Christmas on the Cut
Be it Narrow
boat , Wide Beam, Tug or Cruiser we are all boaters together
If Moored in
a marina, Canal Linear, or anchored in the bay they all give the same
experience of Peace and Tranquillity. Its rather fitting that at this special
time of year as the Canal communities come together to celebrate the Peace of
Christmas.
I find that
living on the water brings you closer to the natural world, the changing of the
seasons and the elements. It makes for a
very interesting busy life. coal, gas, water, pump out, diesel it all mounts up
and Its all part of the wonderful tapestry
we have accepted to live. With the added
pleasure of sharing it with other like minded people. So though this season of
peace, friendship and good will to all men (and women) seems so appropriate in such a Idyllic situation as a BOATER.
Our
Christmas season always starts with a community carol service, really organised
by Radio Lancashire who have a programme of carols any group can take part be
it Pub, church, club, cafe, all you do is register the group, they do the
advertising print the carol sheets etc its
starts about 7 till 8 each location is mentioned and many are visited by roving
reporters its a great night carols are sung to the music of the salvation Army
band over the air waves when the whole of Lancashire sing Christmas. Our
venue for the last few years has been the Coffee shop Scarisbric Marina, who go
all out with mulled Wine and mince pies with an open invitation to all boaters
in the area, its a great time for exchanging gifts and cards and catching up on
the tow path gossip. It is also a good
time for me as the local rep to make sure all our members are set for the
onslaught of winter, also to see if I can help in anyway This has now become our
prelude for all the Christmas festivities may it continue for years to come.
This is our
11th Christmas on the boat except for one year in Australia when we
went to Australia to have Christmas on the beach which though interesting was
not really how I see Christmas it may be
OK for those in the antipodes’ but not for me. I prefer Icy winds, frost
clinging to the tress the crunching of grass under your feet all making a magical winter wonderland and sitting
on a cosy boat with a blazing log fire and a good G&T safe snug and very
comfortable what else could one ask for
Christmas
has actually now passed all presents dispatched
all visiting done and all
visitors gone home, all without any mishaps. Lots of boaters go away for the
period and we get many visitors so the Marina does get quite busy with the comings
and goings. Everyone has made an effort with the boat dressing and lights it
really looks like a fairy land Father
Christmas was very pleased. From the main road it really does look a very Joyous
place
You like me
will have been asked a thousand times “why do you live on a boat ?” I find it a
very difficult question to answer, I normally say you have to experience it first
then you will know. However sharing this festive season together may go a long
way to explaining the reason why
God bless
you all may your God be with you.
Early morning frozen mist
Cedric emerging from the mist for Breakfast
all lit up
for Christmas
Frozen up
our pet Robin
only one day of snow but a heavy one
