Back in Alrewas

10th & 11th September

Just a quickie today: we were all set to start writing the blog when Elanor turned up on her way home from work, and we sat around nattering so long there's no time left to write at length.

We had a slow trip from Branston to here yesterday, including 45 minutes to get through Wychnor Lock, purely as a result of a lot of traffic, but we made it in the end, and now will stay here until we've finished the doctors and dentists bit and can set off for the North.

I had an interesting comment exchange with Roger Millin about the role and purpose of the National after the last post. He had reported a mate making the usual criticism that it's not what it was, and not so good for the boaters. Here's what I said in response:

As I said last year, I'm a bit puzzled by all this "nostalgia's not what it used to be" bit. IWA has missed its chance to push Crick out of the way, so for those looking for a new boat, that's still the place to go.

Nonetheless, I got a set of filters from Beta, 10 litres of API CC for £25, and a pair of fleece lined trousers for winter cruising. I could also have bought rope and fenders from either of two stalls, JM Goods was there again with their huge display of cheap tools and boys toys, including a whole new range of LED lighting, and the main marquee seemed to have all the usual suspects like LeeSan and Kuranda.

There were another two battery suppliers outside, as well as the Miracle Leisure brass cleaner stand.

There was one fudge stall, and a handful of home made gew gaws, sorry crafts.

Meantime the Presentations suite was busy with RBOA and restoration society talks, and BW's very own Aunt Sally Ash was there to have stuff metaphorically chucked at her.

The beer tent had a wide range of real ale, and entertainment in the form of tribute bands and folk singers. You could get a huge variety of food, and BBQs were once more allowed.

Do please tell me, because I'm obviously missing something - what else do boaters need to have a good time?

I'm more than happy to pass on all suggestions to Ian West. Or, of course, those who reckon they could do better could always volunteer to help...

I don't deny that there are ways in which it could be improved; the arena was a bit dull this year, I thought, apart from the gymnasts, and I'll come back to these issues yet again, I'm sure.

I'm off on a jaunt tomorrow, whilst Sheila stays behind on anchor watch. Hopefully tell you about it on Sunday.