We Walk Together - Tales of love and loyalty

October 25, 2020

Isambard Kingdom Brunel (… or Izzy for short!)

I was thrilled to meet Izzy a three month old puppy recently and pleased to find that apparently we started something when we named Brindley and Telford…

October 18, 2020

‘Cool Dude’ number 12

He is well remembered for being able to reduce Tisbury to a quivering wreck when we visited. Simply by nonchalantly approaching us and coming…

October 11, 2020

Just don’t touch the jewels!

She is always immaculately dressed when she comes to volunteer at the shop. Her glamorous presence is impossible to miss – with her ready…

October 4, 2020

The exuberance of a healthy 255 year old!

There is a huge and beautiful pear tree which grows just on the edge of Cubbington woods which is in direct line to be…

September 27, 2020

Companionable silence

Dorothy had been suggesting she do my portrait for a while. It wasn’t something I was particularly keen to do as I don’t enjoy…

September 20, 2020

This is not a rubbish story!

Steve and Silvia are the unsung heroes of the Millennium Bridge South of Lechlade where lots of people gather… leaving their rubbish behind.

September 13, 2020

When Daisy met Roach

Daisy and Roach met for the first time a few days ago when Rich brought Roach onto the Thames too and met up with…

September 6, 2020

Having heard on the ‘towpath telegraph” that The Artist had been at work again I couldn’t wait to get a glimpse. So I called to request an interview and was most gratified to be granted one the very next day!

August 30, 2020

Robert’s magnificent book emporium

He has the air of intense concentration and quiet determination as he sits in the corner surrounded by an intimidating pile of books. Occasionally one of us will hand him one, ad hoc, found in a bag of clothing, toys or bric a brac. He takes it with a polite word of thanks… we pause our sorting and wait while he scans it…

August 23, 2020

Brindley and Telford

For the canal system in the UK to exist, it needed to be designed, engineered and built… two names in particular stand out.

August 16, 2020

A day in the river of life

An account of a shared day on the river from the perspective of two individuals…

August 9, 2020

“I’ll be Meg”

My Allotment: “It’s really hard work, but when I am here it’s the one place where I can forget about everything else.”

My Shed Nesting: Much, much more than just finding places for things to go!

August 2, 2020

The Ladies of the Allotment

“I, Lady Lilly, started surveying and protecting this allotment about 12 years ago… I have had some dreadful outfits.”

July 26, 2020

Friends

You hide joy in my pockets Of my mind That I sometimes find Years later. You help me know the way However hard it…

July 19, 2020

A circular morning ‘ralk’

At this time of the year, the grass has gone to seed and is dried up ready to attach itself to unsuspecting passers by. Dogs can be badly hurt by them…

Ferry across the Mersey in the background

July 12, 2020

The love locks of Liverpool docks

From a distance, they look like barnacles or seaweed – draped dramatically over railings which face the Mersey.

July 5, 2020

“I hate gilets!”

I became aware of the Waterways Chaplains and their work in the last year or so and I have seen first hand the support and practical help they were able to offer to a friend in need.

June 28, 2020

“Unshaken”

Charles of Charles Miller Ltd talks about some of the fascinating stories behind the lots in his next auction which is on 7th July 2020. As he prepares to do the auction entirely online for the first time.

June 21, 2020

The memory whimsy

I was thrilled to find this picture the other day. I thought I had lost it forever. It was hidden inside my old school recipe book folder. I must have put it there at some point to keep it safe.

June 14, 2020

Villains and Heroes

I jumped at the opportunity to find out more about this unique artwork. And was most gratified when The Artist agreed to be interviewed.

June 7, 2020

A flotilla of wrecks

The canals and rivers have been eerily quiet. Weed accumulating mid channel where normally boats would cut it away like lawnmowers with their propellers….

May 31, 2020

A fish pie story

Sometimes photographs are all you have to prove that something good happened.

May 24, 2020

A straw poll

March 23rd 2020 saw history write itself into a bizarre twist of fate. We were ordered by the Government to stop in our tracks….

May 17, 2020

This green and pleasant land

Blessed with perfect weather on a spectacular May day. Just very glad I could capture some of it!

May 10, 2020

The much loved Cordon Bleu cookery book

Sometimes beaten up old books are beaten up for a reason. Not through neglect but through use.

May 3, 2020

“You’re using the wrong oil in your engine”

Matt Varney, Proprietor of Aynho Wharf, situated on the Oxford Canal shared some of his wisdom about engine oil…

April 26, 2020

Pleased to turn the news into pulp.

Necessity is the Mother of invention… and the answer lies in turning the news into a pulp. Followed by a cup of tea.

April 19, 2020

The curious folding platform in the corner

It was a rainy day and Steve had a broken ankle and was stuck at home with Wallace…

April 12, 2020

The Yoga Stone

I sit cross legged facing the sun with my eyes closed. I can feel a cool Spring breeze on my face. My eyelids feel…

April 5, 2020

The last trip before lockdown

An excerpt from Rich’s diary about the day he went up the Anderton Lift on Roach… the last trip before lockdown.

March 29, 2020

Roach

Roach, a beautiful historic working boat, has a new family.

March 22, 2020

Piano man Tim

My friend Tim is a piano tuner and restorer. He is also a talented musician. When I can, I help Tim in his piano workshop.

March 8, 2020

Cubbington Woods

Cubbington Woods is a piece of ancient woodland which is due to be destroyed as part of the HS2 development…

March 4, 2020

Dusty the coal boat

Often the sound of their laughter can be heard as they arrive before the words that are making them laugh. Their laughter is infectious and a visit from Dusty always leaves you feeling buoyed up and happier…

February 24, 2020

Stanley

Stanley was a huge dog personality in Thrupp and was known and loved up and down the cut and for miles around.

February 2, 2020

Tisbury

Also known as Mr licious, Mr T … he made his own choices in life. He loved cheese, especially Parmesan. He smelt. He loved to swim.