The Stourbridge Lion: Loughborough

The first, what turned out to be, minor techical problem so far. The Bilge had water in it in a place it shouldnt be when checked this morning. Further checking showed that bathrom sink and shower tray, being below outside water level, were not being pumped out properly. The float switch which activates the pump was not working. You cant keep a ex British Rail apprentice down though; so a short walk to Wilkinsons and the purchase of a light switch allowed me to disconect the float switch and reconnect to the new switch. Only problem is that you have to remember to switch on when using shower or washbasin. (see below)

Had a coffee in Loughborough and found that speciality bakers unique to the East Midlands, Birds. Bought more than I should have from a helpful assistant. I wanted to tell her that I was travelling across England by boat but I didnt.

Went into HMV and found the music section behind the DVD, games and Blu Ray sections (I always associated HMV with music but its secondary now) Bought a Arcade Fire CD and took it to a very helpful assistant who had just seen them live.and was very enthusiastic about them. We chatted a bit. I wanted to tell him that I was travelling across England by boat but I didnt.

Nice town Loughborough a good honest town a bit like what my home town of Stourbridge would be like if it was not for "out of town" shops. The people seemed friendly and trustworthy. So trustworthy that I went to have my hair cut, first time since a traumatic night shift at Bounds Green depot in March. Found a shop somewhere between Cash Convertors and Ladbrookes but I trust these people.

"What would you like sir"

"Wash and a cut"

"We have no water"

"I'll just have a cut then"

He still used the hair dryer on my head-perhaps it was just to keep in practice.

I wanted to tell him that I was travelling across England by boat but thought better of it.

I have not seen a combine harvester yet.

Set off at 1030 down the Soar through Normanton on Soar and Zouch (pronounced zotch said a guy by Zouch lock). Weekend chalets by Normanton reminded me of the Severn. Some pictures below.

Coming out of Loughborough. Talking parrot in garden and East Midlands train at the bottom of the garden(if you look close!)

Normanton on Soar church.

Zouch

Holiday chalets near Normanton

There was a chain operated ferry at Normanton to cross the river but not sure if still in use.

A strange phenomonon when passing under the super grid power lines from the nearby Radcliffe on Soar power station was that the boat tingled with induced electricity for a short while! this happened a couple of times.

Very nice scenery approaching Kegworth (Pronounced Keguth said Joanne) and although directly in the flight path to East Midlands airport the planes didnt seem too intrusive.