tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10699135815887849022024-03-20T06:05:57.109+00:00GUCCC Former Working Boat Sculptor<i>Sculptor</i> is a former GUCCC working boat (motor) which is based at the <a href="http://bit.ly/1e0Kp6S"><b> Canal Museum</b></a> in Stoke Bruerne and belongs to the <a href="http://bit.ly/1nGJKgf"><b> Canal and River Trust</b></a>. The <a href="http://www.friendsofcanalmuseum.org.uk"><b> Friends of the Canal Museum (FoCM)</b></a> have taken responsibility for quite some time for the maintenance of <i>Sculptor</i>; this blog records the work that FoCM undertake on behalf of CRT.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069913581588784902.post-67748224380693123192017-11-02T13:21:00.001+00:002017-11-03T16:57:42.420+00:00A day with CountryFile<div style="text-align: justify;">
We do most of our <i>Sculptor</i> communication these days on FaceBook but where we wish to share information about wider issues then this medium remains probably the best for the time being.</div>
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We were approached recently by CountryFile who wish to undertake some filming with us about the 'trainees' for a programme that is due to be broadcast on Remembrance Sunday, 12-November-2017 at 18:15.</div>
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The crew were Kathryn, John Bannister and John Wetherall - all was set then for Thursday 26-November. Here are some images of the day, some of which are © BBC.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HQAJ2ZiCdcU18s7bN-zBSZIb7qTdWUb0FobKIQpsrYcVA935b3zRduhOs4KUhy237FPAw3BJ1C4k6m9vX7qCNOkx6ErQzem9dlPQAmMwtNzirkIN8eDzNnvInjpKFZYq6QqFYhE3hCmd/s1600/IMG_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HQAJ2ZiCdcU18s7bN-zBSZIb7qTdWUb0FobKIQpsrYcVA935b3zRduhOs4KUhy237FPAw3BJ1C4k6m9vX7qCNOkx6ErQzem9dlPQAmMwtNzirkIN8eDzNnvInjpKFZYq6QqFYhE3hCmd/s200/IMG_0013.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px; text-align: center;"><i>Sculptor</i> being readied for the day's<br />
filming (image © Kathryn Dodington)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh907eESq4kuhPOKsH52mR6j7LXUorWmncCPRtbZu3kiep8Pu5pzH-pJA0aEpSC3qWLB_ybndG7cgHc2yxQHvuhIm8AhaU7r9BmEyxoaq3vmEUVu2PypBCSKWpwqZK_N_qeV2W2pR-6EZah/s1600/IMG_2428.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh907eESq4kuhPOKsH52mR6j7LXUorWmncCPRtbZu3kiep8Pu5pzH-pJA0aEpSC3qWLB_ybndG7cgHc2yxQHvuhIm8AhaU7r9BmEyxoaq3vmEUVu2PypBCSKWpwqZK_N_qeV2W2pR-6EZah/s200/IMG_2428.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px; text-align: center;"><i>Sculptor</i> approaching Lock 15<br />
(image © BBC)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzXJeDB11ro5JpzSBd28s1Qijz6Ps7A4mz8d23o9JwdulUy8boGxXTKxUIjCGuEgckV9i5hopi-NympfLtS87gVC1BCGPGR1qZ8p6LWpiU_9T22kuLA10-ZC9bgxfdFLG2KkciURg43CJt/s1600/IMG_2424+%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzXJeDB11ro5JpzSBd28s1Qijz6Ps7A4mz8d23o9JwdulUy8boGxXTKxUIjCGuEgckV9i5hopi-NympfLtS87gVC1BCGPGR1qZ8p6LWpiU_9T22kuLA10-ZC9bgxfdFLG2KkciURg43CJt/s200/IMG_2424+%25281%2529.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px; text-align: center;">Filming underway at Lock 14<br />
(image © BBC)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8Ck4O7aNzGkCmceMMdcAdESiPBCJPp-zSaQ5_h6Gs9rpauP5ImJOE3ftg-OyzNZ68uIc1UgkC_MJ10ESMEnbaJDpvb_eYpVi7y1MPdAZOWrAZoAhOAU15KL6i9HmkZMDr8dHwd18kOV4/s1600/IMG_2439.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8Ck4O7aNzGkCmceMMdcAdESiPBCJPp-zSaQ5_h6Gs9rpauP5ImJOE3ftg-OyzNZ68uIc1UgkC_MJ10ESMEnbaJDpvb_eYpVi7y1MPdAZOWrAZoAhOAU15KL6i9HmkZMDr8dHwd18kOV4/s200/IMG_2439.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px; text-align: center;">The fix crew (L to R Ian (sound),<br />
Steve (camera) and Simon (director))<br />
(image © BBC)</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh9XHrzgcyu5DTzNWsdKGEwKfE8yVKBLIY_fnSiNv65TXJYAPEDSPoJGqaazD3znP2DzhBhfpwq898e_l2xwpT0cwSd_HV9FiOz9OhQm8udEv7Nz3G-Cn-sGbwEC0lgjIXtWuEkvLPO4Mj/s1600/IMG_2446.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh9XHrzgcyu5DTzNWsdKGEwKfE8yVKBLIY_fnSiNv65TXJYAPEDSPoJGqaazD3znP2DzhBhfpwq898e_l2xwpT0cwSd_HV9FiOz9OhQm8udEv7Nz3G-Cn-sGbwEC0lgjIXtWuEkvLPO4Mj/s200/IMG_2446.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px; text-align: center;">BBC CountryFile presenter Ellie<br />
Harrison with Kate Saffin and<br />
Heather Wastie (image © BBC)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigZJCTIrACY7QfouIEEyzybt7_xr-tFnuzjOARQpB2yQJOYOvypODcQVzragTZ7xkJo5hZaadJ7VXYk68h8B_qvaFools5wJq2OfhXk1_uF2HS_QRDjLfbFBk-wSUk-_akA9v8hdIg128P/s1600/IMG_2451.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigZJCTIrACY7QfouIEEyzybt7_xr-tFnuzjOARQpB2yQJOYOvypODcQVzragTZ7xkJo5hZaadJ7VXYk68h8B_qvaFools5wJq2OfhXk1_uF2HS_QRDjLfbFBk-wSUk-_akA9v8hdIg128P/s200/IMG_2451.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px; text-align: center;">Ellie Harrison and Kathryn Dodington<br />
on the counter of <i>Sculptor</i> just below<br />
Lock 15 (image © BBC)<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069913581588784902.post-34692097191594365712017-01-27T13:16:00.003+00:002017-01-27T13:20:47.167+00:00Sculptor work day 27-January-2017<div style="text-align: justify;">
A mid-winter work party on a Friday to lift the shutts and sweep out the hold of <i>Sculptor</i>. The cloths have done a good job of keeping things so much dryer than previously although there was some condensation and one or two of the shutts looked quite damp. They will air well where they are now. The little 'holes' that go through the keelson were cleaned out as best as possible.</div>
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Volunteer hours 20 (20 to date for 2017)</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069913581588784902.post-3285472725997878582015-12-27T08:53:00.000+00:002015-12-27T08:53:03.656+00:00Whilst I was away<div style="text-align: justify;">
I (Kathryn) have sadly been away in Northampton General Hospital (NGH) having a broken right hip (broken 6-November) put back together but was allowed home on 23-December. However <i>Sculptor </i>has continued to be looked after and used.</div>
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We did manage to cover <i>Sculptor's</i> 80th birthday - to that end next year's Braunston Historic Weekend is dedicated to Grand Union boats because all those that remain are either over 80 or will attain the age of 80 by the middle of 2017 - the huge increase in boats was between 1935 and 1937.</div>
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<i>Sculptor</i> took part in the Friends of The Canal Museum Illuminated Boats and carols event on 12-December - it was a really lovely event (as in fact it always is).</div>
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There have been a couple of occasions when <i>Sculptor</i> has had to be taken down to either the A508 or, as she was recently, to the River Tove (the River Tove joins the canal just below Stoke Bruerne bottom lock) in order to have her facing north when outside The Canal Museum which is the preferred position as it means the Museum staff can see her cabin and doors easily. Also it is very easy to wind her at the winding hole just short of the tunnel if we are going south but if she is facing south and we want to go north it is quite a job to wind at the A508 or reverse her up to the winding hole.</div>
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I am sure there will be some updates to this post as I am only updating it from memory of what I have been told happened during my enforced stay in NGH.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069913581588784902.post-23269405196453360092015-11-28T06:29:00.004+00:002015-11-29T16:56:43.479+00:0080 today<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gX8wM2NZdNBO_T_hFTjtb9ZSdSXVgwnczjmhvvVb-9SklpWrhAG66vQcraku-AQ_nARozerfR0rMdNbyB3Ip8zN-D1-w9cBrCrs-lITEiaPsMIrI3wxlhaG1dwIz9yufqM2BS-ZZTw8/s1600/DILGFMA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gX8wM2NZdNBO_T_hFTjtb9ZSdSXVgwnczjmhvvVb-9SklpWrhAG66vQcraku-AQ_nARozerfR0rMdNbyB3Ip8zN-D1-w9cBrCrs-lITEiaPsMIrI3wxlhaG1dwIz9yufqM2BS-ZZTw8/s320/DILGFMA.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sculptor's</i> banner to celebrate 80 - Photo: Lynda Payton</td></tr>
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It was on 28-November-1935 that <i>Sculptor</i> was delivered, in her Blue/Blue livery, to the Grand Union Canal Carrying Company Ltd from WJ Yarwood's yard at Northwich. There is to be a bit of a celebration today in Stoke Bruerne to mark the occasion. Happy birthday old girl and here's to another 80 years.<br />
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<i>Sculptor's</i> banner says:<br />
<ul>
<li>Don't I look good for my age?</li>
<li>I was conceived on 29-December -1934 (the date she was ordered)</li>
<li>I was delivered on 28-November-1935</li>
<li>I am owned by the Canal & River Trust and looked after by volunteers from The Friends of The Canal Museum</li>
<li>I used to carry cargo for the Grand Union Canal Carrying Co and was a Fire Boat during World War 2</li>
<li>I helped maintain the Shropshire Union Canal for many years and came to Stoke Bruerne in 1986 as an example of a Small Northwich working boat</li>
</ul>
Our thanks to Sarah Brown of CRT for facilitating the production of the banner.<br />
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Click <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHskpbke84" target="_blank">here</a> for some images of <i>Sculptor's</i> 80th taken by John Bannister.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069913581588784902.post-2320089647643616482015-10-10T08:19:00.002+01:002015-10-15T09:25:17.850+01:00Another day's work for Sculptor<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxANukFwta1FwGLyMXZWvN1M-TOOT5L4tHz1u77UkqqGxNqfM-hzewLf6eQxZpfSxbGOCSDkGrXNmmDOIioxXJLfsA9h95DPqsEFHKXUeVYwIBT6JmKpHjM9jecS-mwqqCH6PtxOMLv4/s1600/DSC_0359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxANukFwta1FwGLyMXZWvN1M-TOOT5L4tHz1u77UkqqGxNqfM-hzewLf6eQxZpfSxbGOCSDkGrXNmmDOIioxXJLfsA9h95DPqsEFHKXUeVYwIBT6JmKpHjM9jecS-mwqqCH6PtxOMLv4/s200/DSC_0359.JPG" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Wildlife Reserve sign</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4t-QhOoqRWQn_sMpJ1j-LhkJoQHf09HVjpNNxb4H8QoTTgmzMgo8f9Kr9L3WBlbmU8flTFI8BfM4CjhQ_uMzen2EmiJBizi3HgNXy2W8n9IA9jQZHSnEjKVbgVTi0dD0kOCCPEx16PQ/s1600/DSC_0322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4t-QhOoqRWQn_sMpJ1j-LhkJoQHf09HVjpNNxb4H8QoTTgmzMgo8f9Kr9L3WBlbmU8flTFI8BfM4CjhQ_uMzen2EmiJBizi3HgNXy2W8n9IA9jQZHSnEjKVbgVTi0dD0kOCCPEx16PQ/s200/DSC_0322.JPG" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful trip up the<br />
winding hole and back</td></tr>
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Friday was another day's work for <i>Sculptor</i> moving some of the Interpretation Project 'furniture' down to Lock 15 and to the Wildlife Reserve - there was no other possible way of getting it there. Another wonderful autumn day with the now almost expected '<a href="http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/indian-summer.html" target="_blank">Indian Summer</a>'. </div>
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We had to wait a while at the A508 whilst some 'postcrete' was purchased and took advantage of the wonderful weather and gave the hold a second coat of paint in the area Mike and John and put the first coat on last week.<br />
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There's a link to all the images <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHskasjA7E" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069913581588784902.post-4868587492161400022015-10-09T07:53:00.002+01:002015-10-09T07:56:22.689+01:00Sculptor Delivering for the Stoke Bruerne Interpretation Project<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_UhQZGoF37F0N7HeMao3-OW4bwmiBoaOf0aRbcU-qckD2zTvbUHfApW1m0X2WbeUCxsWCvBnRyQ1HmcPkG4Azb1waZumGmSqf1z2Abj1jAgEIfJ4WeN0cTeUDvWH-GKu_5plW1hXWlJg/s1600/DSC_0184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_UhQZGoF37F0N7HeMao3-OW4bwmiBoaOf0aRbcU-qckD2zTvbUHfApW1m0X2WbeUCxsWCvBnRyQ1HmcPkG4Azb1waZumGmSqf1z2Abj1jAgEIfJ4WeN0cTeUDvWH-GKu_5plW1hXWlJg/s200/DSC_0184.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CRT staff and IWA Northampton volunteers<br />working together</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLvSz-70RqaOXJBdWeqBfZ6f8RDRDCKWFFFwZkcSIisyLc8SytUuDKsDvf2DB-jd659dU83pAuMLHuM-p547pMrO5nIu_zo2pF7cUnLkksIR-juWHYw-J1X3fHWT15WLngUn13vDTF0GI/s1600/DSC_0175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLvSz-70RqaOXJBdWeqBfZ6f8RDRDCKWFFFwZkcSIisyLc8SytUuDKsDvf2DB-jd659dU83pAuMLHuM-p547pMrO5nIu_zo2pF7cUnLkksIR-juWHYw-J1X3fHWT15WLngUn13vDTF0GI/s200/DSC_0175.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sculptor</i> waiting in the glorious autumn<br />
sunshine at the southern portal</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Sculptor</i> was used on 8-October (and will be again on 9-October) to deliver the structures for the Stoke bruerne Interpretation Project. We had a great day out with <i>Sculptor</i> on Thursday travelling to the tunnel portal and down to the river Tove and return. It was good to see <i>Sculptor</i> back in her role she held for a number of years as a maintenance boat.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069913581588784902.post-76119595962659350852015-09-08T08:47:00.003+01:002015-09-09T06:50:24.586+01:00Northampton Festival of Water<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_F5wsdR4o0TAlBATIGFPDWSPkhjERXhHc5t_B2M0J9akRHeRzTLdpJFk3L3Dxk2dbRrqRbjph5pE8Fq9c6mcivrJnOlDZ9qasFTa8BFsWfyEaomHUs6r00FgrYtSrmvVyf7ww_CxYf4I/s1600/20150826_114139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_F5wsdR4o0TAlBATIGFPDWSPkhjERXhHc5t_B2M0J9akRHeRzTLdpJFk3L3Dxk2dbRrqRbjph5pE8Fq9c6mcivrJnOlDZ9qasFTa8BFsWfyEaomHUs6r00FgrYtSrmvVyf7ww_CxYf4I/s200/20150826_114139.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sculptor</i> heading down the 200-year-old<br />
Northampton Arm on the way to Northampton</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Northampton Festival of Water was this year's IWA event (next year's will be at Wolverhampton) and on our doorstep. It was therefore our pleasure (after gaining permission from CRT to take <i>Sculptor</i> to Northampton) to assist the IWA Northampton branch in taking 'stuff' from Stoke Bruerne to Northampton and back again whilst enjoying the opportunity to use <i>Sculptor</i> on the river.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm9a5N4Gyl0CPfZbIXU811amMButI8IpGlR5NYtSmsZUOH0cvRP2e6KE1xFtmZwWvH1KitaUWXRKrYq8z0F4VRHON5Nms04dKGvmgVCRVkTTvjf84VBCtDWej1Q3xuykDWoQjdXkooDjI/s1600/20150902_094929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm9a5N4Gyl0CPfZbIXU811amMButI8IpGlR5NYtSmsZUOH0cvRP2e6KE1xFtmZwWvH1KitaUWXRKrYq8z0F4VRHON5Nms04dKGvmgVCRVkTTvjf84VBCtDWej1Q3xuykDWoQjdXkooDjI/s200/20150902_094929.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sculptor</i> alongside at Northampton</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Five intrepid souls set off from Stoke Bruerne on the Wednesday before the event - David Blagrove, Rob Westlake, John Bannister, Mike Gardner and John Wetherell. It is a relatively short trip to Gayton Junction and then down the Northampton Arm (200 years old this year) and on to the river.</div>
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Rob was invited to take part in a boat handling competition (no prizes though) with <i>William</i>, <i>Southern Cross</i> and <i>Bletchley</i> which by all accounts he enjoyed.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The return trip was on Wednesday 2-September and by 16:30 <i>Sculptor</i> was happily back on her moorings in Stoke Bruerne to await Village at War after being expertly reversed from the winding hole (not an easy task) by Rob.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069913581588784902.post-18961262179296745662015-08-08T19:42:00.002+01:002015-08-10T15:25:16.294+01:00Reballasting and painting the hold<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvieIZnykVuq7jA1OlIWFDUOCOz9GOoa0phQkFynTRqkvoAEaWgS-BkssHsouXTRxfBSrrlirbB-jPegwlAwOuozCOM5a1CqfM8aYeFwVsZwGiEiH0lOzSbi3DC34u1S72Qs2VSQ8VVoY/s1600/DSC_1166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvieIZnykVuq7jA1OlIWFDUOCOz9GOoa0phQkFynTRqkvoAEaWgS-BkssHsouXTRxfBSrrlirbB-jPegwlAwOuozCOM5a1CqfM8aYeFwVsZwGiEiH0lOzSbi3DC34u1S72Qs2VSQ8VVoY/s200/DSC_1166.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sculptor </i>bobbing like a cork on an ocean</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was decided that we needed to reballast the boat - in essence getting the two IBC containers out, cleaning out behind and underneath them and then painting the hold sides and the back end bulkhead.</div>
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On Friday we pumped the water out of the two IBCs thanks to Ryan Dimmock on <i>Southern Cross</i> who leant us his 12v pump; then we tipped over five of the seven barrels (only five because we think there is old diesel in the other two), and pumped out that water by way of the bilge pump. <i>Sculptor</i> then bobbed around like a cork on an ocean.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1IsYpi3RA54Jnf4TqK6yWKxmDJg75jx4ady-dk7Wjug-Ea72s1MKLzAqTFqisvKYdaFE2dwtGrOEOieOfKm9X0hNf2B8iQeDACs4Gyo_QsXSSpPnu0t9N0r5FhyphenhyphenvSSAcfMV5IKnAEYk/s1600/DSC_1158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1IsYpi3RA54Jnf4TqK6yWKxmDJg75jx4ady-dk7Wjug-Ea72s1MKLzAqTFqisvKYdaFE2dwtGrOEOieOfKm9X0hNf2B8iQeDACs4Gyo_QsXSSpPnu0t9N0r5FhyphenhyphenvSSAcfMV5IKnAEYk/s200/DSC_1158.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hold sides look good - a second coat<br />
for the back end bulkhead perhaps</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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On Saturday we took the two IBCs out of the hold together with the shutts and cleaned up the hold sides, We then painted them. That took most of the day. We think the back end bulkhead may need another coat but we are pleased with the hold sides.</div>
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Tomorrow (Sunday) the IBCs go back in on a temporary basis as CRT are arranging alternative ballast for <i>Sculptor</i> soon.<br />
<br />
We were surprised how good the iron work was and we noted that the knees were fabricated by <a href="http://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Harts_Hill_Ironworks" target="_blank">Harts Hill Iron Works</a>. There's more information on Harts Hill Iron Works <a href="http://www.blackcountrybugle.co.uk/Remembering-Harts-Hill-Ironworks/story-20336518-detail/story.html" target="_blank">here</a> from the Black Country Bugle.<br />
<br />
<b>Sunday update.</b><br />
<br />
The bulkhead was given a second coat early on and a decision made to give the hold sides a second coat as so much equipment had been removed to gain access and the second coat would only take an hour or so to apply.<br />
<br />
That done dunnage was made (from the redundant picnic tables from the Museum Green - a good bit of recycling) to lift the IBCs half an inch or so for two reasons:<br />
<ul>
<li>To allow air to circulate underneath</li>
<li>To allow the drain valves to be easily accessed</li>
</ul>
The IBCs were refitted, <i>Sculptor</i> moved to the water point on ropes (too risky to move her under her own power with such little ballast) and the 2 IBCs were filled as were two 200L drums which were placed under the catch. <i>Sculptor</i> was then moved, under her own power, back to her usual mooring.<br />
<br />
Volunteer hours 34 (total 962 to date)<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069913581588784902.post-70516450173943505442015-06-30T08:23:00.000+01:002015-07-04T18:53:48.850+01:00Braunston Historic Weekend<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0mBfUQPhELrnG1VUrM9iG_U1Yjj5AYJPxIhFdFRVE4jNCWpyAACD1ORR-CPnfYNlHBUMtEx9Y0SeW0mFqzFAce3xn3KVN-cDRLWLc8SCDLJe2UjYSAAWsmEh_qeMcU9wk5fZLbgmI5M/s1600/DSC_0516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0mBfUQPhELrnG1VUrM9iG_U1Yjj5AYJPxIhFdFRVE4jNCWpyAACD1ORR-CPnfYNlHBUMtEx9Y0SeW0mFqzFAce3xn3KVN-cDRLWLc8SCDLJe2UjYSAAWsmEh_qeMcU9wk5fZLbgmI5M/s200/DSC_0516.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Barge Arm at Braunston just<br />
before the wonderful chaos starts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another great weekend put on by Braunston Marina. We took <i>Sculptor</i> up to Braunston on Friday 26-June leaving Stoke Bruerne at 07:00 - just as well we did as there was a wide beam waiting to come south as we left the tunnel at about 07:35 - they said had we been 20 mins later in leaving Stoke Bruerne we would have been asked to wait until the wide beam was through which would have delayed us until 08:30.</div>
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We arrived at Braunston at about 16:15 and were asked to moor outside <i>Roger</i>. The first <i>Roger</i> we saw was about 30' long so we looked for another <i>Roger </i>which we found but it was inside four other boats. We were then directed to moor in the barge arm which was slightly odd as it was an FMC year but we were happy to spend our time there.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOhhM9G0wM7GA4uHyHG1K0Ui4cSeOEnEuhw54A3Cv3eZ_lsdoIDYPPqq4mom5WQzIwNyW69wwKXJkfypGTGwDlcCk_fQqs1VVQ-tZCfiRplt7S4Y6ohhYV0WC8Wb-eXchns64xVnEjRU/s1600/DSC_0587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOhhM9G0wM7GA4uHyHG1K0Ui4cSeOEnEuhw54A3Cv3eZ_lsdoIDYPPqq4mom5WQzIwNyW69wwKXJkfypGTGwDlcCk_fQqs1VVQ-tZCfiRplt7S4Y6ohhYV0WC8Wb-eXchns64xVnEjRU/s200/DSC_0587.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sculptor</i> and FMC <i>Owl</i> breasted up <br />
entering Buckby top lock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Saturday was a glorious day; we participated in the morning and afternoon 'parades' meeting old and new friends. Sunday was not quite so pleasant with blustery showers in the morning leading on to a more pleasant afternoon. Again we took part in both the morning and afternoon parades.</div>
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It was a special year in memory of Sonia Rolt to whom a plaque was unveiled and also one in memory of the Braunston strike.</div>
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Tim Coghlan very kindly presented the <i>Sculptor</i> team, who were present, with a cheque for £1,000.</div>
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On the Monday <i>Sculptor</i> was returned to Stoke Bruerne in the company of FMC <i>Owl</i>, whom we breasted with up Braunston and down Buckby. A long but very enjoyable day's boating.</div>
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Volunteer hours 88 (total 928 to date)</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069913581588784902.post-23238080100762976622015-06-24T08:51:00.000+01:002015-07-01T13:50:45.691+01:00Stern end, counter repaint<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYngUSJhZ7VaSTxLXP2r0jQcLdarwxUpc8aJev7gVVTN0TuRN4rA_XBgWqjUPjw0ZunLfMGgYTIyD7j3fTcKdtWgjASZUcV1F6jOT4fmB-6cpcmFg2J4jKavugFrxPMenf58iL-Q9vBvs/s1600/DSC_0511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYngUSJhZ7VaSTxLXP2r0jQcLdarwxUpc8aJev7gVVTN0TuRN4rA_XBgWqjUPjw0ZunLfMGgYTIyD7j3fTcKdtWgjASZUcV1F6jOT4fmB-6cpcmFg2J4jKavugFrxPMenf58iL-Q9vBvs/s200/DSC_0511.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No fenders whilst the paint dries</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We've repainted both the counter and the stern end recently as part of the ongoing 'opportunity' (when the weather permits) times to keep <i>Sculptor</i> looking good and in fine fettle for Braunston Historic gathering.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069913581588784902.post-30534497565947211952015-06-20T16:28:00.002+01:002015-06-21T10:02:56.830+01:00Getting ready for Braunston Historic weekend<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYkHQ9GIy-_nyngfvD7MQf3r3jBVA4A-uxa-Vv8hKNELKzJPaH_avWVOHXpsEbhgQQ95eFz3Z_UjviVWJ6jLstgyrsKTU-GOYT08TCaBBt3Vfbdu6luGrPn-LNkbrTO6_ZPjjf80ihSk/s1600/DSC_0504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYkHQ9GIy-_nyngfvD7MQf3r3jBVA4A-uxa-Vv8hKNELKzJPaH_avWVOHXpsEbhgQQ95eFz3Z_UjviVWJ6jLstgyrsKTU-GOYT08TCaBBt3Vfbdu6luGrPn-LNkbrTO6_ZPjjf80ihSk/s200/DSC_0504.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fore end is complete</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVzSmVQQBJ90SXB4eeaPD6Ey4SOYp_zH-4-HJKVbtm8mc24RXAaANEiI6FXLJvkBvI3Tw_HUGP2TCQFgQxJLM7urR1NxWESbM_X0R2rp5mJBZrhVbb6CAyw9vnKHHWjX_IcnuF7MFD64/s1600/DSC_0507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVzSmVQQBJ90SXB4eeaPD6Ey4SOYp_zH-4-HJKVbtm8mc24RXAaANEiI6FXLJvkBvI3Tw_HUGP2TCQFgQxJLM7urR1NxWESbM_X0R2rp5mJBZrhVbb6CAyw9vnKHHWjX_IcnuF7MFD64/s200/DSC_0507.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the fore end</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There's been a bit of painting going on to prepare <i>Sculptor</i> for the forthcoming Braunston Historic weekend. <br />
<br />
That work has not been scheduled for a <i>Sculptor</i> day because of the vagaries of this particular English summer so it's been an 'opportunity' process to grab a good day when we can.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVcqkUwNQ4jTjDP1qzPDI6qiIRzzcNkPeaoIPy1r7hoXKHafnHN1yJWXV0AyQIuMfHmvcmHfIGMafO5wdk_p70pAbRgX9EZ2LH-tVPm5Xozzk1C_qOMxWj7MWDn4ps3KuPQxj39ekfJGQ/s1600/DSC_0508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVcqkUwNQ4jTjDP1qzPDI6qiIRzzcNkPeaoIPy1r7hoXKHafnHN1yJWXV0AyQIuMfHmvcmHfIGMafO5wdk_p70pAbRgX9EZ2LH-tVPm5Xozzk1C_qOMxWj7MWDn4ps3KuPQxj39ekfJGQ/s200/DSC_0508.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pigeon box has been re-glossed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfe_AKRdoBg98iNDbXIuzzP_cIMSM2astS6oljWWUfwmTsvliHlzdDxFg6gS0XcpVym2HNf7kUZKwTaA_c3LBnj-Gy4NQ9HZycaxMeHGR-Lu6ACBpzTsQ0dxSUYom7OvHc5jYJiqrCJYw/s1600/DSC_0509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfe_AKRdoBg98iNDbXIuzzP_cIMSM2astS6oljWWUfwmTsvliHlzdDxFg6gS0XcpVym2HNf7kUZKwTaA_c3LBnj-Gy4NQ9HZycaxMeHGR-Lu6ACBpzTsQ0dxSUYom7OvHc5jYJiqrCJYw/s200/DSC_0509.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stern end has been repainted</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The fore end has now been finished, the pigeon box rubbed down and re-glossed and the stern end painted.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
The fore end white band has been scrubbed and does look a lot better than it did although I am sure it could be better!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Sculptor</i> is off on Friday morning (26-June) and will return to Stoke Bruerne on the afternoon of Monday 29-June all being well.<br />
<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Volunteer hours 14 (total 840 to date)</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069913581588784902.post-16605135682093046352015-06-09T12:16:00.003+01:002015-06-09T12:20:04.577+01:00Some Mason's Midnight blue ..... and an odd way to moor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRSm0BAv-UGJp572SNcu_Ga9L3wxmEDzI86YZZk71j-WV3d_LhuYI6IPvZXbvtYaSVfa077B-5t4ptY2dAfUI8pcHyDZea32tYiertrb6th65St-SsROWXqJ1pyJmIZH2T5h9Y1dpno9E/s1600/DSC_0306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRSm0BAv-UGJp572SNcu_Ga9L3wxmEDzI86YZZk71j-WV3d_LhuYI6IPvZXbvtYaSVfa077B-5t4ptY2dAfUI8pcHyDZea32tYiertrb6th65St-SsROWXqJ1pyJmIZH2T5h9Y1dpno9E/s200/DSC_0306.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The cants on the fore end are now in their appropriate Mason's Midnight Blue colour scheme but we have had to moor <i>Sculptor</i> with a kind of harness round the fore end in order that the paint on the 'T' stud can dry and harden off. It seems she is more than happy to be moored in that way for a short time.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069913581588784902.post-61631288481537349202015-06-05T19:10:00.002+01:002015-06-06T14:47:02.189+01:00Changing the oil<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuG99xtbkil9y-8vEPN4q5wb8PF7KVqsFk9tMq3olF_fgobmI96qYWT19Liya5zmLTmObUWxA18rnOSFzMgi4uf2Iuq4iE9-yAcxq6v9sznl7SNhpRp_yXJDw87WuzcBQszPSFbgdFZzI/s1600/DSC_0302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuG99xtbkil9y-8vEPN4q5wb8PF7KVqsFk9tMq3olF_fgobmI96qYWT19Liya5zmLTmObUWxA18rnOSFzMgi4uf2Iuq4iE9-yAcxq6v9sznl7SNhpRp_yXJDw87WuzcBQszPSFbgdFZzI/s200/DSC_0302.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There had beed a small 'bodge' job<br />
done previously on the oil filter!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today was gearbox, engine and reduction box oil change day.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
No problems with the reduction box once the drain plug was located - EP90 in there.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Draining the gearbox and engine is quite a complex task in that box uses the same oil as the engine and are filled via the same place. The oil filter is a swine to get back on as Mike G will attest to. It leaked a bit when first tested but that was soon resolved. The engine seems to be leak free now but the oil levels are taking some time to stabilise so I'll check the levels in the morning and if they are where we expect them I'll run the engine to allow it to warm up and we'll see if we have any leaks. Thanks to Rob, Mike and Steve for their help.<br />
<br />
<b>Saturday morning update:</b> Levels are fine and there were no obvious static leaks over night and no dynamic leaks when run for 20 mins this morning. Just waiting for the OK to say <i>Sculptor</i> is fully operational again.<br />
<br />
Now that we are at a known base level (having changed the oils etc) I have a spreadsheet that we can record <i>Sculptor's </i>hours on so we will 'know where we are'.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 753px;">
<!--StartFragment-->
<colgroup><col style="width: 65pt;" width="65"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 3285; mso-width-source: userset; width: 77pt;" width="77"></col>
<col style="width: 65pt;" width="65"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 3285; mso-width-source: userset; width: 77pt;" width="77"></col>
<col span="2" style="width: 65pt;" width="65"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 14464; mso-width-source: userset; width: 339pt;" width="339"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="23" style="height: 23.0pt;">
<td class="xl69" colspan="3" height="23" style="height: 23.0pt; mso-ignore: colspan; width: 207pt;" width="207">
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 753px;">
<!--StartFragment-->
<colgroup><col style="width: 65pt;" width="65"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 3285; mso-width-source: userset; width: 77pt;" width="77"></col>
<col style="width: 65pt;" width="65"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 3285; mso-width-source: userset; width: 77pt;" width="77"></col>
<col span="2" style="width: 65pt;" width="65"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 14464; mso-width-source: userset; width: 339pt;" width="339"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="23" style="height: 23.0pt;">
<td class="xl69" colspan="3" height="23" style="height: 23.0pt; mso-ignore: colspan; width: 207pt;" width="207"><span class="font6"><i><b>Sculptor</b></i></span><span class="font5"><b>
hours of use</b></span></td>
<td style="width: 77pt;" width="77"></td>
<td style="width: 65pt;" width="65"></td>
<td style="width: 65pt;" width="65"></td>
<td style="width: 339pt;" width="339"></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;"></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;"></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl67" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">Date</td>
<td class="xl66">From</td>
<td class="xl67">Start Time</td>
<td class="xl67">To</td>
<td class="xl67">End time</td>
<td class="xl67">Hours</td>
<td class="xl67">Notes</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl68" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">05-Jun-15</td>
<td>Stoke Bruerne</td>
<td class="xl63"></td>
<td class="xl63">Stoke Bruerne</td>
<td class="xl63"></td>
<td class="xl63">0</td>
<td>Engine/Gearbox/Reduction box oil changes and engine filter change</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl68" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">06-Jun-15</td>
<td>Stoke Bruerne</td>
<td class="xl64">08:15</td>
<td class="xl65">Stoke Bruerne</td>
<td class="xl64">08:35</td>
<td class="xl64">00:20</td>
<td>Engine run to check for leaks following oil and filter change</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl68" height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">06-Jun-15</td>
<td>Stoke Bruerne</td>
<td class="xl64">14:10</td>
<td>Stoke Bruerne</td>
<td class="xl64">14:35</td>
<td class="xl64">00:25</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<!--EndFragment-->
</tbody></table>
</td><td style="width: 77pt;" width="77"><br /></td><td style="width: 65pt;" width="65"><br /></td><td style="width: 65pt;" width="65"><br /></td><td style="width: 339pt;" width="339"><br /></td></tr>
<!--EndFragment-->
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Volunteer hours 12 (total 826 to date)</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069913581588784902.post-31001340971314232762015-06-04T16:26:00.004+01:002015-06-05T08:38:28.692+01:00A bit more painting ...and polishing....and blacking.... and oiling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5caE1BmhE6XZdyjDPBct6pI587YKWE-5ou2vDRm7Svd5A7ctnlHsU1e4crb6641yEwfiiRIHp_47CnTBbVjmUWmPkwVHZ4Z6zm0O46dPEGDyZSRVLysS9tzukuDPhwlBfKSM0x0I7WY/s1600/IMG_0378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5caE1BmhE6XZdyjDPBct6pI587YKWE-5ou2vDRm7Svd5A7ctnlHsU1e4crb6641yEwfiiRIHp_47CnTBbVjmUWmPkwVHZ4Z6zm0O46dPEGDyZSRVLysS9tzukuDPhwlBfKSM0x0I7WY/s200/IMG_0378.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Quite a bit of work on <i>Sculptor</i> this week mainly the little jobs that we all seem to overlook so in no particular order:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b>Painting:</b> Finishing of the fore end painting (almost). The main part of the repainting of the fore end has been done - with many thanks to Mike Partridge who did run a boat painting business some years ago - it's made all the difference to the fore end. Just the 'half moon' bit to be painted at the rear of each top bend now once the dark red has hardened.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b>Polishing:</b> All the brass has been polished - it will need a bit more from time-to-time but hopefully <i>Sculptor</i> will look on top form the Family Festival and Braunston Historic gathering.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b>Blacking:</b> No not the hull but the Epping stove in the back cabin - looks so much better now. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b>Oiling:</b> In preparation for changing the engine and reduction box oils and the engine oil filter all the consumables have been purchased and we are ready to go on that on Friday of this week. </li>
</ul>
<div>
Volunteer hours 10 (total 814 to date)</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069913581588784902.post-3761106361365168652015-05-28T10:01:00.002+01:002015-05-30T19:59:07.957+01:00A bit of Bank Holiday boating and some painting<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8KqN2ZuE_Ja9c2ShQQ0_MptWCQbitrlk6B5ZQ-Q3Y9CEBMjwyfOnKmabPfu_FvRP7yig-FfkuRT6vEsPU6Z6U4NMFHvs887sBbaSDA8_11bS_ufUmRN1Ix5FnK7tV6aWO4RFuy9nOcUs/s1600/IMG_0368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8KqN2ZuE_Ja9c2ShQQ0_MptWCQbitrlk6B5ZQ-Q3Y9CEBMjwyfOnKmabPfu_FvRP7yig-FfkuRT6vEsPU6Z6U4NMFHvs887sBbaSDA8_11bS_ufUmRN1Ix5FnK7tV6aWO4RFuy9nOcUs/s200/IMG_0368.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mike Partridge undercoating the<br />
fore end bends (Photo: KD)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidoXEQe_HoDT_E0eMb_fJ7sc0UGXZqwO6-BtuGgRRTgjxlr4eH8olkUtD9VniDuvdM365CvnGEzNov6zN7rduzrszwaUL-FpP7OWnt1tXWRGZiEMrQAosCngiKJaYngcizH8659KW3h9E/s1600/DSC_0290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidoXEQe_HoDT_E0eMb_fJ7sc0UGXZqwO6-BtuGgRRTgjxlr4eH8olkUtD9VniDuvdM365CvnGEzNov6zN7rduzrszwaUL-FpP7OWnt1tXWRGZiEMrQAosCngiKJaYngcizH8659KW3h9E/s200/DSC_0290.JPG" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back to Mason's Deep Red<br />
but still some tidying up<br />
to do</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On the Saturday of the Bank Holiday <i>Sculptor</i> was taken down to the A508 and winded. The plan was to leave her facing north outside the museum. On the way down (at Lock 15) we met a gentleman who had been born on the butty <i>Angel</i> and who lives in Deanshanger. He would like to join the <i>Sculptor</i> crew so hopefully we will see him again before too long. It was decided not to moor facing north but rather to visit the winding hole by the tunnel and do a bit of gardening - many thanks to Rob Westlake who clambered around the winding hole and cut back a huge amount of undergrowth - it's not finished yet but will be soon we hope.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Sculptor</i> was taken down to the A508 again on the Monday (no crews available for the Sunday) and a very nice quiet trip it was.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The fore end bends have been glossed in white and now undercoated (kindly by Mike Partridge) in order we can put a top coat of Mason's Deep Red to finish things off. Many thanks to Mike.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Volunteer hours 18 (total 804 to date)</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069913581588784902.post-69689028519931343152015-05-17T08:11:00.002+01:002015-05-17T08:26:41.917+01:00Sculptor Day<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbm3yJ7gWU1c3hqq2uyM6YHl-WVmGjfiaP67TTZ4XrmiHOj0LjvuM74b36Y4vIEcP5HO2Zo6TpGwGPHjVu3fph6lBSayxJ7KUa4m_lOwyqMCXdFSVsWJ94ivnSVg-zApWzNaUuVi5X-WA/s1600/DSC_0194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbm3yJ7gWU1c3hqq2uyM6YHl-WVmGjfiaP67TTZ4XrmiHOj0LjvuM74b36Y4vIEcP5HO2Zo6TpGwGPHjVu3fph6lBSayxJ7KUa4m_lOwyqMCXdFSVsWJ94ivnSVg-zApWzNaUuVi5X-WA/s200/DSC_0194.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sculptor</i> with the top planks up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We enjoyed a <i>Sculptor</i> day on Saturday 16-May.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We had the pleasure of the company of Iain and John from Ellesmere Port. Iain talked about the proposed maintenance schedule for <i>Sculptor</i> in the latter part of 2016 when she will go to Ellesmere Port for ongoing maintenance specifically, but not exclusively, looking at the gunwales along the full length of the boat and the keelson. John is a 'heritage' carpenter who will oversee the work on <i>Sculptor</i> when she is at Ellesmere.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the afternoon the side cloths were rolled back and the top planks raised and some cargo removed. Thanks to all who helped.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Volunteer hours 25 (total 786 to date)</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069913581588784902.post-65544423365950621392015-05-17T08:06:00.001+01:002015-05-17T08:25:41.760+01:00More CAATS Assessments<div style="text-align: justify;">
There was more CAATS assessments carried out on Saturday 9-May with the remaining crews who put themselves forward for assessment enjoying a day going to the top of the Northampton Arm. Everyone who has put themselves forward has now passed the assessment.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Volunteer hours 20 (total 761 to date)</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069913581588784902.post-44013715743176562662015-05-03T10:10:00.003+01:002015-05-03T10:14:11.837+01:00Collecting timber, CAATs assessments and some VIP Passengers<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSE3phVV_OrhxWfNVqcKYEW149T9Nul4A4-VX8INgw3OMgQ-YiT74cMVrxRSQJrzbHFluhGz8NplTpqi9DbMBJOiDIcmiyrqdtv3lJkzYxKoJ2FENCncCyPzaJ2vnUcE0eYzjoDv3ygFI/s1600/DSC_0172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSE3phVV_OrhxWfNVqcKYEW149T9Nul4A4-VX8INgw3OMgQ-YiT74cMVrxRSQJrzbHFluhGz8NplTpqi9DbMBJOiDIcmiyrqdtv3lJkzYxKoJ2FENCncCyPzaJ2vnUcE0eYzjoDv3ygFI/s1600/DSC_0172.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loading the timber for the<br />
interpretation project</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Rolling back the clock a little were were asked to collect the timber for the Stoke Bruerne Interpretation Project recently. That involved going down to wind at the A508, reversing through Lock 18 and coming alongside in Lock 19 in order that the timber (11 pieces of 9x9x60 - inches - of Oak) could be loaded easily. We were amazed that we should arrive at Lock 19 and the same time as the lorry which had come up from Devizes - the timber remains in <i>Sculptor</i> as the best (and probably safest) place to keep it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8mexkOpKR82Ygqx451i6q7axMn2_IOQtwIztlkfWRmM0hZm2dzJUL3JzuFU-L6QxudMS6rhVlJAxRT5a7_2vw_RfCBAMZpQoQ-Jwe4KIcZH4By1alxqZYW0JM2iepXi4fECKqVR1PrU/s1600/20150422_143721_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8mexkOpKR82Ygqx451i6q7axMn2_IOQtwIztlkfWRmM0hZm2dzJUL3JzuFU-L6QxudMS6rhVlJAxRT5a7_2vw_RfCBAMZpQoQ-Jwe4KIcZH4By1alxqZYW0JM2iepXi4fECKqVR1PrU/s1600/20150422_143721_resized.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <i>Sculptor</i> crew with Ben Gordon<br />
and Vicky Martin at the Northern portal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On the same afternoon we had the pleasure of the company of Vicky Martin (the new South East Waterways manager) Ben Gordon (a new trustee for CRT) and Louise from the museum on a trip through the tunnel.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tPPdUSkl6I4dnUw49rqKVU6QgMajCXCAsj2NDQqEoVVNpZb70I5HDpzqMDhj63Qv_iP9Nen03_xRFfpbVYuk8h3q0fKi9f7xPfUzpP6DBXy4GCIlPZfmiWhytg1V7VliCrck953Wv_w/s1600/20150424_102930_resized_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tPPdUSkl6I4dnUw49rqKVU6QgMajCXCAsj2NDQqEoVVNpZb70I5HDpzqMDhj63Qv_iP9Nen03_xRFfpbVYuk8h3q0fKi9f7xPfUzpP6DBXy4GCIlPZfmiWhytg1V7VliCrck953Wv_w/s1600/20150424_102930_resized_1.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading off for CAATs assessment</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Friday heralded CAATs assessments for four of us with Mike Dalzell from CRT. We undertook a couple of pirouettes at the winding hole and then it was off through the tunnel to the top of the Northampton Arm and up and down Lock 1 three times followed by a return to Stoke Bruerne - a long day. We understand we passed.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2-Ow4TbfrpUZT747oTRG2jWmF1xDGfHHoCPvpi20dK0n6ImZWa1eZM_rM3VhBjG2z6Kr3ItTzJKs_pS4-kxwCIT1kj9IVVcDGddTs0Zo2blux69677uUVSU6qt2Yz8-LRVX9SMPUb39c/s1600/17344260762_074cce8f25_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2-Ow4TbfrpUZT747oTRG2jWmF1xDGfHHoCPvpi20dK0n6ImZWa1eZM_rM3VhBjG2z6Kr3ItTzJKs_pS4-kxwCIT1kj9IVVcDGddTs0Zo2blux69677uUVSU6qt2Yz8-LRVX9SMPUb39c/s1600/17344260762_074cce8f25_z.jpg" height="200" width="162" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Richard Parry and Rob Westlake<br />
bringing <i>Sculptor</i> through<br />
Blisworth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2-May was the celebration of 200 years since the Northampton Arm was opened which was celebrated by an event at Gayton Sanitary station. A good do all round put on by the IWA with a number of senior CRT people present including Richard Parry on his return from Canalway Cavalcade in London. There had been some issue with the trains (it is a Bank Holiday weekend) and Richard was keen to delay his return home so we had the pleasure of his company from Gayton to Stoke Bruerne on <i>Sculptor</i>.<br />
<br />
Volunteer hours 38 (total 741 to date)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069913581588784902.post-74694812420731884762015-04-17T17:28:00.001+01:002015-05-03T10:08:44.535+01:00A little bit of lubrication and a bit of fender erection<div style="text-align: justify;">
Steve D came over today with some new seal for the stern gland. It's been dripping away for quite some which has required pumping out about once, sometimes twice, a week. We found one of the studs had a thread-bound nut. That was released with a couple of large scanners and the fitting removed from its housing. Everything was cleaned up and new seal inserted. There doesn't seem to be any water leaving past the seal - we have run <i>Sculptor</i> in gear just to prove things and we'll take another look below the floors again in the morning. We know the way she is loaded at the moment that the bottom of the hole in the rudder should be level with the water so it is any easy check to see if the seal has remained in place.</div>
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I have always been told that the rear fenders should be erect rather than floppy! They are now more erect that they have been for some time.<br />
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Volunteer hours 5 (total 708 to date)</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069913581588784902.post-40713887379039649972015-04-03T14:26:00.001+01:002015-05-03T10:08:23.005+01:00Doris Osborne's Funeral<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhznKnmby3r6mk_8AgqJxLAyPNsZF0s1ZfqZwyE2Svbictl0NEtY0dbr-kNLSYptzpUU7nshp1N3mt4oaE6vt9i_A9XwceFtaMBpgtjqzsocnUm8dep4kKczj68L0dFXhiuv8ES-k8KA/s1600/DSC_0913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhznKnmby3r6mk_8AgqJxLAyPNsZF0s1ZfqZwyE2Svbictl0NEtY0dbr-kNLSYptzpUU7nshp1N3mt4oaE6vt9i_A9XwceFtaMBpgtjqzsocnUm8dep4kKczj68L0dFXhiuv8ES-k8KA/s1600/DSC_0913.JPG" height="132" width="200" /></a></div>
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We were privileged, on 2nd April, to have a very precious cargo, in the form of Doris Osborne's coffin. We carried Doris' coffin from the southern portal of Blisworth Tunnel to the former James' family home at 3 Canalside. Doris was a daughter of Jack James, a boatman and later in life the lock keeper at Stoke Bruerne. Jack started the museum in Stoke Bruerne.</div>
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There is a link <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHsk99ZYMT" target="_blank">here</a> to images taken on the day by Steve Dean:</div>
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There is a link <a href="http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/local/narrowboat-carries-coffin-of-former-northamptonshire-lock-keeper-s-daughter-to-her-funeral-1-6670890" target="_blank">here</a> to images on the Northampton Chronicle website:</div>
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There is a link <a href="http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/local/doris-osborne-s-funeral-1-6670889?ot=johnstonpress.JohnstonPressPageLayoutPP3.ot" target="_blank">here</a> to a report of the funeral on the Northampton Chronicle website:<br />
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An appreciation of Doris' life by her sons Tony and Philip follows:<br />
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<b>Farewell to Doris Osborne (née James)</b><br />
<b>6.5.1928 – 15.3.2015</b><br />
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Doris Osborne who was born on 6th May 1928 arrived in the canalside village of Stoke Bruerne on board a narrow boat and at her family’s request on Thursday 2nd April 2015 arrangements were made for her depart in the same way.<br />
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Doris was the daughter of Jack and Emma James and was born in Reading on board narrow boat ‘Emma’. She was schooled at a convent in Oxford whilst her parents worked boats over a large area. During the Second World War at the age of just 13 she helped the family run the boats <i>Badsey</i> and <i>Balham</i> as her elder brothers had been called up for war service. They often ran from Park Royal in London to Birmingham carrying a variety of loads the most notable of which was Guinness.<br />
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Jack and Emma James had come to know Sister Mary Ward in the course of their regular journeys through Stoke Bruerne and following the hard winter of 1947 they decided to purchase one of the canalside cottages owned by Sister Mary. Now the resident of No.3 Canalside Cottages, Jack decided to apply for the vacant position of Lock Keeper for the seven locks that climb up to the centre of the village. He quickly expanded his official duties and began tidying up the area and regularly won a national competition for the best kept lock. He also collected waterways artefacts and this was to become the foundation of the acclaimed museum in Stoke Bruerne.<br />
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In 1954 Doris married Reginald Osborne a jeweller and pawnbroker based in Regents Square, Northampton. They had three children, Anthony, Philip and Wendy. Doris lived a long and happy life and was involved in many voluntary roles and an active church goer, latterly at St. Peter’s in the village of Weston Favell. Doris was extremely proud of her heritage on the waterways and her family connection with Stoke Bruerne.<br />
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It was to honour and respect her past that she was carried from the southern portal of Blisworth tunnel aboard the narrow boat <i>Sculptor</i> the short distance to the front door of cottage No 3 above top lock. <i>Sculptor</i> was operated by volunteers, David Blagrove MBE, Kathryn Dodington and Rob Westlake with Doris’ sons Anthony and Philip on board. The towpath was lined by members of the family as well as boaters who were moored in the area, all paying their respects to a lady with such strong connections to the waterway network and village of Stoke Bruerne.<br />
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Volunteer hours 6 (total 703 to date)<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069913581588784902.post-12415062438532375242015-02-16T12:07:00.002+00:002015-02-16T12:11:57.387+00:00Blogging again<div style="text-align: justify;">
It’s been a long time since I updated the blog for Sculptor. I am not going to offer any excuses.</div>
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We’ve had a few outings but nothing far afield:</div>
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<li>We undertook some training exercises when Sculptor was fully loaded in order that everyone could experience handling a loaded boat. That was either through the tunnel to Gayton Junction or down to the A508</li>
<li>We took part in the Stoke Bruerne ‘Carols on the cut’ event when Sculptor was illuminated. We’ve been down to the A508.</li>
<li>We’ve went through to Gayton Junction again in late January to practice in advance of CAATs assessments for operating Sculptor only to be thwarted on the Friday because of snow in Northamptonshire</li>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSJQ6m8l5vP_A585TjsEoQGut581Ynnl173xHbIbMFG_iUeEhDvOnQ43TSGcQbWgu6URQmCwST_ugcmydaG5oPqRX4xTFrghWGkScXkZ3LFR9ZGC9nC7lFlUR24-NZfYXiajPxIVZxF4/s1600/DSC_0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSJQ6m8l5vP_A585TjsEoQGut581Ynnl173xHbIbMFG_iUeEhDvOnQ43TSGcQbWgu6URQmCwST_ugcmydaG5oPqRX4xTFrghWGkScXkZ3LFR9ZGC9nC7lFlUR24-NZfYXiajPxIVZxF4/s1600/DSC_0006.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ill-fitting cloths</td></tr>
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The cloths which were ordered for <i>Sculptor</i> in early October and should have been delivered in the same month finally turned up in mid-January for us to find that they didn’t fit at all so will, by 17-February, have been formally rejected. What a shame. <i>Sculptor</i> has stood up well to the winter, which mercifully has been quite dry. The Friends of The Canal Museum have kindly agreed to a budget of £500 for new shutts – we don’t expect to have to use all of that money.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScRRYU05Jl-r1UrP7VYaJQtTl99LIYVzw_6ykxoVwJfEYWsS1MMn2F3gMAKDzDIh3rqgCtkSsGiZubZncY-cWhQIYIrCkJ5eKJeVf755FYgpUUBbO6RfwGYadpNqy-dgRyeIvsr4BcVQ/s1600/DSC_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScRRYU05Jl-r1UrP7VYaJQtTl99LIYVzw_6ykxoVwJfEYWsS1MMn2F3gMAKDzDIh3rqgCtkSsGiZubZncY-cWhQIYIrCkJ5eKJeVf755FYgpUUBbO6RfwGYadpNqy-dgRyeIvsr4BcVQ/s1600/DSC_0001.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></div>
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Bill Mann has refurbished the throttle quadrant (fitted by Bill and Richard) and the back cabin tidied up by Phil and Kathryn; all the doors and cupboards left slightly open in order they can breathe.</div>
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Engine hours since the last blog 50</div>
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Volunteer hours since the last blog 150 (total 697 to date)</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069913581588784902.post-86271483481610770582014-10-16T17:22:00.001+01:002014-10-16T17:23:28.205+01:00An unexpected trip<div style="text-align: justify;">
15-October was the South East Waterways Partnership AGM. BBC Look East were in attendance but it was decided that the filming they wished to undertake would be better done elsewhere and Stoke Bruerne, with a cameo appearance by <i>Sculptor</i>, was in order.</div>
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We took <i>Sculptor</i> back to the lock waiting area and then up to the winding hole where David B turned her and then back to her moorings (which is why she is facing towards the lock now). The BBC have promised us the final cut before they go home - they are editing the filming in then car park and I'll post it here when I can.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069913581588784902.post-57707979775236688572014-10-06T11:49:00.000+01:002014-10-08T19:25:43.658+01:0015 tons of coal and 2 tons of water (ballast!)<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNiYQADHqeOb5gAJatv0xbrqUCq9Bd3XCQX9Bo_qnK-MmuTHxIh_Db6ga58lRiLUXtdceCRRcxAEarZXnASpcKnWEZ1pNSdm7bYbhWNvs5J279Z5SZvWazs5YaCAxJdYM0HYCJ9vqqRo/s1600/DSC_0446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNiYQADHqeOb5gAJatv0xbrqUCq9Bd3XCQX9Bo_qnK-MmuTHxIh_Db6ga58lRiLUXtdceCRRcxAEarZXnASpcKnWEZ1pNSdm7bYbhWNvs5J279Z5SZvWazs5YaCAxJdYM0HYCJ9vqqRo/s1600/DSC_0446.JPG" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sculptor</i> approaching Braunston<br />
bottom lock with only 2 tons of<br />
water ballast by the back end boards</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqa0vBgaepzFBl5reURpXYgP7q_0-8wWx_gADfyndHJCmkQwMpJ9hxAM1tQUUGzfA7JPLl0jTrRTjX6507oCGUcp3hLr66h0CcaGstQCQRKzHxv28YHSbAGH-hfxtNbE2br-gF2T0rPk/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqa0vBgaepzFBl5reURpXYgP7q_0-8wWx_gADfyndHJCmkQwMpJ9hxAM1tQUUGzfA7JPLl0jTrRTjX6507oCGUcp3hLr66h0CcaGstQCQRKzHxv28YHSbAGH-hfxtNbE2br-gF2T0rPk/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sculptor</i> sitting comfortably on her<br />
mooring with her 15 tons of coal and<br />
2 tons of water ballast</td></tr>
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The intrepid three (Steve, Rob and Kathryn) met at Lock 19 this morning and waited whilst Julia and Richard (<i>Towcester</i>, <i>Lactodorum </i>and <i>Bideford</i>) loaded <i>Sculptor</i> and then brought her back to Stoke Bruerne in the pouring rain. She's now sitting comfortably alongside her usual moorings with a lot less dryside.<br />
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The fore-end is now at the right height to finish the repaint which we will be undertaken just as soon as the weather allows!<br />
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An update to thank Steve Dean for fixing the new fore-end bilge pump. When we were loading the coal Richard (of Jules and Richard) moved a piece of wood which neatly took the head off the outlet of the new pump - a complete accident. Steve took it home and expertly repaired it and it now is 'better than new'! At the moment we don't need it as <i>Sculptor</i> is down by the stern (every so slightly) but if she ends up lying slightly down by the head we will need it.<br />
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New cloths are scheduled for this weekend.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069913581588784902.post-58459499254799512552014-10-04T18:38:00.003+01:002014-10-04T18:41:38.550+01:00The first time since 1988<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMNXnguMv64UxTIOelMtGGs1BwCmcrzWQ4zA7SOX1XSQKRXJBSp9oRTz647b-ufrrbyv4IQsLHJIk88thOadDeOfAPNv-vC0O4bSQgKOIKwdNOwabYQnZZzvRW4OfUMWA8mrW4P5tquSw/s1600/DSC_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMNXnguMv64UxTIOelMtGGs1BwCmcrzWQ4zA7SOX1XSQKRXJBSp9oRTz647b-ufrrbyv4IQsLHJIk88thOadDeOfAPNv-vC0O4bSQgKOIKwdNOwabYQnZZzvRW4OfUMWA8mrW4P5tquSw/s1600/DSC_0004.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alex, Steve and Ryan<br />
loading <i>Sculptor</i></td></tr>
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Sculptor was partially loaded this afternoon - the job will be finished on Monday. It's the first time she has been loaded since 1988 and even though she only has a small amount of her planned load on at the moment she looks so much more 'business-like'.</div>
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This afternoon, Rob, Steve and Kathryn took the shutts up and cleaned out underneath them in preparation for the coal to be loaded - we won't be able to get at the shutts for a while.</div>
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The image to the left shows Alex, Steve and Ryan loading <i>Sculptor</i> from <i>Bideford</i> with <i>Southern Cross</i> in the background (alongside <i>Charlie</i>).<br />
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Images from this afternoon are <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHsk4JYFm3" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Volunteer hours 15 (total 547 to date).</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069913581588784902.post-44188797683360755392014-09-29T21:04:00.000+01:002014-09-30T06:38:36.610+01:00Return to Stoke Bruerne<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWp6_MqQEIbGttda6zgaSOAet2c4ofKoYtyuYtwnZH6RUXBNjBSlwjbEATe_i9XQR9CKle09kyI874SBOv_t17uDUvl8Xey6IhKgwB-7IxLdfFDG_Ue1iZvrFfXv3tDl3vm-p90MyVrZk/s1600/DSC_0012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWp6_MqQEIbGttda6zgaSOAet2c4ofKoYtyuYtwnZH6RUXBNjBSlwjbEATe_i9XQR9CKle09kyI874SBOv_t17uDUvl8Xey6IhKgwB-7IxLdfFDG_Ue1iZvrFfXv3tDl3vm-p90MyVrZk/s1600/DSC_0012.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flooding the dry dock</td></tr>
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Apologies but I didn't take many photos today - some more may be forthcoming from either Rob or Steve in the next few days.</div>
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<i>Sculptor</i> is now back in Stoke Bruerne after an 8 hour trip from Braunston.</div>
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We had the opportunity to thank Tim Coghlan for his hospitality before we left at 09:30. We were gongoozled by Julia and Richard (<i>Towcester</i>, <i>Bideford</i> and <i>Lactodorum</i>) as <i>Towcester</i> was in dry dock at Union Canal Carriers.</div>
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There's still a little work to do but mainly some gloss paint and the like.<br />
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Link to images of refloating <i>Sculptor</i> are <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHsk3S5Zp6" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0