Aren’t they lovely!  They’re quite iridescent so take on different colours in different light.  The photograph makes it all look quite bright but in reality, without the glare of a camera flash, they’re dark, opulent and cosy looking.

Because they’re late and came in dribs and drabs the maker offered me some free matching cushions.  Would have been rude to say no, so I said yes

The interior designer wont receive a link or mention though as I feel the service hasn’t been good so I don’t want to recommend them.  The internet is a powerful tool isn’t it!

My Sister and her Husband paid me a visit yesterday too.  We spent a lovely afternoon in the local having a natter and came back to the boat for more chatter. Here they are on the front of the boat. Sarah was scared she’d fall in!

Again, it was thanks to Bryan of Myram Carpentry (07830 627578) but it was tinged with a little melancholy due to this being his finale in terms of my boat.  It’s been around a 4 month commission and I couldn’t have chosen a nicer, skilled tradesman If I’d tried.  10/10!

The storage doubles up as seating so I’m off to look for some nice cushions to sit on now but meanwhile I’ve ordered a nice fold-down table that will fit beautifully in the small area allowing Lottie and I to sit there and eat in warmer months.

The same day found the man from Wilsons of Kinver arrive to fit my new cratch and helm covers.  Right from my first conversation with the Boss man to my repeated conversations with Vicky who saw to the smooth process of ordering through to fitting down to the lovely young men that saw the job through.  Timely, great value for money, and no additional charges for travelling that one company wanted.  Moreover, they look fantastic!

So that’s it!  All my work is now complete and I’m very much looking forward to actually moving Towpath Townie for trips in the near future

Prior to my maiden voyage I really need to secure employment.  Wish me luck with the jobs I’m applying for

Having filled up my coal-hod with the remaining coals from my crumpled Taybrite bag I headed over to Hilperton to re-stock.  Spencer and Victoria stock this wonder fuel in 25 kilo bags and if you buy 10+ you can obtain a discount too… with delivery!

Ordinarily I’ve been buying 2 bags at a time.  Well, I only burn approximately one bag a week but now I’m an expert it’s a bit more to keep the fire in all night ready to build it up again in the morning.

So, Spencer suggested I buy 10 bags and have them delivered.  Why not I thought!  I took one bag on with me and said to deliver the rest when they’re ready within 7 days.

Victoria turned up in the afternoon with the remaining 9 bags bless her.  A tiny little thing no taller than I (ok, maybe a bit) and whilst she manhandled the bags on her shoulders I whimped out and assisted with my trusty sack-truck left by Jill (falls to knees and bows).

I said to Victoria to leave the bags by the gate but no, she insisted on helping me stack them by my boat.  What a great service!  Thank you!

She advised that my boat was in need of a good clean.  She’s not wrong!  And I so need to do this before my new cratch and helm covers are fitted.  I’ll set about that soonest although as reported recently, I’m hoping to do that during a downpour, however I may  need to re-prioritise this task with or without the help of Mother Nature.  She recommended a cleaning agent that’ll stop too much scrubbing so I will look into that for sure.

Anyhow, I’m now going for night 4 of flaming goodness.  Although Lottie had to wipe soot from my top lip when I dropped her at the railway station earlier :D  I’m such a noob!

Anyway, tomorrow night heralds yet another all-nighter of my favourite musical genre that is Northern Soul.  Rugby is my destination!  Blimey, I must have done over 1500 miles travelling this month in the name of soul… and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

You know, if you’re interested in 60’s soul, you can read all about my escapades over at TheSoulgirl!

I thought it would be a super opportunity to sample one of the many restaurants in our new Home Town and it’s always a must to find a decent curry  house isn’t it.  Thanks to Google we agreed on a visit to The Maharaja, close to the Kennet & Avon Canal.  Their website conjures romantic images of opulence, sophistication and royalty.  In reality it was a pretty shabby ‘front room of a house’ establishment that probably sees more ‘take-away’ customers than sit down patrons.  That prediction was based somewhat on fact as we sat there for an hour and a half eating our spoils of celebration.

Initial first impressions aside, let’s order food!

We shared some plain and spicy poppadoms together with the chutney tray.  I also partook in a starter course; Prawn Puree.  I hadn’t had that in years and love it so much.  We all but finished off the chutney tray so that was good value for money LOL

Our main courses were Korma for Lottie and a Cocktail Massala with additional birds-eye chilli’s for me accompanied with their Special Rice and a round of Peshwari Naan.

The food flavours were passable although completely lacking in artistic flair for the presentation.  A case of ‘plopped on a plate’.  The food presentation pretty much complimented the cheap décor, crockery and soft furnishings.  Our somewhat short stay was ruined by the Arctic temperatures and bristling breeze through the room.  There was no more than 6 small tables so you can visualise the size of the room.  It also housed a small bar in the corner.

Our puddings were collected from upstairs – how novel!  After taking our order he disappeared behind a wind-driven faded velvet curtain that had frankly seen better days.  We heard him plod up the stairs appearing our side of the curtain again with puddings in hand.  He passed our table, with our puddings, and Lottie broke out into a whimpering chuckle as she witnessed him defrosting our desserts under the hot tap behind the bar.  Nice!

As with most Indian restaurants, the pudding selection is a mass produced frozen ice menagerie.  Mine (a mango slush and coconut ice-cream) was pretty bland but Lottie’s Lemon sorbet, in a lemon (how original… yawn), was ever so refreshing and I wished I had ordered the same.  Hindsight can be so cruel!

So, 47 quid and a pregnantesque belly later I thought I’d tell you all about it.  I wont go there again and wouldn’t recommend it either; we’ve only been back home for 20 minutes and already there’s a rather nasty bristling breeze of my own brewing!  3/10 for the restaurant. 8/10 for the fart-factor!  Yes, a high score there and one that makes me cautious when opening my stove to give it a stoking tonight

Anyway, up onto the roof she goes giving it a bit of a clean.  Reappearing about half an hour later asking for the Brasso.  “Our mushrooms are black!” she exclaimed.  Reminiscent of expensive Truffles I’d say

I was inside the boat when I heard Lottie talking to our neighbour.  I popped out to mingle and he said that our mushrooms were way beyond simple Brasso treatment alone and nipped off only to return with a little box of magic under his arm.

After a lot of rubbing, both abrasive and non-abrasive, he brought one of them up a real treat.

I’ve now ordered the products he recommended and bought them online from Miracle Leisure.  Once my supplies arrive I’ll send Lottie back onto the roof to sort the remaining mushrooms out!

As we’re not able to use the standpipes to clean the boat I’ve had a brainwave.  I’m going to wait for the next ‘downpour’ and wash the roof off.  Free water and a rinse as well.  Sorted!

I had a good old natter with my neighbour.  He’s a very experienced boater and has lots of handy hints and tips – plus he’s a really nice bloke.  I tried to absorb all the info he offered to store for a later date should I need it.  Which of course, I more than likely will!   We discussed our chimneys and old boiler flues along with secondary double glazing, window seals and condensation.  I’ve been put off replacement double glazing as it will come in at around £5k+.  I certainly need to replace the rubber seals though as they’re perishing before my very eyes.  I will now try to find a tradesman that can do the seal replacement for me.

All in all it was an hour very well spent.  Thank you neighbour

I also had my last visit from Chris Berry who came to furnish me with my boat safety certificate. I’d passed some weeks ago but was having a bubble tester installed so he came to pass that off prior to giving me my certificate. All done now and no recommendations either. Pucker!

Although I only know Chris by way of my safety certificate and full boat survey, he’s a boating expert. And that’s for all types of water craft including sailing. He was very interested in my Helmsman’s Course and if he decides to go into that line of business too it’ll be a good thing as there aren’t any ‘employable’ instructors in this area hence my having to employ someone from up North. If you’re in the Wiltshire area and need a survey or safety certificate and of course, tuition, then give Chris Berry a call on 07710 175871.

I’ve included some more photos from the top of my boat including the offending boiler flue, chimney and dirt