Cardmeet 1998: Hayes/Grand Union Canal . . . by Kerstin Fletcher
On Friday 5th June 1998 we gathered at the Travel Inn, Hayes, the base for this year's Cardmeet. Lavish food and conviviality were enjoyed at the adjoining "The Grapes" Beefeater restaurant for the next two days.
Saturday morning dawned warm and sunny and the AGM in Ian and Jo Wilson's garden was off to a good start. Cards were swapped and acquaintances formed. We heard that the Society's finances were in reassuringly good order - and all officers who stood for re-election were unanimously confirmed in their positions.
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Members of the Circle
during the AGM in Ian and Jo Wilson's garden.
The empty chair is Ken's; he took the photograph of us all. |
Following the AGM we made our way down to Willowtree Marina where we had lunch before joining the trip boat "Wind in the Willows" for a 2-hour trip along the Paddington Arm of the Grand Union Canal. The Arm was very quiet and we met no other craft, however the bird life - including grey herons, terns, young moorhens and coots and even a kingfisher for those who looked quickly enough - made up for it. A knowledgeable running commentary pointed us to various sites of historical interest including the canal entrance to the old Lyons factory. The basin was still there and visible as we passed, sadly devoid of boats.
The day ended with a car trip to Three Bridges and the Hanwell flight of locks. Three Bridges is unique in that three modes of transport intersect here in the same spot: the Grand Union Canal, the road above it, and the railway below. The Hanwell flight offers a fascinating canalscape including various designs of lockkeepers' cottages, side ponds, horse ramps, and the recognizable arch (now bricked up) that used to provide canal access to the former St. Bernard's Asylum
On Sunday we joined a coach which took us to Denham Country Park for a short walk to Denham Deep Lock; we watched a boat passing through as we arrived, and several working boats were moored nearby. We carried on by coach to Copper Mill Lock where we enjoyed lunch in the adjacent pub, The Fisheries, obviously popular for its picturesque location surrounded by water - the River Colne as well as the canal.
Our final visit was to Rickmansworth where we saw restoration progressing on historic wooden narrowboat Roger, enjoyed the canalscape, and stocked up on new cards at Batchworth Lock Centre.
[Webmaster's note: See the commemorative postcard of the Roger restoration.]
In all, a most enjoyable weekend during which everyone learned more about canal history and architecture, and a pleasant social occasion. Many members don't know what they are missing by not attending a Cardmeet, and perhaps we will see more people attending at York next year? I am certainly looking forward to that one.
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Members of the Circle
at the Hanwell Flight of locks on the Grand Union Canal on 6th June
1998.
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The Batchworth lock on the Grand Union,
June 7th 1998. David Clough is standing by the further lock beam.
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Return to 1998 Table of Contents
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Originally built in 1936 by Bushell Brothers of Tring, Roger is now being rebuilt on the banks of the Grand Union Canal at Batchworth Lock, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire. For information telephone Batchworth Lock Canal Centre on 01923 77 8382. Advisory: you may wish to check this number before calling. |