The inclusion of a working narrowboat in my photo is appropriate in that Tom's shot focuses on a pair of Clayton oil boats heading south. The motor "Spey" is seen opposite the junction with the Newport Arm with butty "Ohio" emerging from the bridge on which both us of stood to take our respective photos.Although the scene is instantly recognisable so much has changed. In 1958, apart from Spey and Ohio and some maintenance craft outside the British Waterways yard on the left there is just one craft visible - a pleasure cruiser that appears to be a converted lifeboat or similar. Apart from these there are no other boats in sight!
Also absent in 1958 were the willow trees at the junction and the sanitary station behind them, whilst the line of telegraph poles that once ran the whole length of the Shroppie were still strung out along the towpath.
I don't remember the cut in 1958. My first memories are from the late sixties, by which time narrowboat carrying was almost over and the pleasure boating boom yet to begin. The cut had a melancholic air in those days and seemed a place of decline, dreaming of past glories. I must admit that it was this atmosphere that attracted me in the first place, but it was never sustainable and had development and rebirth not followed I don't think there would have been much of the network left today. All the same, if I was now discovering the waterways for the first time I wonder if they would still entrance me as they then did.
4 comments:
A note about your site, I enjoy reading it but noticed the clock gives the time of the reader. I'm in New England (-5hours) and it read my time. Just thought you'd want to know. PS I'm using Firefox, but that shouldn't matter.(Doesn't on other sites.) Keep writing, and thanks.
Bill,
Its beyond me, I'm afraid, My interest is in canals, not computers!
Glad to hear you enjoy the site.
Jim
I know what you mean, my memories start in the late 60's and I even have some photos from th era, which I will post just as soon as I get them converted from transparency! Whilst things are sanitised at the core of the system I find the melancholic nature of the waterways till exist in the more obscure corners - such as the South Pennine Ring, the BCN or the Fens. They are different and have evolved but I think that they are still capable of captivating the imagination and transporting you to a quieter place.
Capt Ahab
Your photo was about 6 wks too soon, as Spey was moored up there early July, again heading South. If your quick you may get her coming North in the next week or so, last seen tied up at Brewood.
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