Well it didn't happen - "the move to France on the 18th of April" that is!
We were only given a weeks notice that the move was off and we just hoped we could let everyone know who needed to know. It was all because of a permit we needed to have to be transported from Calais harbour by road to the canal. We have since walked it and done the journey in the boat "probably about a mile!"
We decided to have all the arranged get togethers as planned, as people had spent time organising them (plus with a bit of luck, we thought we might get a few extra ones in too). During the unplanned month in England, we spent the time getting ready for the move and doing some last minute jobs so all wasn't lost.
Pamela's family gave us a great surprise party complete with French tricolour bunting, bon voyage cake and of course all family and friends that have made our memories of the past (and hopefully the future) so pleasant.
1. BUNTING AT PAT'S
2. BON VOYAGE
3. WHAT A GOOD DO!
4. PAT & PAMELA - GOOD PALS
Unfortunately Pauline, Pamela's younger sister, wasn't very well and couldn't make it.
Roy and Connie managed a quick visit to Aspley and brought Pamela some fudge for the stock cupboard, many thanks.
5. ROY AND CONNIE
We made some good friends at Aspley Marina in Huddersfield, which is owned by John & Susie. They took the marina on last spring and if anyone can make a success of it they will. Never short of ideas, enthusiasm and bags of energy.
We hadn't quite moored up when we were invited to a "Curry Night" with everyone at the marina, a very good way to meet everyone. They all made us welcome and we had more than one get together as I remember. Sometimes it would be at teatime as Tony was going to work (he worked nights) and other times it would be a Saturday lunchtime when Linda was at work. By the way, Tony and Linda, Pamela's sister says there is an airport in Dijon!
We swapped recipes with Pat and picked up a few handyman tips from Dale.
Russell had a different car about twice a week and a different boat once a month. He reminded us of "Arthur Daley". Always keen to help and the last we heard he was moored at Greenwood Lock near Fir Cottage, Dewsbury.
Nick, like us, was new to boating but had been in the navy which must be some help.
Ulrich was "probably" the most knowledgeable bloke on the pontoon. Anything that Dale couldn't help you with, your best bet was to seek out Ulrich. Unfortunately he works on a ship based in Aberdeen and he could be away from us for a whole month at a time.
On Saturdays Harvey turned up for work on "his Saturday job" at the Marina. From what I could gather, his dad Andy got him the job, or at least put a good word in for him with John and Susie. Andy, Harvey's dad, likes to go fishing, in fact he loves fishing and if the truth is known, he lives fishing! During the winter he would spend a whole day fishing in the Aspley Basin and sometimes he would just catch a really small fish.
Now some of the other fishermen go for those big ones about 10 pound in weight, which must be a lot easier to catch, but not Andy! No, he would use all his skill, skill which he didn't mind passing on to bystanders like me, to catch those very awkward teeny weeny ones. Anyway Andy, if you're reading this, thanks for your company this winter and you know you are always welcome to visit. Just give us a bit of notice so that we can get a permit for your fishing. It's the mayor who hands these out and we don't know how quick (or slow) he is.
Harvey seemed an ideal choice to help us get some of the tidying up jobs done around the boat. Then weather permitting Harvey would be there on Sundays, preparing, then painting, the scrapes and scratches from last summer.
Thanks to everyone at Aspley for making our winter stay so enjoyable and a special thanks to Harvey for all his work. If you're reading this Harvey, thanks for the coffee it was great, and sorry about your paintwork. We do TRY not to scratch it, honestly!
To all at Aspley, a very special thanks for the leaving present, which we are using as a "mug" holder (see next picture).
6. FRIENDS AT ASPLEY MARINA
Finally we got the call from the transport people to say the move was on. We only got 5 days notice so although we had done lots of jobs we seemed to be in a bit of a last minute panic, particularly letting everyone know again.
We finally got the boat in position on the Saturday afternoon, with everything stowed away, locked up and strapped down.
7. IN POSITION
8. LIFT OFF AT ASPLEY
9. GENTLY DOES IT
10. NO TEARS LINDA!
We were meant to be lifted onto the lorry and away by about 9:30 but the crane broke down and it took them about one and a half hours to fix it. Eventually the crane fired up to great cheers from all and we got away from Aspley at about 11:30
Had to say our cheerios (never pleasant) to lots of people but we will be back and will have lots to catch up on at each visit. Thanks to all who turned up, including Pat, Pauline, Andy, Ian, Keith and Gary (from Ledgard Bridge), Trevor and Marlene, Ric, Claire and Connor. Not forgetting Pierre who came twice, he also attended a month ago.
11. CONNOR JAMES
Well the journey down was fairly uneventful. The officials at the P&O office at Dover docks were impressed with the whole venture and came out to wish us all the best. We were treated to our evening meal by our drivers, Dave and Chalky.
12. DAVE AND CHALKY
We slept on the boat "on the trailer" Sunday night after making sure that so called asylum seekers couldn't get aboard (plenty hanging around).
13. BELT AND BRACES
14. LIFT OFF IN CALAIS
15. JOB DONE
We spent a few days in the marina at Calais while we untied, unpacked and got the dinghy off the cabin roof and back on it's davits at the back. Then the wind got up and we thought it might be better to stay put for a day or so. Eventually we decided to go out of the marina on Friday lunchtime. It is a tidal marina and they don't let you out until an hour before high tide. This takes you into the harbour, which you have to cross and wait at the sea lock to get into the canal system.
16. WAITING AT THE SEA LOCK
All this is done by communicating with Calais Harbour on VHF marine radio and we found that the radio is one of the best buys we have made. You can imagine how busy it is with all the big ships, but they always had time to deal with us in a helpful, friendly manner.
So we have finally made it! A month later but all is well.
We are now looking forward to the journey south and the little things that make France and England what they are (so close but subtly different).
17. THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME
18. WE ARE HERE - AT CAMBRAI AT THE START OF THE CANAL DE SAINT QUENTIN
All the best for now
David and Pamela (& Gromit)