New Barkby WI

President, Shirley Franklin, welcomed members of New Barkby WI to the institutes September meeting and also included Janice Bond as a new member. Jerusalem was sung followed by Business Materials.
Thank you to Louisa Chapman for organising two trips to Kilworth House Theatre recently to see ‘Singin’ in the rain (Musical) and Last Night of the Proms (Concert) which members enjoyed at a matinee performance.
The speaker was Mr Barry Watson of Yelvertoft, near Crick,Northamptonshire. His title was ‘The Agony and Ecstasy of a Canal Hotel Boater.’
From Roman Times, there have been waterways for irrigation, and eventually navigation. The Duke of Bridgewater wanted coal to be delivered from his collieries to Manchester so with his engineer friend, James Brindley, the Bridgewater Canal was constructed between 1762 and 1772.
Canals became excellent route for carrying goods until the railways and then roads became the main transport links. Now the canals are used mostly for leisure activities. Mr Watson and his wife had one boat, plus a second (butty boat) and could cater for twelve guests at any one time.
There were plenty of do’s and don’ts when boating. Also there were supplies to be obtained for organising meals, laundry requirements and sanitation points for water etc.
The guests were able to enjoy the scenery as they cruised along the various canals and rivers of Britian – some apprehension as to the tunnels, particularly the Harecastle Tunnel and many locks.
Mr Watson ended his talk with a poem and two songs he sang as he played his guitar, relating to his experiences, although he and his wife have now retired.
Dawn Haynes thanked Mr Watson. The competition was won by Valerie Cobb with a Waterway photograph. The raffle was won by Joy Goulden.
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 2nd October with ‘Hannah’s Sugarcraft’. The meeting will be held at the Syston Community Centre starting at 7.30pm. Visitors are always welcome.