From Fradley To Trent Lock

We’re finally progressing towards our planned destination at a swift speed. I returned the hire car to Enterprise in Fazeley on Monday morning. Fortunately my elder sister Kath was able to collect me from there and get me back to the boat. Barry and Kim had by then moved to Alrewas! Great service from Enterprise … Continue reading From Fradley To Trent Lock

Some strange synchronistic happenings

Years ago, when I initially ventured to New Zealand in the British autumn of 2001, I treasured the gift of time to read a number of inspirational books. One of these was 'The Celestine Prophesy'. I recall it talked about how people come into your life for a reason, and each one, if you're open … Continue reading Some strange synchronistic happenings

Exposing ourselves online and meeting people in Penkridge

Whether you love, despise, or feel indifferent about it, the Internet has become one of the most astounding methods of networking and communication ever invented. That's my humble opinion anyway - though I suspect I'm becoming a bit of a technology nerd (no need to rush to prepare your comment/debate below on that statement ...). … Continue reading Exposing ourselves online and meeting people in Penkridge

Fabulous Final Floating Market in Birmingham

We've heard a few people denigrate Birmingham over the years. Then there was the ridiculous person in USA who stated that there was no point visiting the city as no-one spoke English (boy did he have egg on his face!). There's narrow boaters who live in fear of mooring in the city centre because of … Continue reading Fabulous Final Floating Market in Birmingham

The Home Brew Boat’s first and last festivals of 2014

Before our initial six-month narrow boating adventure in April 2009, Barry spent months voraciously reading waterways related blogs. One of the main ones he relished was Andrew Denny's 'Granny Buttons'. We were understandably thrilled to meet him in person on our second venture from NZ to UK, in May 2010, when we fortuitously moored next … Continue reading The Home Brew Boat’s first and last festivals of 2014

Next door to Granny Buttons in Birmingham

After a longer-than-average stay at Merry Hill, we began our journey towards The Bond in Digbeth, in readiness for our last planned festival of 2014 at their Autumn Market on Saturday. The morning of our departure a howling gale blew up and unfortunately found the strength to whip 'The Home Brew Boat' banner out of … Continue reading Next door to Granny Buttons in Birmingham

Bright and bustling in the Black Country

There's certainly nothing dark and smoggy about The Black Country this weekend. What wonderful, down-to-earth and friendly folks we've had the pleasure of meeting so far. Barry had an endless stream of visitors to The Home Brew Boat - not all were buying, but they took business cards away with a lot more knowledge of … Continue reading Bright and bustling in the Black Country