A GRAND (UNION) DAY OUT

Another poem penned by one of our guests, Mr Chris Goldsmith:

A GRAND (UNION) DAY OUT

First swing bridge is out of action
Needs a nut and bolt to mend
Neil finds one in his toolbox
Soon we're under way again

Very soon arrive at Foxton
Go to see the inclined plane
Absolutely fascinating
I shall have to come again

Foxton locks, a double staircase
Five in each, a daunting task
Very little room for error
Do we make it? Need you ask?

Up  the arm that leads to Welford
Where two counties they abut
Welford village is Northampton
While in Leicester lies the cut

Several miles of level water
Lie before us. On we go
Down to where the folks talk proper
South of Watford, don't y'know!

Broken gear in Watford staircase
Short delay while we take stock
Note to crew, please don't raise the paddles
Till the boat is in the lock

Near the end of Blisworth tunnel
Boat approaching seems in doubt
Backs away and clears the entrance
Waits for us to motor out

Queuing up to do Stoke Bruerne
Lunchtime will be late, I fear
Douglas wants his mother's ruin
Me? I want a pint of beer

All to soon the week is over
On the whole, its been good fun
Time to plan next season's cruising
Falkirk wheel, anyone?