A Venetian Postcard

In Venetian Marina: Whiskey Mac mainly pale yellow.

Well, I finally moved on board on 1 November, a lovely day.  Most of the boats are in leisure moorings, so it’s much quieter than it might appear.  In the background the Crewe to Chester railway crosses over the Shropshire Union Canal, and I had feared that the trains would be noisy.  As it turns out I don’t really notice them much, except that some cause the TV signal to break up for a second or so.

Waterway and railway. One of the culprits?

On Friday I returned to Walsall on the way to collect my belongings from Extra Storage, at Coppice Side, Brownhills, who have been very helpful.  With the very generous help of my good friend Mick my belongings made it safely on Saturday.  I still have not found places to put everything, but given time …

Boxes of stuff, somewhat incongruous and garish against the traditional wood panelling and stove.

Today I was reminded of those of my ancestors who earned a crust as boatmen as I passed a boat purveying various types of fuel used by boaters.  This is the type of boat they would recognise, though theirs were hauled by horses.

Four Counties Fuels Ltd on the Middlewich Branch.

… And at Venetian Marina.

From Cholmondeston Bridge. Chandlery with flags above the door. Venetian Tea Room on right, but closed Mondays.

Well, that’s about it for now.

More local history and Andrew’s Kindred next time, now that I can get at my source material.