Narrow Boat Albert: Stoke Bruerne Gala

Stoke Bruerne Gala

Back in 2005 Stoke Bruerne celebrated 200 years of the Blisworth Tunnel. Over the subsequent 6 years (is it really that long ago!) the village has held a boating event in June that gathers interest in the museum. This has now become an annual event and is organised by the Friends of the Canal Museum. Coming shortly before the Braunston Historic Boat Show this usually means that a lot of historic working boats, particularly those working their way north, are available for the weekend.

This year there were more trade boats than before who appeared to be doing good business as the sun was shining. The Fudge and Cheese boats were doing particularly well. Today, Sunday, its raining so I expect trade will be well down. Back Cabin Antiques were in a trade tent with a great selection of ribbon plates, brassware and books; Colin Dundas was demonstrating his signwriting expertise and in the Old Smithy by the entrance to Blisworth Tunnel and Bob Nightingale was demonstrating his blacksmith skills. It appears that Bob will soon moving into the Tug Store close to the tunnel mouth to work.