 Andy Craven Cruising Commodore Mystery Cruise to Tixall Wides
September 19th and 20th saw eight boats congregate at Tixall Wides for a glorious weekend. Saturday night we bbq'd followed by strawberries and cream, Irish coffee and finally mulled wine. The evening was spent around a lovely bonfire having a good natter and laugh. Sunday morning 6 boats took part in the boat handling competition which was organised and judged by last years winner Dave Mills. The results will be announced at the Annual Dinner presentation night on December 5th.
Thanks to everyone who came and made it a great weekend.
23rd May to 31st May inclusive
This year the cruise was to Birmingham via Coven, Wolverhampton and Tipton. We have now returned and below is a little of what we got up to. Stafford Boat Club Cruise 2009
Saturday 23rd May ten boats joined up together at Calf Heath Marina where we all went for a very pleasant meal followed by evening entertainment.
Sunday 24th we all cruised to Tipton having gone up the Wolverhampton 21 in glorious sunshine. We all went to Mad O’Rourke’s world famous Pie Factory for a meal. We all got together on the tow path afterwards for a few drinks and a few laughs.
Monday 25th eight boats went into the Black Country Museum and the other two continued onto Gas Street Basin. We had a great time in the museum and some went on the tour through the old tunnels where Sam and Jake actually legged the boat full of visitors through part of the tunnels. The eight boats then continued to Gas Street Basin and joined up with the others who had secured us very nice moorings in a little arm by the James Brindley pub.
Tuesday 26th India continued on to Drayton Manor Park to give the youngsters a great day out. The rest of us had a day in Birmingham and another night in our very nice quiet moorings.
Wednesday 27th we left Gas Street Basin to go down Farmers Bridge locks and Aston Locks and onto Curdworth where we moored up for the night.
Thursday 28th we all cruised onto Hopwas where we met up with India again. Some went out for a meal and afterwards we all joined up for another session of towpathing. We were all introduced to a new game provided by Vic. Most of us had a go at “Wally Ball” and most of us may never try it again! Sam Jake and Josh were by far the best at it.
Friday 29th we all left Hopwas and headed for Fradley Junction where we all managed to moor below Woodend lock. Again the weather was beautiful. We bbq’d in the evening and then all sat round the fire pit for a little bit moor towpathing and drinks. All the boats handed in their 4 quiz entries for marking.
Saturday 30th we all cruised to Wolseley Bridges. All the scarecrow competition entries were handed in as well as the treasure hunt entries. Pat Walker and Pam Argyle along with Ken and John came to join us and kindly judged all the entries.
Junior section Scarecrow was won by Jake, 2nd Sam 3rd Josh
Treasure hunt won by Sam joint 2nd Josh and Jake
Quiz won by Jake 2nd Sam 3rd Josh
Senior section Scarecrow was won by K’Ainsworth 2nd Andante 3rd Bear Necessity
Treasure hunt won by Festina Lente 2nd K’Ainsworth 3rd Discovery
Quiz won by Festina Lente 2nd K’Ainsworth 3rd Mr Badger
We all went to the pub for a meal and then returned to the towpath for presentation of prizes and distribution of cruise plaques, followed by a last night of towpathing around the fire pit.
Andy was presented with a very nice bottle of malt whisky and Irene with a beautiful bouquet from all the “cruisers” both of which were very much appreciated.
Sunday 31st those who had to return to the Boat Club left, but some lucky boaters managed to enjoy another few days of glorious sunshine before returning to their moorings.
We all had a really good week.
ANDY CRAVEN Cruising Commodore |