The mooring we opted for last night is only a short distance from the parish church in Barnton. In the early part of the 19th century, the village was quite small, perhaps 200 residents. Anglicans shared premises with the local Methodist chapel. But the arrival of the canal sparked off a period of rapid growth together with the development of various large chemical production plants, including the famous Brunner-Mond company, along the river.
By the middle of the century there was a move to build a new parish church for the village, helped by the various church building initiatives nationally. Christ Church was eventually opened in 1842, helped considerably by the generosity of Rev Richard Greenall, same of a wealthy brewer in Warrington.
Ten years later it was recorded that typically there would be 60 at Morning Prayer and 120 at Evensong each Sunday. Within twenty years the graveyard was full and more land had to be obtained. We noticed that many of the gravestones near to the church have extensive inscriptions - far more than we would expect today. Some tell significant parts of a family history.
Towards the end of the century, a vicar was appointed who ended up staying there until his death at the age of 87. His lack of energy in later years contributed to a marked decline in the fortunes of the parish. However, the next incumbent brought many people back to church, helped by the increase in population from 860 in 1842 to over 2500 by the turn of the century. Those who did not arrive early for Evensong had to be turned away. A choir of 30 voices sang from the gallery at the back of the church. As a result of this demand, the church was extended. (see the parish website for more details)
The 150 anniversary was marked with the addition of a stained glass window that includes images of the Anderton Lift as well as the nearby chemical works.
In only took us a few minutes to walk up the hill and we were warmly welcomed as we entered. There was a congregation of just under 30 - the vicar has been there for a year and half.
After the service we were encouraged to join with coffee - this entailed walking to the church hall closer to the village centre. We enjoyed several interesting conversations.
By the time we returned to the boat it was lunch time but Christine spotted that the fuel boat Halsall was moored just behind us so she arranged for them to pull alongside so that we could fill up with diesel. We still had just over half a tank but the stretch ahead of us is not well served with places to taken on fuel so it was safer to start with a full tank!
We timed the end of lunch so that we would arrive at Saltersford Tunnel on the hour, the start of the twenty minute window for northbound boats.
Shortly after emerging from Barnton Tunnel (which is not timed) we had a couple of minutes to wait whilst another boat set off in front of us - they had had to wait on the moorings. Although both tunnels, together with another a little further north, are quite crooked, it is just possible to see through Barnton, hence it is not timed but Saltersford has a significant kink in the middle with a few other deviations along the way!
The boat ahead took it very slowly through the tunnels - they seemed somewhat concerned by the changes in direction but eventually we emerged from both and sunshine had once more returned.
We were only aiming to look for a space at the Dutton Moorings, built in 2012 as part of the repairs to a major breach which saw a large amount of water and soil dumped onto the fields well below the level of the canal.
One of the reasons for stopping here is that it is a good firm edge and Mike wanted to do a but more maintenance - mainly putting the first top coat onto the front well deck. It will need another coat with some non-slip added but, due to a mis-delivery, what we had ordered did not arrive before we left home. At least it will look a bit more respectable - deck area had become rather worn.
Whilst Mike was still finishing off his tasks - and starting on preparing the roast dinner - Christine took a walk back along thew towpath with great views over the river valley below and the famous Dutton Viaduct in the distance.
The spring flowers have not entirely disappeared and there are still plenty to brighten up the landscape.
4.3 Miles - 0 Locks
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