Barry had an easy journey into Birmingham last Thursday. Jim and my nephew Mathew joined him so the 13 Farmers Bridge locks were a doddle. Thank you guys, much appreciated. The tide begins to turn Since we've been on our adventures aboard Areandare, I've kept an account of every penny we spend - and earn … Continue reading As the tide turns, a storm’s brewing …
Month: April 2014
BCN Photos Part Two – Descending Farmers Bridge Locks
I promised a part two of Barry's photos last week, then got a little caught up with travelling and sorting for our first, full-on working weekend from Areandare. As you read this pre-scheduled post, I'll be safely ensconced in Malpas with my daughter and two gorgeous giggling grandsons. Barry will be on the boat, having … Continue reading BCN Photos Part Two – Descending Farmers Bridge Locks
A super successful time at Alvecote Floating Market – thanks to RCTA
Being unsure what the next four days would bring as we moored up at Alvecote Marina late last Thursday afternoon, we’re pleased as punch (excuse the pun!) to report any expectations we had were met - and surpassed. Michael, Alison and Sandra, part of the collective of 'The Roving Canal Traders Association', organised and advertised widely … Continue reading A super successful time at Alvecote Floating Market – thanks to RCTA
The BBC, The Book Barge, and The Brew Boat
Once upon a time, a beautiful young woman dreamt of an idyllic life selling books from a boat. Sadly, as is often the case, her dream initially failed to materialise as she'd imagined ... Rather than prematurely throw in the towel though, she decided to seek alternative possibilities to manifest her vision. Sarah Henshaw set … Continue reading The BBC, The Book Barge, and The Brew Boat
A fabulous first day at Alvecote Floating Market
I'm not ashamed to say that yesterday was my first eight-hour day of work since early March 2013. It was also, if I calculate it, the worst hourly rate I think I've ever 'worked' for (and I do use that term loosely in comparison to my normal definition of the word). But it doesn't feel … Continue reading A fabulous first day at Alvecote Floating Market
Images from the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN) – part 1
In case you weren't aware, the second city of England is blessed with more miles of canals than Venice. Incredibly it used to have around 160 miles that were navigable, but currently has 'only' 100. I'm betting the majority of folks, when asked what Birmingham is famous for, wouldn't initially say 'canals'. Check out Jim … Continue reading Images from the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN) – part 1
Some selected images from the lower Shropshire Union
One of the reasons we changed to WordPress from Blogspot, was to source an improved showcase for Barry's images. However, regular readers will know we often wait a wee while to see these. It takes a modicum of patience, and anticipation, of him finding the right time to download his camera's SD card onto his computer, … Continue reading Some selected images from the lower Shropshire Union
More Spring Market news from Captain Ahab
Barry didn't get much of a chance to take photographs at The Spring Market last Saturday. Not that we're complaining, he had a whole heap of folks interested in his boat-full of all things home-brew related. However, he's promised me there will be a selection of his exceptional photos available to post in the near future … Continue reading More Spring Market news from Captain Ahab
One of only two ‘hand-picked’ boats – what a magnificent beginning
We did it! Our first ever day of trading as 'The Home Brew Boat', and 'Funtastic Facepainting by Sandra'. And it was a wonderful way to begin our new journey at The Spring Market in Digbeth. We hadn't realised until the day before that we were privileged to be one of only two 'hand-picked' narrowboats … Continue reading One of only two ‘hand-picked’ boats – what a magnificent beginning
Step away from your comfort zone …
A young male in his early twenties recently confided to me how much he yearns to travel to the other side of the world. While he has some sketchy plans for 2015, he's wary of what may happen if he steps too far from his comfort zone. Wow! I had no idea what such a concept even was … Continue reading Step away from your comfort zone …
The first post – launching The Home Brew Boat’s inaugural trading event
It's taken a while to pluck up the courage, but here we are at last! We've been blogging about our adventures on the canals and rivers of the United Kingdom for five years now, beginning on Blogger in April 2009, after buying our first narrowboat 'Northern Pride'. That year, and during 2010, we were incredibly fortunate … Continue reading The first post – launching The Home Brew Boat’s inaugural trading event