More canal news at foot of page!!!
The ‘Lady in Red’ takes to the water!
‘The Lady in Red’ was launched with a sponsored canal walk from Caen Hill Locks Devizes to Hilperton Marina.
The Friends of The Lady in Red launched their fundraising organisation, with the unveiling of their narrow boat, and a sponsored canal walk from Devizes Locks to Hilperton Marina on 1st July 2007, with all profits to Macmillan Cancer Support. The narrow boat accompanied walkers along the route, providing entertainment, refreshments and welcome respite for weary feet.
An organisation of dedicated fundraisers, the Friends of The Lady in Red are committed to raising awareness and funding for Macmillan Cancer Support, and cancer support throughout the region. At the launch they will be announcing their exciting calendar of events, which culminates in ‘The Lady in Red Charity Ball’ on 29th September 2007, at the Civic Hall in Trowbridge.
Marian Cane co-founded The Friends of The Lady in Red with her husband Alan in 2006 when she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Struck by the dedication, commitment and compassion shown by Macmillan specialist nurses, Marian and Alan decided to form an organisation dedicated to raising awareness and the financial support much needed by Macmillan Cancer Support. Throughout her life, Marian, had always dreamt of having a ‘Scarlet O’Hara moment’, descending a sweeping staircase, resplendent in a beautiful red ball gown. This was the time to make her dream a reality. From that dream came the name for their organisation.
‘The Lady in Red’ was born.
“Despite a brave battle, Marian sadly passed away earlier this year. Far sooner than any of us could have anticipated, and before her dream had been realised. It is our pledge to carry out her ideas and raise with your help the much-needed monies to finance and support those who can, and often are the only link between reality and a living nightmare. Marian felt that it was her way of giving instead of taking from life”.
“She was, and will remain always our inspiration.”
Alan Cane, Co-founder
Cancer is, and will continue to be, a part of everyone’s lives. By supporting this event and others organised by the Lady in Red, you can help ensure the best possible care and support for our loved ones when they need it most.
Not without a few problems!!!!
July 25th 2007
1st solo voyage from Hilperton Marina – Trowbridge.
Day 1 – not a good start the boat’s batteries do not hold a charge causing alarms to sound in the fridge initially and then from somewhere in the electrical circuit. I need to check the fluid level and top them up. Raining like hell tried in vain to assist a weekend boater and ended up with cracked ribs and a great deal of bruising. The age of chivalry should not be dead!
Day 2 – Ant checked and topped up water levels in batteries – used 8 ltrs. ....... hell the batteries must be cooked! Leaving on charge to night and will check pm tomorrow to see if charge held – went to casualty for check on ribs on Lisa’s insistence – 1 cracked rib confirmed and extensive bruising – typical – not supposed to lift anything for 6 weeks pain should lessen after 14 days – grrrrreat!
Day 3 – Switched of mains charger at 6.00pm and am relying on batteries – ribs hurt like hell need more pain killers. 00.45hrs fridge started bleeping will turn charger back on – noticed that TV volume and picture drops off as batteries get low on power.
Day 4 – Picking Brad up he’s staying on board tonight – called in at chandlery to check price of new batteries £69.99 each – more expense have to make a decision if batteries are to be changed or should I leave until after the weekend just hope for the best. Still raining forecast lunchtime said worst should be over by 16.00hrs. we’ll see.
Set off again at 16.15hrs moored at Bradford near The Beehive engine cut out and would not restart discovered another battery – starter battery – which on checking was faulty – so have had to purchase 3 batteries – Ant fitted new starter battery and was successful in get boat started to charge domestic batteries but charge only lasted until 01.15hrs. No TV signal in this area. Brad not cut out for the boating life especially after he had seen a spider!!! Another pump out required to-morrow.
Day 5 – Eventful night – enough said - need to start engine asap to put charge back into batteries. Brad says he would like to stay on boat again tonight – unfortunately I can only cope with my demons at present so may need to persuade him otherwise. Another problem after we moored up at Bradford she refused to start again well now feeling pretty peed off as a last resort before abandoning ship I check the solenoid – with a hammer – BINGO – she fired up straight away so maybe no need for that starter battery but now require a new solenoid I suppose. Met Bill the man at the pump out – steady job though – so another pump out under the belt – cheaper there as well, only a tenner. Making way back to
Sunday 24th February 2008
To become even more self sufficient and to avoid the battery episode from last year I have installed a generator which will provide 240v anywhere on the boat and a 12volt charge for the batteries "just in case". I need to make more time available to enjoy the tranquillity of "the cut" boatman talk for the canal.
Tuesday 18th March 2008
"Cypry" has been taken out of the water and hoisted onto the marina for maintenance. She is to have her bottom - hull - blacked and undergo a few improvements. The central heating system has been playing up - no change there - so I am hoping the marina engineer will sort the problem out - it has worked fine until the recent weather change but I really only need to switch it on when its cold.
