David Blagrove being congratulated on his MBE by Richard Parry, CRT Chief Executive
David making a short speech of thanks
It must be rare for the recipient of an honour to be congratulated on the day of the official announcement at a public event right outside his own house ( well just across the canal).
I was at the Festival taking heritage interpretation tours around the locks with a fellow volunteer. The weather was sunny but we didn't avoid getting wet. For a Saturday there was a a good attendance. Between walks I had a chance meeting with Adam and Adrian from NB Briar Rose and had a chat about boat painting.
Ryan Dimmock with Southern Cross and butty at Stoke Top Lock
(note the flag flying!)
For a "family-fun" event, and not a boat gathering, the display of working boats was very good. Among the boats there was the butty Ilford complete with a load of bulk coal and a lock-wheeling bike. I liked the washing although I suspect it would have got wet. I gather the coal came from along the Ashby Canal as part of the launch of a new restoration project. The last time we saw Ilford she was crossing Tixall Wide.
Butty Ilford and Motor Aquarius complete with bulk coal, washing and bike
Working boat Owl was there with its magnificent Kelvin slowly turning over at tick-over.
A gleaming Kelvin motor
There was also quite a lot of interest in the model boats that were racing around outside the museum. They do look realistic!
High-speed lifeboat at Stoke Bruerne
(model of course)
