6th July: Boat Graveyard on River Severn near Sharpness
29th June: Brompton ride along the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal
22nd June: my 5th visit to Gladys at Aintree Boats
My name is Jeff. I'm in the process of buying a narrowboat - a 40 foot 'Aintree Beetle', being built by Aintree Boats in Liverpool. I visited them most recently in June 2024 - check out the video. She'll hopefully be completed by September 2024 and I've named her Gladys. Once afloat I'll explore the UK's canals, making videos as I go.
Watch this space for more news of Gladys - and for diverse other videos. To ensure you don't miss any, just subscribe, and then RU-vid will send you notifications of new ones as I publish them. It's free! Lastly, if you enjoy a video, please click on the 👍 'Like' option. - And please leave a comment!
A breath of fresh air video, thank you Jeff, always enjoy the trip wherever you go. I love that you've named Gladys after your Mum. So much looking forward to seeing you afloat!
Thanks Annie - that's a really great comment!👍 Yes, named after my mother - she didn't like the name herself, but she'd be well-pleased with having a boat called after her 😊 As I often say lately Annie... keep those fingers tightly crossed ! 🤞🤞🤞
Well, so far, I've been lucky there DC! Their website suggests its open daily in the summer: penelopescafegoytrewharf.co.uk/ Definitely a nice place to eat and drink, anyway! 😁
Interesting that during WWII, concrete boats/barges were made to be floated across the channel. Where they’d be beached to form mooring jetties & tie-ups, for the landing of following equipment. I’d heard of this graveyard but never visited. After seeing this, puts me in mind to give it a visit. I’ve built and repaired revetments on the NW shore of Windermere. Dragging, rolling and winching boulders into position. Nothing nearing as big as these. Just in case anyone’s wondering why there was a swing bridge over the canal. It wasn’t just low boats & barges that navigated the canal. But also masted boats, which required a greater clearance under the rail bridge. Apparently, the children of Sharpness, would routinely travel to the school at Lydney. The the bridge was hit by the first boat, the families of said children, were among those interested in the bridge being repaired. As the children were being bused to ‘n’ fro school. Each way taking around 3hrs. But shorting after surveyors and engineers proposing that it was feasible. The second boat got a bit too close for comfort… and the plan was abandoned. The bridge had never really earned its keep, (even driving the initial construction investors into bankruptcy). The plan was to rake in a fortune hauling coal from Wales to Sharpness. But only 6yrs. after completion, alternate transport was hauling far great quantities of freight direct to Bristol docks for export. Cutting out the bridge, transport along the canal and all the double-handling along the way. Turned both Lydney and Sharpness into the backwaters they are today. Than you.
As ever DC, you are amine of information! Yes, you're right about the swing bridge, and in fact, 3 masted ships still go up to Gloucester on special occasions - so they'd certainly need a swing bridge to get past. You would love the boats graveyard - definitely worth the trip. Its about 20 minutes drive after you cross the old Severn Bridge (up the M5 a bit, then off to the left). Its not far from Slimbridge wildlife reserve, and also Berkeley Castle - I recall a school trip to the castle, and seeing Edward Jenner's laboratory there. That was a helluva journey to school. I must see about making a trip to Lydney soon - to explore what may remain of the bridge on that side 👍
Hi Jeff, thanks again for the lovely vlog on the Mon/Brecon canal. Like you i like those Canal Network more that others and its on your doorstep. I remember you visited last time you got some good photographs and even more to your collection, and that guy spoke a little more than last 😂 Gladys will look lovely on that particular part of the Network so not long now 😊 As always take care and stay safe out there 😊 John.
Hi John! Yes, you can't go far wrong with the Mon & Brec 👍 Its a photographer's paradise really - even on an overcast day. I had to show that chap a £5 note, before he agreed to say anything. Keep your fingers and toes crossed that all goes to plan with the completion date!🤞🤞🤞
Thanks Iain! Yes, it is a beautiful canal - and only half hour's drive from home at its nearest point. Yes, keep those fingers crossed that all goes to plan - and you'll see her on the water before September 🙂
My paternal grandmother was landlady of a pub in Sharpness, circa 1910. Growing up in Poole, Dorset, in the 1950s, there were lots of shallow bays around Poole Harbour. Many of them had abandoned boats, large and small, in various stages of decay. I often wondered about their histories and how they came to be left there.
Hi Jack! Wow - that's interesting - perhaps it may be that deliberately beaching unwanted boats has been a practice for a long time. I guess every abandoned boat has a story to tell. 👍
The walkway looks very rotten, glad it's not accessible! Poor boats being buried but it means they serve a purpose for much longer, rather clever idea that could be extended elsewhere. There's a beach in England where they've buried rows of Christmas trees to rebuild sand dunes to keep the sea at bay. Recycling at its best!
Hi Annie! That's a truly brilliant use for old Christmas trees - I hadn't heard of it before. But it makes great sense now I think about it! Yes, as you say - that's real recycling!🙂
Thanks Annie - I did that and saw the videos - great stuff! I saw in some of the comments that it was done on the Gower way back in the 1970s! Amazing story - thanks for bringing it to my attention! 👍👍
@@Gladysthenarrowboat Well now I'll have to watch it again as you've spotted something I didn't when I saw it! Have a good week Jeff, see you next weekend.
Thanks Annie! You have a good week too - I haven't decided where to go/what to video yet for next weekend - and I'm a bit limited to doing it on Tuesday this week (despite poor weather forecast)... but rest assured I'll have something for you next Saturday! 👍😁
Hi John! Thanks, I'm very glad you found it interesting 👍 I think you should take this idea of yours to the new government - could be just the policy that they need to kick start the economy! 👍
Hi Jeff, Really enjoyed this video. I'd never heard of the Purton Ship Graveyard. A nice place to visit for sure. What a genius idea that was to beach those boats to protect the canal. By the way, the boat is enclosed in the protective fence to stop people taking it out sailing in the evening. Don't take my word on this though Jeff, as my researchers are all junkies 😂 The canal itself looks like an anglers, boaters and cyclists paradise, a really beautiful stretch of canal. Looks like you had a really enjoyable day out again while envious me was stuck at work. You are becoming quite the competent documentarist, hence the BBC stalking you. A six figure salary awaits. See you in the next video 👍
Hi Dave! Thanks for the comment and your suggestion about the enclosed boat - I guess that is one possible explanation!😁 Yes, it was a genius idea - and it would seem to have done the trick. Its a fabulous canal and unlike any other I've seen so far - I'd love to take Gladys on it, but getting to it in the first place might be a problem. Possibly next year, after I've had a few months getting used to the boat, but we'll see. Those people at the BBC are hounding me night and day Dave. Only this afternoon, when I was outside building the latest holzhausen, someone helpfully handed me a log to use, and when I turned around, it was a BBC executive, smoking a fat cigar, with a tempting contract in his briefcase... I told him where he could stick his log! 😁
Hi Jeff another interesting vlog of yours and what a width the 7 is i remember fishing the 7 at a place called Monk more at Birmingham back in the 70s it was a Match that our local fishing club organised (Paladin) in Northwich Ches, where i live. I was quite shocked to find how wide it was as I'd been so use to fishing the weaver and the Dane two waters in Northwich. I must admit that i found the 7 a very interesting water to fish and also very shocked to experience the fast flowing compared to my usual waters mentioned. Ive watched quite a few vt's of narrowboats travelling on the 7 and i noticed how challenging this water is. However im sure you will take it in your stride if you ever attempt to take Gladys along it.😮😊 As always take care and stay safe out there. 😊 John.
Hi John! yes, the Severn is very impressive - I've done vlogs from Droitwich down as far as Sharpness, and it changes so much. And the depth altered noticeably even during the couple of hours that I walked down to Sharpness and back. So you live in Northwich? - you'll not be far from a canal there then! I have seen videos of boats entering the port at Sharpness and it looks like quite a complicated maneuver - thanks for your vote of confidence, but I doubt I'd be brave enough to take Gladys on there - much as I'd love to do the Sharpness Canal to Gloucester! Thanks John 👍
Very good plan to use the abandoned or derelict boats as a kind of protective dam to work against river overflow and flooding! An interesting video of the area…too bad not a more sunny day 😅
Thanks Angela! Yes, it was weird weather - quite overcast at times and then sunny and bright for 10 minutes. Hard to know what to wear when I set off! ☹️
Yes there is a girl that videos the boats coming into Sharpness on YT. I live in Dunedin NZ so in 1,1/2hours NZ will be playing England in the local covered Stadium Rugby of course. Pity about the boat called Barry but I'm sure it's doing a stirling job.
Ah yes, I think I saw a video on YT of a large boat/ship going through the lock. Congrats to the All Blacks by the way! Yes, pity about 'Barry' - but a better end than some boats come to I suppose.
Thanks Bazza! Yes, Barry is definitely not forgotten - there's a nice plaque with its name on for all to see. And on the other side of the Severn, not far along the Welsh coast, there's the port of Barry of course! And Barry Island, with its sandy beaches! 👍😊
How exciting Jeff. Your dream of having a home on the canals is finally becoming a reality. She looks beautiful. Hopefully it won't be long now until completion.
Thanks Jan 😁. Yes, she looks stunning. I heard from Aintree Boats this week, and all is looking good for the launch date they promised me. I'm not giving away the date yet, (but its before September 😁)
For me i have a yuzu lime brompton I love the colour and the bike after owning the bike for 6 months I should have got one with a front bag and back rack from day one I had to have the front inertube replaced under warranty so the put in an av4 tube and 6 months on I repmaced both tires and tubes as the rear tire was shredding by the rim so the marathon racers came of av4 tubes went in along with the continental contact urban I am much happyer with the bike the next one I buy in September I will have the rear rack and front bag other things I put on was frame protection bits for cables marking the frame and when the wheel folds I also got my tires tubes and breakpads at %50 of by going to sjs cycles so cheaper and an upgrade lol
Hi Steve. I have just looked up the yuzu lime colour and it looks great. Sounds like you had some bad luck with the tubes and tyres - I've been ok so far, but have heard that the Continentals are a good replacement tyre. I bought some frame protection helicopter tape for where the cables rub. 👍 50% discount at SJS sounds very handy - I'll have to remember that! Cheers!
Got to be envious of the house at 16m 30s. A place by the canal and their own climbing wall. I wondered why the canal detoured around the Kinver area, wondered what the industry was, well now I know. Too much to include here but safe to say, it has a long history and a quite interesting past. With a number of places of interest in the area. Thank you for bringing the place to my attention.
Yes, I think that must be one of the most desirable houses I've ever seen, How anyone affords such a place is baffling and when I think about it, it seems unfair that someone has such a fabulous home when many others are homeless or living in a single room bedsit... but that's another question I guess, and for now, it's enough just to admire the house 😊 I know you always like to do some research DC! Must confess, when making the videos, its not really my aim to provide a history lesson - but more to provoke interest - so I'm glad it worked for you!👍
Yes indeed John. The canal is very pretty and reminds me of both the Llangollen and also the Mon & Brec. I do try to engage with the boaters - usually they respond well, but now and then they seem disinterested - same thing with cyclists that I pass / make way for... some are very friendly and some are bloody ignorant! Once afloat on Gladys, I hope I'll feature other boaters quite a lot and it'll be great if I chance along someone I met before 😁 Or meet one of my RU-vid narrowboat heroes like Kevin Shelley (Travels by Narrowboat), The Narrowboat Pirate, The Amateur Boater, Narrowboat Journeys - to name a few).👍
Hi Jeff, I'm pleased to hear that you love the sound of the lock paddles being opened or closed as fortunately you will be hearing it lot's soon 😅😊 Another great Vlog of your travels along the Canal Networks with your trusty steed, (The Brompton)😊 Beautiful scenery and be careful with your speed 😮 As always take care and stay safe out there. 😊 John.
Thanks John! Yes, I really love that sound - and it carries a along way, so you often know someone's in the lock before you get there. Very glad of your comments and the support you've given - much appreciated! The camera really does exaggerate the speed, believe me! But I'm nearly 65 and getting more cautious with every day that passes, so you can rest assured! 👍
@Gladysthenarrowboat I have been following CHG Kevin and Ben and Emily for over 5 years with Kevin and about 3 years with Ben and Emily both from their beginning which has been very interesting and enjoyable. I'm sure you will become more popular once your own Narrowboat journeys are aired. Can't wait to see Gladys and yourself chugging along. 🥰 John.
Thanks John! 😁 Yes, I think the narrowboat itself plays a huge part and I'm sure people will love seeing Gladys chugging along. As before - many thanks for the encouragement!!! 👍
That was a nice trip along the canal but not at all a fan of road cycling. There were a lot of boats along there, obviously very popular. If I were you I'd take a picnic on these trips, that way you'll never get too hungry. Dragonfly reminded me of Fawlty Towers!
Thanks Annie! Yes, its a lot different riding on the road. Time was, when road cycling was my biggest passion, but it does feel scary sometimes now. Sometimes I do take some lunch with me, but then again, it adds to the weight in my rucksack and when on the bike, with a few tools/spares, plus my GoPro stuff, it gets a bit heavy. I do need to sort out some bags to fit on the bike!! Hence I sometimes try to just get something along the way. Mind you... there are very few places along a canal where you can buy anything - other than a pub. Ah yes, Fawlty Towers... "...and the name of the horse was...Dragonfly!" said a relieved Polly. Cybil says to Basil that if she finds out he's been betting on a horse, then he knows what she'll do. He replies "You'll have to sew them back on again first!" Classic stuff 😁😁
Yes, I keep forgetting/putting it off... but I really do need to get my act together and order a bag (or two). Poor Basil indeed Annie - it was classic stuff! 😂
@@Gladysthenarrowboat It was wasn't it, hardly a day goes by when we don't say something that was in Fawlty Towers. Ees piggeon is a favourite as there are pigeons here every day & today unfortunately a brave daytime rat which of course is what Manuel's piggeon was. I speak English, I learn it from a book. 😸
Ah, good old Manuel... "I come from Barcelona!" Yeah, every episode was spot-on. The casting perfect too... bit like Dads Army - and when everything is as right as it was with these classics, they easily pass the test of time! 😁
My Brompton is the healthiest gym workout. I got mine in 2019 and it’s my favorite bike of all time. It’s great for everything. I just replaced tires and chain . I add extra lights too
Hi Madison 😊 Thanks for the encouragement (as always). Afraid my bike rides hardly compare to yours in length... 20 miles was more than enough for me - my excuse is that I'm really not bike-fit. Maybe I'll go out for a ride tomorrow if the weather's still good. I need to get some miles in! Yeah, its amazing how they ever built those canals - no power tools like we have today. If only the navvies of yesteryear had been taken on to build HS2... it would have been finished ages ago! Chips were very good and I recommend that chippie if you go to Kidderminster (Captain Cod). As I said in other comments though, I only had time to eat half of them 😒
Hi Jeff, I too would have been absolutely knackered after that road section. I'm not a fan of road cycling either, there are just way too many cars these days. The canal stretch is absolutely amazing, so picturesque and very popular. A busy day on the water with all those boats too. Great towpaths too which is always a plus. Definitely a section for me to visit when I've got time. I've been out a few times now on my local canals steadily building up my fitness levels. Probably about 5 miles each time in total including the short runs along the roads to get to the canals. I'm having to go after work when I do go out so I have limited time but I will be taking time off during the summer with the intention of full day cycling, following the routes you have been uploading whenever possible. Anyway, I'm glad to see you got your chips this time Jeff, albeit no fish (I couldn't see one) By the way, a few of your female subscribers contacted me to say they would have been quite happy for you to remove your t-shirt in the video. Great enjoyable video as always. Take care Jeff 👍
Hi Dave! Yeah, I was badly in need to something to eat by the time I reached the chippie (just opposite the station). And very thirsty - that can of Vimto went down a treat. But no time for a fish as well, and I only managed half the chips as it turned out. Yes, a really great stretch of canal - you'd love it I'm sure. Great to hear you are getting out on the bike - there are so many fabulous canals around Birmingham area - I'm sure you'll enjoy them. I certainly have enjoyed riding/walking/videoing them... and am looking forward to making videos of them with Gladys! Hmm... well Dave, none of those ladies has contacted me personally! I imagine they're too shy, eh? Feel free to act as my agent in such matters 😉 As always, many thanks for the great comment and for supporting the channel. 👍
Thanks guys! 😁 And I have been enjoying your adventures on the Llangollen Canal too - very well worth a watch!!! The Happy Wren - same boat as we hired 😊
Hi Barry! yeah, I didn't ask for a large portion, but it was way too much and I had to leave half of them. Good chippie though! The road got a bit hairy here and there - not much fun, but time was against me and it would have taken too long to retrace on the towpath. I used to do a lot of road cycling but its less enjoyable the older I get.
Hi again Jeff had to take another look at Gladys and just to say that the size 44ft is an ideal choice 👌 just big enough for you and maybe another Narrowboat enthusiast who would like to travel with you. Good luck with the completion date hope it's sooner rather than later later. Bye for now 😊 Take care.
Hi John - that's great! - yes, actually, she's 40 feet long, not 44, so, nice and compact (though they do make boats much smaller of course). Much of the time I'll be alone, but my partner Janet will be staying on board now and then too. Its ideal for two people, even though the space will obviously be limited! Yeah, as Ive said many times on here - keep everything crossed that the completion is on time!🤞
Hi Robert! Thanks for the comment and for continuing to watch 👍 Are they slow? Well, I have no personal experience of other boat builders, but it is true that I was originally expecting Gladys to be completed last summer. Since then, the main cause of delay was that Aintree was having difficulty obtaining supply of the engines that they install, and so a backlog of boats built up, and mine was behind a number of others. I guess another issue is that maybe Aintree Boats took on too many orders and we all ended up paying the price for that. Having said that - in their defence - its not in Aintree's interest to delay finishing the boats... because unlike some builders, they agree the price at the outset and this remains fixed, no matter how long the delay, and despite the fact that a 40 foot Beetle, if ordered today, would cost a lot more. So myself, Lorna and others, haven't been asked for any additional funds incurred because of the delays. And I only pay the final instalment when the boat is finished - so again, its in their interest to move the boats out so they can get on with the next boat on the list. As with life in general, its very easy to judge others but there are always two sides to the story... I also watch Lorna's channel and have actually seen Foxglove up close where it's presently right next to Gladys - they appear to have done a lovely job on the boat - I hope Lorna will be happy once she finally gets afloat and starts making videos of her adventures again. 🙂
Great news and heartening too! Just got to remember, that the bow is at the other end to the stern, the stern is at the other end to the bow and the cabin is somewhere in between.
Hello Adrian and Mags! Thank you for the lovely comment and thanks so much for subscribing 👍 I just saw your video... what a coincidence, as we were on Happy Wren in April 2023, from Blackwater to Llangollen and back - lovely boat and we had a great time. The two aqueducts are simply awesome - but watch out for traffic jams at Trefor Basin! Its worth braving the Narrows to go right into Llangollen. Check out my 3 videos of the trip if you have time. And... enjoy your holiday! 😁 PS - I have subscribed to you too and look forward to seeing your adventures 👍
Hi Jeff Gladys is looking good and nearer to finishing 😊 Great news and the paint job looks great and I noticed that the tiller looks strong. I bet you can't wait to get on board and get underway cruising the Canal networks. As always take care and stay safe out there 😊
Hi John! Thanks, yes, we're getting much closer now - and you're right, it is an excellent paint job - just a shame that she was so dusty, which hid the shine quite a bit! It's been a long and frustrating wait - I'm just tempering my enthusiasm a little in case of any last minute hitches - so keep those fingers crossed please! Cheers! Jeff😁
Hi Jeff, Gladys is looking really nice and we are so pleased for you that progress is good and a possible launch date confirmed. You must be getting a little excited now. The interior is looking great and I cant wait to see the oak flooring. Thanks for the update Jeff and hopefully you'll be on the water soon and maybe even passing through Birmingham at some time. See you in the next video, take care Jeff. 👍
Hi Dave! Yes she is looking good! The oak floor should add a touch of class and, like you, I am keen to see how it all looks... I'll need to look after her and keep everything clean... but not easy when you're traipsing in and out after dirty locks and towpaths ☹️ I am definitely hoping to go through Birmingham - maybe you'll jump on for a cuppa! 👍
Love the Beetle concept. Affordable way to buy new. Like it but by crikey delays and time taken seem for eternity. Let’s hope they keep to the date for launch. Best wishes. 🎉
Thanks Trevor! yes, very good value, and to be fair to Aintree Boats, the price was fixed at time of contract - so even though the boat is now about a year late, and the list prices have risen noticeably, they are not asking for any additional money - unlike what I have heard some other boat-builders have been doing. Cheers! 😊
Thanks Madison! yes, I am starting to believe it's really happening now - but even so, with not wanting to tempt fate... but that said, it certainly looks promising for some nice Autumn canal-videos 👍😁
Hi Jeff, good to see Gladys is coming on, albeit still a bit slowly. Really like the finishing around the inside of the windows, she'll be worth waiting for and will be beautiful on the water 👍
Thanks Iain! Yes, I had hoped to see more progress inside the boat but I think they've been concentrating on completing the boats which are due to go out this coming week... so hopefully they can now throw everything at Gladys and Bonnie. The guys who work on the boats are highly skilled - everything is made onsite - and often within the boat itself 👍 Yes, she looked very dusty which made a huge difference... but out on the water, I think that she (and also Bonnie and Foxglove), will be real head-turners!
