We may be narrowboat nomads but that doesn’t mean we’ve missed the opportunity to join in Jubilee celebrations. It’s just means we’ve joined them in several places!
Whatever your thoughts on monarchies, 70 years in the same job these days is nothing short of remarkable. It is something to be celebrated, something we know neither of us will achieve, and there is also a feeling that after the past few years of uncertainty and upheaval, we all need a party!
In the past week we’ve travelled 54 miles and 41 locks from the Oxfordshire village of Cropredy with its honey coloured stone houses and musical fame, to the rural Leicestershire village of Fleckney whose duck pond once provided clay for brick making.
From the Oxford Canal onto the Grand Union (Grand Junction Canal) and through Norton Junction onto the Leicester Line in sun and rain, we’ve seen growing evidence of celebration preparations for the Platinum Jubilee. Flags and buntings adorn houses and gardens, shops and pubs. Talk at locks is of joining family, parties and public events.
At Crick Marina preparations were well underway for the Boat Show when we passed and those we met on their way there were looking forward to coming away with new gadgets, and in one case with a new boat.
We’re happy with our boat and our lot, so we came through Crick early, although the mooring marshal was still in evidence working hard. We were down the Foxton Flight before the show even started. Our Jubilee weekend began at Foxton with a stunning sunset.
Our upcycled bunting made from a pair of old shorts and two tee shirts that had seen better days now festoons the cratch. We came down the Flight of 10 locks early on Thursday morning in beautiful sunshine without a gongoozler in sight but with 3 voluntary lock keepers for company, crossing in the centre pound with 2 hire boats heading to work at Crick.
We shared the excitement of beacon lighting at Fleckney, in true local village style. Local band, dancers, children getting involved, before we made a leisurely move towards Leicester.
After several years it is good to see the vibrant multicultural Riverside Festival at Leicester back again. NB Preaux will join the Royal Navy, the Merchant Navy and all recreational vessels today in the Saturday Ships Salute, by sounding a long blast on our horn at midday 12.00 BST.
However you are spending this once-in-a-lifetime Bank Holiday we wish you sunshine, fun and relaxation. It is another chance to remember and celebrate the things that really matter in life – family, friends, communities, good health and stability as well as recognising 70 years of service.
Pickingupducks 