Debdale

Today's Canals - Grand Union Leicester Line

We awoke in good time to walk down to the town centre for the 9.15 service at St Dionysius, the parish church in the centre. It was dull and overcast but we were already beginning to feel the warmth that was forecast.

Just before we reached the church we spotted a different view of the corset factory - which more clearly shows its industrial dimension.

The service was at 9.15 but that name has been adopted for a new form of service that was introduced early this year as part of a way of attracting different people, especially young families. Part of the concept is to involve as many people as possible and several adults as well as youngsters pitched in. There was also a lengthy session for discussion or meditation rather than having to listen to a conventional sermon. There were about 50 people including a good sprinkling of children but also plenty of older people, Over coffee we chatted to one 'elderly' (careful!) man who comes to this service and then stays to the more conventional one that follows at 11 am - mainly because he values the company that this approach offers. We also heard that normally there are more young people but a large group has gone to the popular Soul Survivor summer camp for the weekend.

We had several interesting conversations over coffee afterwards and folk seemed reluctant to leave and make way for the next service!

Inside the main door Narthex is an unusual small gallery - looks as if it might have been used for a traditional West Gallery choir even if a bit disconnected from the main part of the church.

After we ourselves left we had a couple of items we wanted to track down - in particular a dish to replace one broken by Mike last night. However we failed to find one that suited. There was better news on the new wine box!

Back Union Wharf it was almost time for lunch although we did fit in another cup of coffee first. Before leaving we moved to the service mooring - our water was down to a level that caused the gauge to show an alarm.

Eventually we were able to leave the wharf after a pleasant couple of days off from cruising.

We retraced our route when we arrived. The first part of the canal is formed into a loop around a very upmarket housing area. We had noticed before just how large are the gardens and that each house is individually designed.

This house obviously cherishes its privacy (even though most houses here are marketed on the basis of their waterfront !) but it must be a labour of love to maintain this huge hedge in pristine condition.

We subsequently discovered that the estate was developed about 40 years ago with strong covenants to keep it in its original condition as well as the pre-existing mature trees. These are probably the most expensive properties in a generally up market town.

Several large estates to the south of the town are nearing completion providing several hundred new homes. However, the planning requirement is that in the 20 years up to 2026, 3300 houses will be needed (The Harborough District will need 7700!). The new development we noted as we arrived, which has led to the demolition of the footbridge, is the next major phase and will contain well over 1000 homes as well as new business opportunities.

We had seen a few references to the 'Airfield' development which it seems is another name for this site. When we later looked at Google we could make out the remaining marks of former runways on this area, part of which is now occupied by Gartree Prison, currently housing mainly those serving life or indeterminate sentences.

We were now out into the countryside. We remarked on the Bowden Hall development when we arrived but from this direction we did manage a small glimpse of the main building that is otherwise hidden by the more prosaic former outbuildings. With some occasional sunny spells, it was a very pleasant afternoon.

We arrived at the swing bridge just as a day boat was coming through. Initially they waved us through but then suddenly decided to close it as they were concerned about the waiting traffic. They also said that they found it hard to work. In practice it is only hard if you try to move it at a speed greater tan it is intended to do. Once moving it just needs a gentle push to keep it going but it will never be motorway rates.

As we neared the junction we could see a former London bus waiting for its passengers - presumably on an outing - to return. It was one of those with a 'jump-on-jump-off' platform that was the standard when Mike was a teenager in South London.

After coming through the junction - avoiding several boats competing with each other as they danced around each other for position on the towpath - and turned under the turnover bridge, the first on the next section towards Leicester.

We spotted couple of boaters that we have encountered several time over the past few days - they ere now moored at the top of Foxton locks, awaiting family visitors tomorrow. We were only going to have a brief chat until Mike realised that we had picked up something as we came under the bridge.

We came alongside and it was then down into the weed hatch.  The problem very quickly showed itself - a quite new dog lead whose metal catch at the end that was obviously the cause of the very metallic sound that had first caught our attention. Luckily it came off very easy and still in good condition. A passing dog owner was very happy to collect it - just so long as it stays well away from our prop!

We continued for a little while until we could find a spot to moor with some prospect of a tv signal. This stretch is an SSSI and so mooring options are rather infrequent and both side of the canal frequently have well developed hedges. Shortly after Debdale we were successful.

7.8 Miles - 0 Locks