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In 1977 we hired our first narrowboat from Anglo Welsh at Market Harborough.From that moment our destiny was set. In 2006 we finally purchased our own brand new 57' narrowboat which we named 'Free Spirit'. Our aim is to travel the length and breadth of all the navigable rivers and canals of the UK. This will be our story as it unfolds.

Monday 10 February 2014

A few bargains to be had at Newark Showground

Had a ride out to Newark Showground yesterday to the first of this years boat jumbles. We met up with Dennis and Margaret (Nb Icing) and relished the thought of finding all those lovely bargains. In the past walking round the site took nearly all day but not now. Within 2 hours we had stopped to look at every stall, had coffee and even went round again just in case we had missed anything. A few items took our fancy and were purchased but our star buy was two 5ltr tins of Bartaline Bitumen for £30 saving us about £10 on each tin. Never having used this Bitumen before we can only hope it is easily spread by roller 'cause if its too thick brushing it on the hull will be a nightmare.

Plenty of stalls inside but only a few outside. Very disappointing.

With the day still young we drove into Newark. We have only ever cruised down the River Trent as far as Holme Pierrpoint but Dennis and Margaret had cruised most of the Trent so wanted to show us the lock. As you may have gathered the river was well up and the speed of the flow was quite staggering. Glad to be on dry land I can tell you.



Newark Town lock.


Newark Castle

Whats that on the island point?

Fisherman trying to fish. Not sure the fish could swim against this flow!
With us all feeling a tad peckish this floating restaurant was a welcome sight. We had a great meal and not to expensive, which surprised us, the most expensive being no more then £8.75. All to soon it was time to leave and with Jade waiting for us in the car ( she loves the car like her second home ) we felt an hour on her own was long enough. On our return we found her fast asleep curled in a tight ball without a care in the world. Very pleased to see us though, and within the hour saw us back to our lovely warm boat and nearly £100 lighter (what had we spent it on???)

Quick update on Jade. She is still slowly improving although I think her head tilt may take a long time to go.


And finally:-





2 comments:

Carol said...

Howdy folks,
Put the tin of bitumen into a bucket of very hot water 30 minutes before you want to use it, it will have the consistency of milk and will adhere better!
George

Ian and Irene Jameison said...

Thanks George. What a great tip. Now all we have to do is wait until Easter to try it out.

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