MARION West chaired the meeting on Tuesday, February 8 in the Absence of Chairlady Carol Hutchings who is away after an operation. Members wish her well for a speedy recovery.

The speaker was Frank Townsend speaking about A Narrowboat Cruise. He told members about the locks and how to use them, finding good pubs along the way for supper, and about the most impressive Anderton Boat lift in Cheshire which provides a 50 foot vertical link between two navigable waterways. First built in 1875 and was used for 100 years before falling in disrepair but rebuilt in 2002 to its former glory. The other incredible feat is the Falkirk Wheel in Scotland which lies at the end of a reinforced concrete aqueduct and uses equal weight measures to raise the boats. The wheel saves nine of the 11 locks that ascends the Forth of Clyde Canal to the Union Canal 150 feet above. The wheel is 115 feet high and is a wondrous sight to see. The whole talk was very interesting and Mr Townsend was thanked by Jenny Bruton.

Members finished off the afternoon with a nice cup of tea and a biscuits.

The next meeting is on March 8, the subject is Camping in Crocodile Dundee Country.