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We were please to find that the recent breach at Minworth, mention in our two previous blog posts, had been fixed in just a few days and we were able to leave Birmingham along the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal as planned.
Approaching Farmers Bridge top lock we spotted Jim Shead walking near the top lock and he was soon winding the paddles to help us down. We had first met him just a few weeks ago when he helped us up Farmers Bridge locks.
He worked a few locks but we soon had him steering and the thirteen locks were accomplished rather quicker than expected with his help. Thank you Jim – I hope you weren’t late home for lunch.
Further on we passed the site of the Minworth Breach where vandals had opened the paddles on Lock 1 and allowed the pound towards lock 2 to overflow. The water actually flowed down the towpath past lock 2 and onto the road below.
You can just see the new fencing in the distance in the first photo, just above the person’s head, and the closer show shows the embankment rebuilt after the original one was washed into the road below.
We’re moored near Alrewas on the Trent & Mersey Canal as we are filming the East Midlands or Leicester Ring, clockwise. Which should we call it? We might pass through Burton upon Trent tomorrow if the weather holds, or stop short if the forecast rain arrives.
Well I have always referred to is as the Leicester Ring and never as the East Midlands ring but may be I am in a minority! I am doing the Leicester Ring Anti Clockwise on Oxfordshire Narrowboat’s NB Brockhall from Weedon starting tomorrow so I’ll give you a wave as we go past! Nick Ferrar
Comment by Nick Ferrar — On 11-07-10 at 14:30
Nick: Thanks for the comment – that’s one vote in favour of “Leicester” Ring.
We’ll keep an eye out for you – please say hello if you spot us first – and note where you pass us so you can see yourself in the Leicester Ring Bowcam DVD for your 5 seconds of fame.
Comment by Paul — On 11-07-10 at 21:48