaries and then the festivities began. With boat trips through the tunnel and charabanc rides, many demonstration of crafts and the ever-popular steam boat "President", the day went with a swing.
We even had the canal engineer on site in period costume to keep us up to date on how the construction of the canal was going. In the evening, the entertainment was provided by an excellent hog roast and paella provided by The Moorings restaurant, and some local bands, who really had the place rocking.
It was a very well organized and supported event, and I think I can say that everyone had a great time. Here's to the next 200 years.
200 YEARS OLD AND STILL GOING STRONG!
In 2014 the stretch of canal between Foxton and Watford Locks will be 200 years old. Long before cars and the M1 were even dreamt about, this canal patiently descended through the Watford Gap on its way south. To celebrate this milestone there will be an event at Crick, near Rugby, on Saturday 9th August. Crick is a pretty village with a bustling wharf and marina, and has the longer of the two tunnels on this length of canal, which is now known as the Grand Union Leicester Section summit.
There will be free parking for the event which will have lots to get involved in and look at during the day. It should be a great day out and a truly "one off" event, which we are really looking forward to being a part of. We will be bringing a good collection of Meashamware Teapots and other canal related items, and hope that the glorious summer weather will smile on us for the day. After all, it's not every day that one of our favourite canals reaches 200!
In 2014 the stretch of canal between Foxton and Watford Locks will be 200 years old. Long before cars and the M1 were even dreamt about, this canal patiently descended through the Watford Gap on its way south. To celebrate this milestone there will be an event at Crick, near Rugby, on Saturday 9th August. Crick is a pretty village with a bustling wharf and marina, and has the longer of the two tunnels on this length of canal, which is now known as the Grand Union Leicester Section summit.
There will be free parking for the event which will have lots to get involved in and look at during the day. It should be a great day out and a truly "one off" event, which we are really looking forward to being a part of. We will be bringing a good collection of Meashamware Teapots and other canal related items, and hope that the glorious summer weather will smile on us for the day. After all, it's not every day that one of our favourite canals reaches 200!
And They're Off!
Well, we've made it to Hebden Bridge, and what a wonderful time we've had. To get here we have been along the Huddersfield Narrow Canal which is one of the most beautiful stretches of canal we have ever been to. Coming from the outskirts of Manchester it took us from industrial to the stunning moorland of the Pennines where we had to pass under Marsden (Standedge) Moor in the longest and highest canal tunnel in England. Having survived that we travelled through Huddersfield and onto the River Calder, where we made our way along to Sowerby Bridge, where we joined the Rochdale Canal and arrived at last at Hebden Bridge - after passing through the deepest lock in England, Tuel Lane at Sowerby Bridge.
We have been in Hebden Bridge for about 2 weeks now, and have received a very warm welcome. The local Arts Festival has been running and today we saw the spectacle of the Grand Depart of the Tour de France. The town was packed, with a real party atmosphere, and the place was electric as the bikes whizzed through. I never knew they went so fast!
For us now it is time to move, and early tomorrow, we will be off along the Rochdale Canal towards Manchester. We plan to trade on Sunday at the Anderton Boat Lift, near Northwich, but that will depend on how our journey goes. We didn't know what to expect when we came this far "up north" but we will definitely be back to this interesting, friendly and beautiful part of the network.
Well, we've made it to Hebden Bridge, and what a wonderful time we've had. To get here we have been along the Huddersfield Narrow Canal which is one of the most beautiful stretches of canal we have ever been to. Coming from the outskirts of Manchester it took us from industrial to the stunning moorland of the Pennines where we had to pass under Marsden (Standedge) Moor in the longest and highest canal tunnel in England. Having survived that we travelled through Huddersfield and onto the River Calder, where we made our way along to Sowerby Bridge, where we joined the Rochdale Canal and arrived at last at Hebden Bridge - after passing through the deepest lock in England, Tuel Lane at Sowerby Bridge.
We have been in Hebden Bridge for about 2 weeks now, and have received a very warm welcome. The local Arts Festival has been running and today we saw the spectacle of the Grand Depart of the Tour de France. The town was packed, with a real party atmosphere, and the place was electric as the bikes whizzed through. I never knew they went so fast!
For us now it is time to move, and early tomorrow, we will be off along the Rochdale Canal towards Manchester. We plan to trade on Sunday at the Anderton Boat Lift, near Northwich, but that will depend on how our journey goes. We didn't know what to expect when we came this far "up north" but we will definitely be back to this interesting, friendly and beautiful part of the network.
Heading North
We are back on the move again, heading north. The late May Bank Holiday was hampered by the rain, but when we got to Marple. the sun shone! We arrived a week early, as unfortunately we had to miss Bollington, due to a lack of mooring space. Bollington's loss was Marple's gain and we had a festive weekend to see out May and welcome in June. The Roberts Bakery Brass Band played an excellent selection of tunes at the nearby Ring O' Bells pub and there was a relaxed atmosphere around the pretty canal junction.
Next weekend we are intending to visit Whaley Bridge, for the annual "Whaley Water Weekend" (W3). This is another change to the previously advertised itinerary, so it is always worth 'phoning if you are planning to travel to see us. Hopefully we will be blessed with sunshine again and everyone can enjoy what promises to be a fun packed weekend.
From Whaley Bridge we will be heading off with some trepidation towards the Standedge Tunnel, the longest, deepest and highest (altitude) canal tunnel in the country. Accompanied by many locks, it will be a stern test for us as we continue on our way to see the Tour de France.
We are back on the move again, heading north. The late May Bank Holiday was hampered by the rain, but when we got to Marple. the sun shone! We arrived a week early, as unfortunately we had to miss Bollington, due to a lack of mooring space. Bollington's loss was Marple's gain and we had a festive weekend to see out May and welcome in June. The Roberts Bakery Brass Band played an excellent selection of tunes at the nearby Ring O' Bells pub and there was a relaxed atmosphere around the pretty canal junction.
Next weekend we are intending to visit Whaley Bridge, for the annual "Whaley Water Weekend" (W3). This is another change to the previously advertised itinerary, so it is always worth 'phoning if you are planning to travel to see us. Hopefully we will be blessed with sunshine again and everyone can enjoy what promises to be a fun packed weekend.
From Whaley Bridge we will be heading off with some trepidation towards the Standedge Tunnel, the longest, deepest and highest (altitude) canal tunnel in the country. Accompanied by many locks, it will be a stern test for us as we continue on our way to see the Tour de France.
NEWS FLASH..NEWS FLASH..NEWS FLASH..
We have booked to attend the IWA's Rochdale Canal Boat gathering, to celebrate the Tour de France coming to Yorkshire. We will travelling up the Huddersfield Canal via the Standedge Tunnel, then on to the Calder and Hebble, and on to the Rochdale Canal to be in Hebden Bridge from around the 28th of June until 7th July. It's going to be epic.....
We have booked to attend the IWA's Rochdale Canal Boat gathering, to celebrate the Tour de France coming to Yorkshire. We will travelling up the Huddersfield Canal via the Standedge Tunnel, then on to the Calder and Hebble, and on to the Rochdale Canal to be in Hebden Bridge from around the 28th of June until 7th July. It's going to be epic.....
Season Opens to Sunshine and Steam!
As the sunshine of the Bank Holiday fades, we have completed our first circuit of the season and are heading for home. Although it is still early in the year, we have had some nice weather and seen plenty of people visiting our beautiful canals. Easter saw us at Consall Forge in the Churnet Valley, Staffordshire, where steam trains and passing boats entertained visitors to this magical spot.
The Hollybush Inn at Denford, also on the Caldon Canal in Staffordshire, gave us a warm welcome and is a great spot for Sunday lunch and a stroll. To finish off our trip, we returned to Fradley Junction near Lichfield, where we had kicked the season off earlier, for the May Bank Holiday. The sun shone, and we were treated to an interesting variety of vehicles from classic cars to Vespas, passing by. Our trip home is only a short one, to replenish stocks, and we sill be on the move again and trading for late May.
See our "Where to Find Us" page for details, and hopefully we will see you then.
As the sunshine of the Bank Holiday fades, we have completed our first circuit of the season and are heading for home. Although it is still early in the year, we have had some nice weather and seen plenty of people visiting our beautiful canals. Easter saw us at Consall Forge in the Churnet Valley, Staffordshire, where steam trains and passing boats entertained visitors to this magical spot.
The Hollybush Inn at Denford, also on the Caldon Canal in Staffordshire, gave us a warm welcome and is a great spot for Sunday lunch and a stroll. To finish off our trip, we returned to Fradley Junction near Lichfield, where we had kicked the season off earlier, for the May Bank Holiday. The sun shone, and we were treated to an interesting variety of vehicles from classic cars to Vespas, passing by. Our trip home is only a short one, to replenish stocks, and we sill be on the move again and trading for late May.
See our "Where to Find Us" page for details, and hopefully we will see you then.