Now here's a tale to tell.

Yesterday we needed to take the cassettes to Fenny Stratford to empty. As soon as we walked toward the facilities we were accosted by a residential boat owner moored by the lock. He's ever such a nice guy, with only his small dog for company and loves to chat to anyone who will listen. And we were all ears after he mentioned how the swing bridge was nearly put out of action by 20 or more Leeds supporters. The story goes that the match was being shown at the Red Lion by the lock. Not sure if it was half time or the end of the game, or even if they were a bit worse for wear but to them it seemed like a good idea to all get to the end of the swing bridge and jump up and down. The consequences were disastrous. Not only did the bridge tip but the locating pin popped away from the supporting ring. Both of us were baffled as how this could have happened. Looking at these two photos taken when ECP&DA were involved in restoring another swingbridge, it appears almost impossible unless they were all bouncing on one corner.

Anyway more by luck then judgement the lads managed to get the bridge working again. We feel that the pin and ring could only have partially been dislodged otherwise we don't see (other then using a crane) how it could have been but back.

We continued to chat together, with him eager to impart news of another boater. He was annoyed by this guy running his generator well into the night seeing as how he was moored opposite.. When a complaint was made the boater moved off the 24 hour mooring (where apparently he had been for nearly a week) to the lock landing below the lock. Here the generator was again run and this time the owners of the cottage came out and told him if he didn't switch it off it would end up in the canal. Time was 23.30, much to late to have a generator running. Then the next day our friendly residential boater asked the guy when he was going to leave. The reply was, 'Im friendly with Glynn the enforcement officer.  ( I think he said his name was Glynn) He is my friend and told me I can stay where I like, when I like and for as long as I like and I chose to stay here!'. What I would give to be a fly on the wall when the sh*t hits the fan.

Magpie having a bath at Campbell Park