Exciting news of the Derby Canal

Heard a snippet of information the other day that got me quite excited. It seems that things are starting to move on the reinstatement of the Derby Canal. This would link the Erewash canal above Sandiacre lock to the T&M at Swarkstone, effectively cutting out the need to travel along the River Trent. Soil samples have been taken from above the bridge ready to be analysed and, if okay and the funds raised, the lock will start to be excavated next spring. To read all about it click here

Picture shows the team at work with the excavation of soil and the subsequent in-filling to ensure public safety. (photo taken from Derby and Sandiacre web site.)

We also have had more good news this month. Ian's consultant is very pleased with his progress and has signed him off for another 6 months. Long may it continue!!!

December has turned out to be a busy month. We've had a winter BBQ (who in there right mind would have a BBQ in winter? Well the ECP&DA bods would, thats who!) Although the evening turned out a bit drizzly, it was ever so mild for the time of year and most of us women stayed inside  the cottage leaving the men to face the elements and do the cooking.

Cooking done and back in the warm

At least some shelter was had.

  Then there were babysitting duties to do back at Milton Keynes over the weekend, visiting Ian's brother for a few days in Worcester, a Christmas 'do' with the society members and friends and meeting in Nottingham today with our boating friends Roger and Pat, Lisa and Fred and Janice (no longer boating but had Nb Jandai). Having met up in Wetherspoons in the Market Place for a quick pint we then all moved on heading towards the Fellows, Morton and Clayton pub by the Nottingham canal. Not that we ate there mind 'cause a decision was made to eat in the Canal house next door instead. The meal was excellent, good pub grub, the company second to none with us all chatting nineteen to the dozen trying to catch up with all the news and what a great way to round off a brilliant day. Looking forward to the New Year now when we all hope to meet again.  

Inside the Canal House, two narrow boats nestled side by side. Mooring costs may be high but what a great mooring....right inside a pub!!!

L to R Me, Pat, Lisa., Janice, Roger and Fred

 And walking round the Market we came to the ice rink.

Tomorrow yet another meal with daughter Christine and family, Thursday more of the same with a Christmas meal at Eastwood joined by our boaty friends, Dave and Heather and Dennis and Margaret and then it's the run up to Christmas taking Merlin back to Bunbury for Anglo Welsh. Phew.... roll on January for a rest.

 

Oh and congratulations to Tim Peake being the first British astronaut to be sent on a mission to the ISS