Stoke Bruerne Village at War

We visited the annual Village at War Event at Stoke Bruerne today. Lots of crowds a and plenty of re-enactors dressed the part. Working boats Nuffield and Raymond were moving up and down the locks and Sculptor, the Canal Museum's boat was also on the move.

"Walking-out" with a bobby - 1940s style

We met up with Norman Mitchell who used to more at Kingfisher Marina and had a chat. Norman was doing the commentary. He is well versed at commentating after doing the same for many years at Braunston.

Nuffield & Raymond descending Stoke Bruerne Locks

Sculptor approaching her mooring

The trip boat Charley was suitable dressed-up as a warship and the crew dressed as sailors. I liked the bit of plastic plumbing acting as a periscope.

Trip boat Charley disguised as HMS Charley

The Cheese Boat is usually found around Stoke Bruerne. They entered the spirit of the event by suggesting that their products were illicit!

Black-market Cheese Boat

Bob Nightingale, the blacksmith who operates from the forge by the tunnel portal without the benefit of mains electricity, suggested that this is because of hostilities! 

Blacksmith at Blisworth Tunnel Southern Portal

Motor Ling

NB Ling was at Stoke on behalf of the Chesterfield Canal Trust laden with bags of sand and looking very smart with gleaming brass and paintwork. We recently saw her moored up at Shugborough.