Kendal and Capenwray

Today's Canal - Lancaster

Most of the day we spent on a trip into Kendal, taking the same bus as yesterday but getting off in Kendal itself.

It had been a find day when we left the boat but by the time we stepped into the bus station, rain started, soon becoming quite heavy. On the way here Mike had a phone call from CaRT to say that our Ribble crossing booked next Monday was being cancelled because of low water levels and we were offered a new date on Wednesday or Thursday. The top of the bus was rathe noisy to be sure that we were hearing the details correctly so asked them to put it into an email.

Although we responded straight away to request the Wednesday, by the time we phoned after getting off the bus, that day was now fully booked and we had to take the Thursday. When we thought about it a bit more this is not too bad as we had had to take a booking for Poolstock locks that gave us several 'spare' days between the Ribble and the locks. Those days will now be spent on the Lancaster.

Our first aim was to visit the Quaker Tapestry museum which was fortunately is nearby - the rain continued and by the time we arrived it was back to a downpour - hence no photo of the outside. (In case you are wondering, it was equally wet when we left!) We started with coffee in their cafe.

Kendal Quaker Meeting House gradually developed into a  very large building capable of holding over 850 people at one time. By comparison, the parish church we visited later can hold 1100. These were the days before television or even radio and films and a lively visiting preacher often offered an entertainment, even with a challenging spiritual message.

Sadly, as elsewhere,  numbers dwindled and the local Meeting could not maintain the building. The 1816 design already incorporated screens to divide the space when needed (presumably attendance was not always at capacity!) One side of the exhibition area is formed from that screen and the gallery that was built on three sides is also visible. The Tapestry Exhibition opened in 1994.

The exhibition is based around a set of tapestry panels that were completed by 4000 Quakers across 12 countries over 15 years and with all levels of needlework skills. Over 40 panels depict the life and history of Quakers over 350 years the days of George Fox and others who developed their own style of worship and beliefs.

Whilst part of the mainstream Christian tradition they took views on many social and ethical matters that set them at odds with their contemporary authorities. One belief was that it was wrong to swear and oath and this meant that Quakers were barred from much of public service and professional roles, including the civil service. The Prism tapestry is meant to indicate how their belief shed light into all corners of life. Every colour used in the other panels is included in this one.

Consequently they sought other ways of making a living and they flourished at business, enterprise and banking. Their reputation for honesty and fair dealing stood them in good stead in comparison with less scrupulous society.

Quakers were a prime force in the development of railways, sponsoring and supporting the inventive work of George Stephenson, himself not a Quaker.

The sense of community and mutual support amongst Quakers led to the formation of the Friends Assurance Society.

Other panels represent the extensive work of Quakers in raising social issues - Elizabeth Fry was an important campaigner in prison and social reform, for example.

After we left the exhibition we crossed the road to have a lunch snack in a small coffee shop.

Refreshed, we walked into the main shopping area - remarkably still dominated by lots of small, mainly independent, shops. In the main Market Square, Mike found the Kendal Mint Cake he came hoping to find. Surprisingly, it was not widely in evidence.

Amjused by this shop - we know that Christmas starts earlier every year but even so it is unlikely to sustain a year round business so perhaps the 'More' keeps them going.

The main streets have ,lost of narrow 'yards' running at right angles. In some cases these led to larger spaces behind - we saw a former theatre and several nonconformist chapels. In other cases the yards themselves held up to a dozen small shops.

Eventually we arrived at the parish church. This dates in parts back to the 13th century and is one of the widest churches in England. 

Incicentally, the word living as used in this sign refers to the right of patronage and the appointment of the priest as incumbent.

It is difficult to capture the scale of the five aisled interior but the above photos show the views from the centre and either far side.

The central chancel is spacious and open in a modern style.

And here in one of the side aisles.

We then needed to make our way to the bus stop near to the Nether Bridge, about 10 minutes walk away. We arrived with a few minutes to spare. Alas, when we tried to board we discovered that we had misread the timetable and this was the express service that does not taken in the stop we needed! So we had to wait for the one, half an hour later. We had wondered why this route is operated with double deckers - today we discovered why, with hardly a set left after Kendal. Some young people attend Kendal College from as far as Morecombe.

We had seen Levens Hall, a large Elizabethan house open to the public. From the top of a bus, the dominant feature is the extensive collection of topiary, said to be the world's oldest. Not a brilliant photo but it was taken through the window on a crowded bus! (excuses . . . )

Back at the boat we quickly prepared to leave our mooring. We had already used up our allowed time as well as wanting to use the service block right at the end, in the turning area. Alas, in hiss haste, Mike forgot to pull in the stern mooring rope after pulling out the pin. The consequence became obvious as he came to tie up after turning the boat around. Only less than a metre remained attached to the dolly, wit h a very frayed end. But where was the rest? As the water tank was filling, he checked the prop only to find the answer to his question. Sometimes when this happens it can be a nightmare to cut the rope away if it has been twisted tightly. The only fortunate part of this sad affair is that it came away remarkably easily.

We set off back towards Carnforth but by now our objective for the night was not far - Capenwray Arm we mentioned a few days ago on our way up. We reversed in and found pace - there is room for about four or five boats and two were already moored. We went no further than the start - the only issue was that the line of the canal edge is curved so our ends are no nearer the bank than the last three spots but at least the middle is touching! No sooner had we made fast when heavy rain returned until it was too dark to take any photos.We may be able to show you something tomorrow.

1.6 Miles - 0 Locks