Just a few images and a video link or so to a bit of time on the Calder and Hebble and Aire and Calder navigations in early September
One of two working barges, Farndale-H, carrying sand from Hull to Leeds. Originally used to carry oil they have been converted for carrying aggregates. It is really good to see working boats back on the river and canal again. Some interesting reports on the web, this is one - LINK to Humber Barges
Sometimes there was good sunset but this is more of a twilight.
The second barge, Fusedale-H with a load of sand for Leeds. I was told it is not fully laden as a previous full one grounded on the way. I suppose things have silted up with the long absence of working boats of this draft.
Fusedale-H having left Bulholme Lock. The telephoto lens doesn't illustrate the length of the craft
About to pass under Castleford Cut bridge.
Looking back, downstream, from Castleford Cut bridge.
That broad beam has been under construction in the congested boatyard for a long time. I wonder how they get all the rust off for painting. Grit blast it I suppose.
Not sure what this is with the bike and life buoy.
On sees old broad beam barge type vessels about.
Glad they have survived. Rarely ever see one move though.
There are 'facilities' on the canal system. This is a shower showing the cleaner end at the time. I have to say the shower was not representative of some of the rest of the washroom etc I think it could have done with a good power-washing if nothing else, but the water was hot and it worked OK
This is, I suppose, the soap dish.
Herons have their territory
This is the barrage for the weir beyond, of the short river section below Shepley Bridge Marina and above Greenwood Cut. It had a mass of waterfowl on it. When I first started boating weirs were unprotected and the glassy calm above appeared seductively inviting.
Shepley Bridge marina.
1623 was a 41.5 foot
Seaplane Tender built by British Power Boats in 1941-4 designed by George
Selman
67 were built. Number ranges 357-366, 441-445,
1500-1519, 1592-1609, 1612-1625
Length 41foot 6 inches, beam 11foot 9 inches,
Max speed 23 knot.
Engines 2 x Perkins S6M 130hp diesel engines.
(Source of info The RAF Air Sea Rescue Service 1918-1986 by Jon Sutherland and Diane Canwell
The boat has been re-engined to calm it down I guess, and belongs to Brian, now gracefully retired from running what used to be a busy and very useful boatyard with a wonderful dry dock, café and other facilities. Mainly used now by the community boats who are based there - Safe Anchor Trust - see link. https://safeanchor.org.uk LINK
In Mirfield there was a good effort beside the canal to make the place attractive
This is one of the two bridges, both dressed on their railings with a wonderful floral display.
Below is a link to YouTube
The video shows Farndale-H, the blue aggregates barge, seen above, locking down and passing out of Lock10, Bulholme Lock on the Aire and Calder on its return to Hull. The video lingers on the bottom gates for a while in anticipation of their opening, so be patient, as I had to be.
Postscript
Colne Valley Beagles and other things of interest - is the title of this blog.
For many years I have taken photographs for general display of the CVB and others. Some have found their way into magazines, some to be used by artists and others on calendars, some sold to raise funds for the CVB etc. One became second in its category in an international photographic competition, 'Digital Photographer of the Year' - featuring the CVB!
All good things come to an end.
I have been asked to remove two of my latest posts, both of social events, one of a puppy show, the other featuring beagle racing and a barbecue. In addition I have been requested not to publish any more.
I have complied as there is no point watering the seeds of animosity. So it is time to move on. Life is too short as I discovered recently. The title will have to stay but there is plenty of interest elsewhere and there is much in the history of this blog of other topics, some as a glimpse of a past in the future.
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