The IWA National Festival

I'm a bit late writing this up, but time is needed for my brain to reflect on what was an enjoyable weekend.   Yes!  There are those who grumble about the distance of moorings from the event itself, but I realise now, after Burton-on-Trent, that this is to be expected and infact enjoyed the walk two or three times a day.  I felt fitter as a result.   Thanks to the advice and help of our local harbourmaster, we moored stern to stern with our neighbour, Omega, and getting dogs and Grannie on and off was not too much of a problem - they were unscheduled guests as it happens.   I had volunteered for duty and was assigned as a cashier for three three hour stints.  This was fun as well as useful.   There was always experienced help at hand for the difficult customers and the most taxing thing about it was the question of working out the cost of multiple tickets with full price and concessions - and then giving the right change.   Steamboat President was of course in attendance as always.   We had already had a chance meeting.   The picture was taken as the boat cruised up the main Bridgewater Canal to Keckwick Bridge to carry the Mayor and other dignitories back for the official opening.  (Click to enlarge).   The trade was well represented, some for the first time and there was plenty of entertainment on hand all day for the visitors.   It's just a pity that the weather on Monday morning was bad, but by the afternoon the sun was out and numbers picked up.   Highlight for me was the horse boating harnessing demonstration by Sue Day and her presentation in the Festival Theatre late on Monday.   The Horseboating Society was well represented by both Queenie and Bonnie, the horses, and the boat "Maria" with her cargo of limestone loaded at Bugsworth.   I think it was Sue's lecture that persuaded me to visit Bugsworth this trip.