At 6.15am on Monday 25^th July I was picked up first and then a run around picking up the other crew Maurice and Richard. We then headed off with our driver for the day Michael Edwards, to Alvecote Marina near Tamworth. After the usual hold ups on the motorway we arrived at about 9.30am to Python and were underway by 10.15am.

FMC/BW 70 foot Working Boat "Lynx" in Junction Lock Fradley.

By the time we arrived at our first locks of the day at Glascote there were already 6 boats waiting, this caused us nearly 45 minutes delay, luckily I allowed for delays in my plan. After these two locks the journey was pretty uneventful, apart from refueling with diesel, at Fradley Junction our stop for the night as we turned onto the Trent and Mersey Canal.

Where we stayed near and enjoyed our Monday Evening: The White Swan Fradley.

Tuesday was a very busy day with 7 miles and 10 locks to do. At every lock there were at least 10 boats waiting. On this leg of our journey we were joined by Mick and Branson on Phoenix, and got to the Festival moorings by 4.30pm.

BW Old Fordson Van in Python livery colours based at Fradley.

At this event there are 350 boats booked in. 22 of them are historic, including Python. All are moored against both banks of the canal with passing places strategically placed. On Friday, Pete, Maurice, Tom and Michael will be going again to Burton-upon-Trent, to be joined later by Arthur. We are doing an illuminated boat parade on the Friday night with special effects on Python courtesy of our sound and lights man Tom, then a static display on Saturday and Sunday. We would really like to see you there!

On Monday, Richard and Tom will bring Python back towards and onto the Chesterfield Canal along with Phoenix.

To be continued…

Written by: Pete Ramsell