Pendeford

Today's Canals - BCN Main Line, Staffs and Worcester, Shropshire Union

It was a better day, weather-wise, to start although cloud gradually covered everywhere and the temperature became chillier.

Even though a boat had come up a few minutes earlier, by the time we went to set the first lock it had dropped to almost half empty.

Dunstall Park Bridge, below Lock 19, is about the only one on this flight to retain a rural, pre-railway and road eras that otherwise dominate the landscape around the flight. This marks a transition away from the largely urban and industrial, sometimes post-industrial, context of the past few days.

Lock 20 is in a quite different style from the rest of the flight having a single bottom gate rather than a pair. This follows the preferred style on most of the BCN. It was not built along with the rest originally, but the bottom lock was exceptionally deep and took a long time to pass through, Hence this new lock was added to help speed up travel. We have not yet discovered when this happened but it is shown on the earliest OS maps available from the second half of the 19C.

And so, we some slight relief, we arrived at Lock 21, the bottom lock, and turned right at Aldersley Junction on the Staffs and Worcs Canal.

Immediately we saw the very distinctive style of bridge name plates on this canal, where most of the bridges were identified by name rather than number. 

We called at Oxley Marine to fill up with diesel (it is always a good price here) We have had several reasons to use their sefrv oces over the years, especially in Take Five and Orph and Phil in particular, Phil had had gone out to find lunch for the team but Orph was installed in front of his office computer! Although, like many of us, now looking his age, he was  chatty and knowledgeable. Good to see him still in charge! One of the 'characters' of the canals.

Soon we arrived at Autherley Junction (just over half a mile rom Aldersley) where no sooner had we made a perfect turn under the junction bridge when we realised that there was a single hander and a cruiser just about to come through the stop lock. So we had to back out - it took him a bit longer as he was reluctant to lift his fenders and he had difficulty passing the bottom gate which would  not open fully. We also struggled a bit when we came through, much to the annoyance of a couple followi ng on down who did not immediately appreciate the issue! Another boat arrived as we were leaving, seemingly intent on pushing his way into the lock ahead of the waiting boat . . . 

The scenery was now rural as we began the long, largely level, Shroppie. We only went a short distance before pulling in to the first official mooring (although it was missing and signage) and re-discovered the delights of the Shroppie Shelf. (The housing on the skyline is  Bilbrook, barely detached from the rest of the Wolverhampton conurbation) We had the rest of the afternoon off!

Between Bridge 4 and our mooring are the remains of a now derelict pair of stop gates. We have still to find out why they were constructed as they appear to be relatively recent. Nothing is indicated on older OS maps and, although there is some indication of a narrows on the CaRT system map, they do not identify any asset here. Further on, stop gates are common as they were deemed important to protect long, often high, embankments but there does not seem such a need at this point. 

2.5 Miles - 6 Locks

Most of Wolverhampton 21

Today's Canal - BCN Main Line

Mike was still very much under the weather this morning whilst Christine is still  not always sure whether her bruises or arthritis are the worse issue! It was touch and go whether we would even move away from the  mooring above the locks. By 11 we decided that, with another washing load on the way, we needed to fill up the water tank. This involved reversing back under Broad Street Bridge where we used all the services.

We were a  bit concerned that we had already had two nights on a 1 day mooring but there was no one else around today. Should we ring CaRT and ask for a special dispensation on medical grounds?

In the end we opted to give it a go, knowing that the first 16 pounds are too short for a sensible overnight stop. By 12.30 we were in the top lock. Going was slow and by the time we stopped for a break just after 2 we had only completed six locks. At this rate we might still be here in a week's time!

However, when we started again we managed to get into a better rhythm and two hours later we had arrived at the top of Lock 17. That felt just a little more like old times but we still adapted our way of working to an easier (less difficult?). Quite a few towpath walkers were more than willing to give a hand.

Although we are just  below one of the railway viaducts that cross the flight, two which Mike used yesterday on the route to Stoke on Trent, it seems reasonably quiet and is one of the few moorable pounds.

Working the locks took all of our available energy so few meaningful pix - in any case it would just have been one lock after another and, apart from the road bridges, there is little variation. We did, however, spot a brick maker that we have not seen before. James Whitehouse made blue bricks in Blomfield, Tipton (not far from Tipton Factory Junction) during the second part of the 19C.

1.5 Miles - 16 Locks

Weed Hatch Problem - Fixed

 It was not our inattention when we awoke but we ended up not moving from our overnight mooring. We were expecting to be a little late in leaving as Mike had a medical appointment by phone at 9. Events conspired that meant that his missed this call and when he contacted the hospital was advised that they would call again later in the day.

Mike then took the opportunity to research what might be done about the weed hatch plate. (NB the ab ove were taken after the replacement was installed!) A day or so ago we discovered that the bolt that secures the plate in place had worn so much that it was no longer effective. It is not intended to make a seal (unlike the more conventional weed hatches that have an upstand in the engine bay) but provides a smoother flow for the water into the propellor. The main problem when it is not firmly held in place is that the turbulence around the prop cause the place to vibrate and cause a worrying noise.

Mike first called Jonathan Wilson, one of the then partners in the business that manufactured the hull for Stem to Stern (who fitted out the boat for us) He was very helpful and offered to repair it if we could get it to them in Sheffield. But discussing the logistics he then suggested that we might call Tim Tyler (the other half of the then business - they now operate independently) which is based in Stoke on Trent. 

A call to Tim was even more helpful and he said that he could deal with it today - but we still needed get the plate to him.Mike realised that taking a train from here to Stoke was the best option for some time and Tim offered to pick Mike up from Stoke station!

The plate is quite heavy but Mike was determined to resolve the issue and Christine offered one of our large shopping bags to help carrying easier. Around 10:45 he set off and caught a train at 11:19 Arriving half an hour later, Tim was just drawing up outside and a short while later we were in their factory unit. Tim and one of his staff measured up and found that a new unit they had in stock was a sufficiently close fit! Back to the station.

A return train was due in  10 minutes (enough time to pick up a sandwich) - it is an hourly service to Wolverhampton and the short walk back to the boat. The new part was fitted and all done and dusted just three hours after setting out!

All congratulations to Tim Tyler for about the best customer support we have ever experienced (actually on a par with one we had a few years back with a trouser press!) So, thanks hugely to them for helping us and we can certainly add to their already strong reputation.

Wolverhampton

Today's Canal - Birmingham Main Line

Today was dry but very overcast and the wind was still fairly strong. Sunny spells were alasall too rare. Hence, photos are all rather unspectacular!

This is the shopping trolley we spotted last night. We took care not to reverse over it when moving away from our overnight mooring!

We only aimed to get as far as the top of the 21 locks today so were in no hurry to leave. It was 10:30 by the time we eventually untied.

Just before the junction with the Old Main Line there is a narrow section. Older maps show this as a lock, presumably a stop lock to control the flow of water between the original canal companies.

After re-tracing our route from yesterday for the short distance to Tipton Factory Junction, we could look back at the site of our traumatic experience (most of which happened one lock down from this top lock)

Just after the junction is the entrance to what was the factory site that gives the junction and locks their names. Just beyond the access bridge were several basins and extensive railway sidings that allowed transhipments between the adjacent railway and canal boats.

A little further and there is a large former industrial site which we have watched for several years. For a long time little happened but when we passed two years ago (see) a lot of earth moving was being done as initial groundworks were underway in advance of a large housing estate. Today, the building is well advanced and, as usual, started at the far side and is gradually advancing on the more sellable canal-side plots. Let's hope that more attractive railings are installed before anyone moves in.

Someone seems to have discovered the hard way that riding on water is nit usually successful - let's  hope they were able to leap off before landing in the canal!

The land either side (east, west, north an south) of Ten Score Bridge was once the very productive collieries of  Spring Vale. Without old maps to tell the story, it is far from obvious that a canal branch once ran from here right into the middle of them. Later, the ones on the other side were connected to the main rail line  by a branch over the canal.

These narrows at Rough Hills were not a lock but a gauging station where the amount of goods carried was recorded and later charged tolls. Just as this photo was being taken we came to an almost dead stop and so an investigation down the weed hatch was organised. In fact nothing was found on the prop - whatever may have just fallen off but as we then made slow progress for a little while it was probably only that some serious dredging is needed.

Chillington Iro Company built in the early 19C a basin and transhipment yard for transporting the products from their nearby foundries. The company became bankrupt in 1885 and the facility was snapped up by the LNWR but used to transfer goods onto the railway. The crane is a listed building.

We continued into Wolverhampton and paused a short while at Broad Street to fill up the water tank - we had taken a washing machine load out whilst on the way here. Finally, we moved to moor just above the locks, ready for a start down the 21 in the morning, although Mike has a medical appointment, by phone, at 9! (He had received a date early May but at a time when he should be on a zoom-based training session. He rang and was told that they could offer an alternative of 24 Aril or 28 May - you mean tomorrow? Yes, please! It is only a check up) Time n ow for lunch and then we later made a rather unsuccessful trip to Sainsbury. Late afternoon a couple of other boats also moored nearby.

5.9 Miles - 0 Locks

Tipton, Black Country Museum

Today's Canal - Birmingham Main Line, Old Line, Dudley 

forecast, today was continuously wet. For most of the time it was light rain but also rather chilly. Nevertheless, with no locks for some distance, we set off just before 10 with Mike wrapped up as well as he could.

As we arrived at the first entrance to the Soho Loop, where we could see progress on the latest phase in the development of the previously derelict land enclosed by the loop. The work started several years ago on the part furthest from the Main Line.

Most of the development so far has been low rise but this latest block is rather higher. Let's hope that the folk who moved into their homes in the previous section do not mind losing their view of the canal.

Most of the New Main Line was provided with a towpath on either side, adding to the speeding up of traffic along this once busy section. Boats being towed by horse in opposite directions could avoid having to disconnect one of their ropes in order to pass each other. Once side throughout was upgraded to a cycleway some time ago but we now started to see the results of a  very recent project which has given the opposite side the same treatment.

However, it comes to an abrupt end at Smethwick Junction, after which it is very overgrown and not always easily passable, even on foot. No doubt one of the issues is that Galton Tunnel only has the towpath through it on one side. It looks as if the opposite side was supposed to connect over the tunnel portal but we would not want to try it!

The towpath alongside the site of the former Chances Glass Factory is closed, we believe because of fears about the stability of the nearest walls. although we could not read the detail at a distance the state of the notices seems to suggest that this is not a quick fix.

The New Main Line once had a very large number of side arms and short branches. This one connected to a couple of brickworks, including Hamblet's Blue Bricks. Their products were frequently used in the repair of lock copings on the Worcester and Birmingham.

One bridge that we have not really noticed before is just to the north of Dudley Port station. This connected to a branch long enough to have its own name: Dixons Branch. About a mile long, kit principally served Horseley Colliery and other works that developed alongside. Horseley Ironworks is frequently visible as the manufacturer name on many of the single span cast iron footbridges in this part of the canal network.

We arrived at the three Tipton Factory Locks which raise the canal from the Birmingham Level to the higher Wolverhampton Level. There are three connections all having three locks.

When Mike walked up to open the gate he discovered that that the pound between the bottom and middle locks was very empty. So, he continued on up to empty the next lock to send some water down but this was not enough so had to then run down from the top level.

Eventually there was enough water to allow the boat to transit between the locks and so Mike then had to return to the top to stop the water running down. As he walked back to the middle lock he began to hear a strange sound - sounded like geese - but quickly it was a shout for help - Christine had slipped on the wet whilst attempting to step off the boat and had fallen in the lock. Mike brought the Rescue Ladder from the boat roof and placed it in position at the stern. Fortunately at this `point a couple of women arrived -they had hear the cry for help and came to see what they could do. Even better, lone of them was very strong indeed and together with Mike was able to assist Christine climb up the ladder and onto the boat! Water soaking into clothes adds a lot of weight and it is never easy to get out of a canal! Luckily no lasting harm was done and Christine quickly went inside to change and to warm herself up.

This left Mike to complete the last lock on his own and then to cruise around the corner to Tipton. We had already agreed that we would look for an overnight mooring close to the Black Country Museum and Dudley Tunnel, after using the usual services. Unfortunately all the spaces inside the museum area were already occupied so Mike immediately turned the boat at the end and came back alongside the service block.

After completing the emptying and filling we moved just a short distance to one of the spaces we had seen on the way in. As he moored up. Mike could see in the now clear water that we had narrowly missed a sunken shopping trolley lying only a metre away from the back of the boat. Mike could now have his lunch - even if it was now three o'clock!

9.2 Miles - 3 Locks

Cathedral and Shop

Today's Canal - BCN (even if we did not move!)

We did not have to make an early start today as we planned to walk to the cathedral for the main 11am morning service, about half an hour away.

Crossing Centenary Square, we could see the new Octagon Tower is gradually dominating the skyline. With 49 floors it will be, for now, the tallest building in the city. It is expected to provide 364 apartments of varying sizes.

We were in good time for the service. Although not everyone comking was here at the start, eventually the cathedral was quite full. The choir was a small all-female adult choir who nevertheless made music that filled the building. The atmosphere generally was friendly and there was a good mixture of ages, gender, ethnicity and, as far as we could tell, socio-economic. Almost no children, however but plenty of what seemed to be students.

This evening there will be a celebration of the completion of a three year project to restore the four splendid Burne Jones windows to their original glory. With sun shining, they were an impressive sight.

Afterwards we wanted to walk down i to the Bull Ring shopping centre to return one of the items bought yesterday and to give Christine a further opportunity for look for items not found yesterday. As we walked through New Street station concourse we had a close bullish encounter. This mechanical sculpture was originally created for the 2022 Commonwealth Games but has been retained by popular demand. (It could do we a little better presentation)

Eventually we were able to start to walk back to the boat, trying out different routes to see which is the best - they are all nearly half an hour from the start of New Street, but it was highly suitable weather for strolling. By the time we reached the boat it was well past out normal lunch hour!

Not a lot else happened, save for preparing tonight's roast dinner. Did take a moment to take a further view of the Octagon Tower that even better shows how it will dominate and how most of its residents will have a wide panorama.

And finally a view of our mooring - still not too busy. The new four day mooring rules are perhaps having some impact.

0.0 Miles - 0 Locks

Central Birmingham

Today's Canals - Worcester and Birmingham, BCN

The weather today was very similar to the past few days, with bright spells and high winds. Although we were awake early, it was around 9.30 when we cast off. We wanted to get to the centre of Birmingham in good time to make sure of a mooring but also we needed to stop on the way at Selly Oak for a supermarket shop.

This may look like the obligatory snap of the restored former toll house at Kings Norton Junction, but actually the main feature is meant to be the sky (OK, just kidding!)

Just after the junction are indications that this was once a wharf, the industrial buildings behind were originally Sherborne Mill, a paper mill and printing works founded in 1829 and lasted until 1972. Its main products were wrapping paper and paper bags for the retail grocery market. See here for more information with a picture of the works in 1881 here. The wharf was known as Sherborne Wharf - not to be confused with the same name in central Birmingham where we have left the boat on several previous occasions.

The sun was in just the wrong direction for taking photos as we continued northwards to Selly Oak. Here we were able to moor in the new basin opposite Sainsbury (but we did have to negotiate around a group of novice paddlers) Once we had completed the shopping we decided that there was too much to lug across the footbridge back to the  boat so Mike went unloaded to bring the boat across to where Christine waited.

We continued on then into Birmingham but paused as soon as we rea ched the water point at Granville Street. Our tank was quite low it took a while to fill. As we set off again, a chap on a boat moored two along said that there was very little room, if any, to moor - he had just  walked along to check it out. However, we found there was a long space, room for two, around the corner. As we were tying up, another boat - with a very newbie steering - arrived and was determined to fit in.  To manage this Mike had to move up to share a ring with the nearest boat. In the meantime, Christine walked along to outmore normal mooring spot outside the Arena and 'summoned' Mike by mobile phone to bring the boat along while she chatted up one of the musicians supporting the Jethro Tull event tonight.

Mike came through Worcester Bar and under Broad Street. What is usually called Broad Street Tunnel as it is so wide and under various buildings now has an alternate name of Black Sabbath Bridge. In 2019 a bench was installed on the bridge to honour this band which has its roots in a nearby part of the city.

The famous junction where the Birmingham and Fazeley joins the BCN Main Line followed . . . 

. . .  and just after, Old Turn junction. Here the original Brindley line followed what is now called Ouzells Loop. Just after we pulled onto the almost empty moorings opposite Legoland Discovery Centre.

A father and small boy walked passed, the latter clutching his Lego bag. On asking him if he had enjoyed his visit - yes - the father remarked somewhat ruefully that it cost a fortune!

Mid afternoon - around 4 o'clock - Christine suggested that we still had time to get to the Body Shop and M and S before they closed. We quickly shut up the boat and walked through ICC and across Centenary Square to the start of New Street. First up was Body Shop where Christine had very friendly service to assist in her choices. Very different was M and S where it feels almost as if it is an automated warehouse. Very few staff to assist and even the checkouts are now largely self service. But then, one chain is hanging on by the skin of its teeth and the other is still surviving. There is a real danger that we might just whisper "Not like it used to be in the old days!" Best keep quiet . . .