Halsall - again

Today's Canal - Leeds and Liverpool

For the first time in a while we had a pretty hot day from start to finish!

We went to the 10 am service at St Andrew's Church, parish church for Maghull. We walked along the towpath to the next swing bridge and then along a road to the church, taking about 15 minutes altogether,

There was no mention on the web site but it turned out to be a parade service for uniformed organisations - in this case two lots of brownies and one group of Rainbows. 

We were welcomed and several people thought to talk to us both before and after. The service entirely used material projected onto three screens and was very well suited to the youngsters present. There was a good group of the congregation as well, around 70 in total. Apart from the 'parades' most were from amore senior generation!

Afterwards we had a cup of coffee in the adjoining hall and chatted to several more of the congregation.

There has been a church on this site from the 13C - some parts remain and are used occasionally. In its grounds a new church was constructed and opened in 1880 with several late 20C additions including a hall. Three churches in Maghull and Melling form a team ministry. As it happens, the person who took the service last week at Halsall is being licenced as the Rector here next Saturday!

Back at the boat we moved on a short distance to the swing footbridge close to Morrisons and, before having lunch, we stocked up - we will be able to do more when we get to Burscough but  we had no potatoes for our roast this evening!

We then had lunch before starting again, then passing through the swing bridge where Mike had help from a little girl who was taking an interest in the canal. Watched closely by her dad, she was able to push the bridge almost on her own - this one is exceptionally easy to move.

He also had help from two children and grand parents (?) at the next road bridge - this one needed a bit more of a push and so there were four of us on the arm! They, and watching parents, seemed very pleased to have had the opportunity.

At several points as we passed through Haskayne we caught glimpses of a Red Arrows display that was the closing item in this year's Southport Air Show.

We moored at the same place as on the way in.

6.5 Miles - 0 Locks