The Cotswold Canal Trust Heritage Centre near Saul Junction is usually buzzing with people at the weekends seeking updates on the restoration progress along the canal, and refreshments. The shop is well stocked with books and souvenirs and sells the delicious Winstone's Ice-cream too. One corner is dedicated to education, where children can learn about the canal through brass rubbing and drawing etc. However it was open on Monday when we stopped for water, so I popped in for two mugs of drinks to while away the time until our tank had filled up.
Customers were arriving ready to board the CCT trip boat ‘Perseverance’ which passed us as we were on the diesel wharf filling up. This busy little boat depends on many volunteer crew members who run 30 minute trips at weekends. Although this party had hired it privately to cruise down to the Tudor Arms at Shepherds Patch for a leisurely lunch. The menu is perused, then their orders are taken before they set off aboard the boat and lunch is all ready on their arrival. What a brilliant idea for a day out with friends and family, or for a special occasion! This little boat, more than earns it’s keep, by bringing in much needed funding towards the restoration works. As do all the volunteer workers and the c 6.500 CCT members.
This is the old Stables Bar, so named because of the canal horses that used it in the past. We popped in here for a mid-day snack on Sunday when Steve came to visit us.
No comments:
Post a Comment