The unscheduled collapse of Langley Mill flour mill.

Talk about leaving Langley with a bang! I had no sooner returned to the boat at 4pm after dropping the car back at Sandiacre when suddenly there was a terrific roar and clouds of dust filled the air. I rushed out of the boat wondering if the world was coming to an end and for a moment couldn't understand where the dust was coming from. Then Alan, who was standing by Mick and Carole's boat Electra, said he saw the mill collapse. For months now work had been going on at the mill, pulling it down stage by stage but I'm pretty sure this wasn't planned. Of course I had to grab the camera and knowing where I could get some good photos, rushed round to have a good look. No one was on site in fact it was eerily quiet. This seemed a bit strange but it wasnt until later that it was pointed out to me that it was a Friday and the workman would probably have already gone home. All I can say it was a good job they had because otherwise goodness knows what injury or even fatalities there may have been. If you would like to read more about the mill  click here

The large blue building on the right was the one that collapsed. (Photo taken from the net) The buildings to the side had already been removed.

Quite a few of the ECP&DA mob are due to go to Pelsall but because those visiting the rally had left their boats in the basin, it was impossible for them to leave their moorings. So with the help of the work party all the visiting boats were shoveled about until those that wanted to leave could. Three had already left the basin making it a bit easier but there were still a few to shift. John and Chris Baylis wanted to join us tomorrow when we left for Sandiacre but his boat was well and truly wedged in. So armed with trusty pole and rope the men pulled and pushed the rally boats out of the way. With a lot of maneuvering John got Nb Thornbury out and he's now moored alongside us ready for the off with us tomorrow morning.

Three boats ready to leave. One cruiser, one 42ft narrowboat and a 57ft all shared the one lock.

And finally, I just had to show you this photo of Jade and the swan. Taken on our walk this morning.

The look of terror on Jades face

She turned tail and refused to come past. Swan 1 Jade nil!