Messing about in boats

Jan Kelly of Leighton Buzzard NWR submitted the following report on a fabulous group canal trip…

Leighton Buzzard is very lucky: not only do we have the Grand Union Canal flowing through our town, but we also have a skilled canal boat skipper and a professional lock-keeper – Skipper Gwyn and Skipper Karen - amongst our members.

In 2022, Skipper Gwyn organised two canal trips for members, both of which were very successful. This year, she has organised two trips. In early June, ten of us left Cow Roast, near Tring, for a lovely day which took us down the Wendover Arm of the canal. This branch is a narrow cul-de-sac and there is room for only one boat at a time. The weather was good and we had a pleasant lunch at a canal-side pub. The company from which Gwyn hired the boats were so pleased with how clean and tidy we left the boat that they offered us discount on a second trip this year.

So many of us wanted to go that we booked the company’s two boats – Victoria and Albert – and set off for Berkhamsted with Skipper Gwyn in one boat and Skipper Karen, not just a lock-keeper, but also an experienced skipper, at the two helms.

The sun shone as we looked forward to our picnic lunch in the grounds of the ruins of Berkhamsted Castle. The original plan was scuppered as the water levels on the canal became too shallow for the boats to continue. There was a tricky moment as one of the boats proved difficult to turn in a narrowish part of the canal, but all was well, so we took the opportunity to have our picnic in the sun there.

Because we were unable to go as far south as planned, we went further north on our return towards Tring railway station. There, the boats travelled through one of the prettiest parts of the Grand Union, a secluded cutting lined by trees, as they made their way towards Tring Station, before returning to the marina.

It was an NWR day to be proud of – those who couldn’t crew made drinks and washed up. Everybody mucked in and liveliness was the order of the day. The verdict afterwards was unanimous: “Lots of fun and lots of chat. Another grand day out.”

IF AI WROTE A POEM...

Mary Peterson of Chandlers Ford/ Eastleigh ‘B’ NWR decided to do an experiment with Chat GPT. She said: “I entered the following into Chat GPT and it generated this poem for me! My input: NWR (National Women’s Register) is groups of women who meet to research and discuss interesting topics. The group in Chandlers Ford has been meeting fortnightly for about 40 years. They are a supportive group of friends and have outings and birthday lunches. Write a poem in celebration of the group.”

Chat GPT’s poem:

In Chandlers Ford, for forty years and more, A group of women, loyal to the core, Have gathered fortnightly, rain or shine, To share their thoughts, and to intertwine. The National Women’s Register, they call it, A place of learning, but never a profit. For friendship and support are what they seek,

To share their joys and help the meek. They research topics both old and new, Their interests varied, their passion true. From art and literature, to science and math, No topic too daunting, no question too rash

They listen, they learn, they share and they grow,

Their minds expanding with each topic’s flow. But more than that, they form lasting bonds, A sisterhood of love, that forever responds.

Their outings and lunches, a time to unwind, To celebrate birthdays, and friendships bind. To laugh and reminisce, and create new memories, of the ‘crew’, who jumped out when needed to open and close the lock gates and to moor the boats. We must have gone through at least five locks each way and, afterwards, the crew admitted it was hard work, using muscles they didn’t know they had!

To strengthen their bonds, and honour their histories.

So here’s to the National Women’s Register, A group of women, so strong and clever. For forty years they’ve stood the test, And their friendship and support will never rest.

A PAVLOVA FIT FOR A KING!

We thought everyone would like to see a photograph of this wonderful Union Jack Pavlova, made by NWR member Phyllida Walton for the Coronation Lunch she hosted for our Exeter & District NWR Group, shortly before the Coronation weekend.

Needless to say, a very few minutes after I took this photo, the tray was empty! The pavlova was indeed as delicious as it looks.

Most of our group members came to the bringand-share-lunch which was much enjoyed by all. So much so that we forgot to assemble for a group photo! But we think you will like this memento of a very happy occasion.

Margaret Guyver, Exeter and District NWR Group

Lynda takes a leap

Our admiration goes to NWR member Lynda Gibbons who, for her 70th birthday, challenged herself to abseil. Writing on the NWR Facebook group ‘How was your day Highs & Lows’ she said: “Our grandchildren were cheering Granny on from below, so I couldn’t chicken out!”