Alrewas to Swarkestone
Sunday 3rd April
Alrewas was famous for its eel fishery and basket weaving and was a thriving cottage industry, using osiers that grew in abundance alongside the river. It was one of the oldest recorded communities in the Midlands, initially starting off as an Iron-age farm. It wasn’t long however before the population grew as a result of the salt trade. It is possible that salt traders could have been held up at the fords by flooding, where local entrepreneurs sought to capitalise by supplying the needs of the trading people.
Old photograph of Alrewas
One Sunday morning in 1643 a fire began in one of the village alehouses ☹. One of the customers fired off a 'horne gun' causing a fire, resulting in the destruction of the alehouse and neighbouring houses and barns. (a very popular fellow NO doubt🙄)
The village holds an biennial Eight-Day Free Art Festival in the summer, featuring local artistic and artisan talents and includes workshops, performances, exhibitions and events in the village.
Well - it’s back down to minus 2 degrees this morning🥶
We were in our summer clothes yesterday (No I don’t mean bikini & mankini) and now it’s winter again!!! But there is a warm glow on the boat this morning and excitement in the air as we can’t wait to see the “Chicks” today… Yes, Chan and Jake are coming to see us & have a little cruise. It’s strange really, I have always thought we are a close family but after lockdown, we just can’t have enough hugs off Chan and we can’t wait to see them both again..
We were a little late setting off today and even though the river below Alrewas was in “Caution” - it was calm, the sun had just come out for our cruise, so after a quick chat with @potterstoo, we set off.
Although it’s a relatively short river section before we return to the canal, we love it, rivers are more natural, inviting all the senses to engage more intensely. The sounds of the reeds as they gently sway in the morning breeze, the fresh fragrance of nature (more intoxicating than any man made perfume), to the silhouette of the sun and fluffy clouds as it appears to be dancing in the water. Its almost as everything around you is beckoning you in to take a closer look.. Yes we love it 🤗.
Leaving Alrewas on the River Trent
We are back on familiar territory now and after Whychnor it’s not one of our favourite stretches as it runs alongside the A38 and it’s very noisy. From a little bit of heaven, we were back to earth very quickly. However if you’re keen eyed you can still spot rabbits frolicking along the towpath & water-voles going about their daily business, coupled with the thought of meeting Chan and Jake, the noise soon seemed to disappear.
Cruising on the Trent & Mersey with the A38 on our left
As we approached Branston, they rang to say they were on their way so they parked at Shobnall and walked up to meet us. What a lovely afternoon- we cruised with them from Branston to Shobnall - Jake steered the boat for the first time and Chan managed a couple of beers despite being hungover - hair of the dog works every time 😉.
Amazing pictures on the walls of Dallow Lock at Burton on Trent
The confidence Steph had gained from all the locks she managed the day before stood her in good stead to act as Jake’s mentor through the lock, Paul, however was receiving some more tuition to improve his locks skills from Chan 😉.
Chan & Jake walking back after our cruise together ☹
Sorry for the lack of pictures of Chan & Jake but we were having so much fun we completely forgot to take any….
We continued cruising after dropping them off a little past Shobnall and moored just before Bridge 25 - it’s a gorgeous evening and now time to chill!
Moored up just before Willington before moving on to Swarkestone the next day
Click here to see a time-lapse of Alrewas to Branston and also if you pop your email address in the box below we can let you know when our next blog is done 😊
We hope you enjoyed our Blog, take care & stay safe xx
