The Boaters Christian Fellowship have a weekend togetehr at Fazeley each Autumn. We had a good time there but it left SONFLOWER on the visitor meeoings at Peels Wharf for a night on her own. I and Piglet parked the car at Athertone near the Top Lock and took a bus ride to Fazeley to re-join the boat. The bus broke down in the girosystem over the M42 and delayed us an hour.
27th September 2021 Fazeley to Poleworth.
But in good spirits we set off just before 2pm and made Poleworth without incident for an overnight mooring near Limekiln Bridge. The maps pointed to the Royal Oak, a "gastropub" within easy walking distance and we arrived there at about 6.30 to find that they no longer serve food. Where to eat in Polesworth? The landlady didn't think we would find pub food anywhere. The chip shop? Chinese takaway? We had eaten Indian in Fazeley and did not really want to go back to the Bull's Head that has an indian restaurant above the bars. We walked into the village and saw a sign that indicated that that Fosters Yard served food. When we entered we were told by the barmaid, "look at the menu, press that bell and someone will take your order". Here was The Yard Spice, an Indian takeaway. "Could we eat in?" I asked. "I suppose so, sit at one of the tables round the corner and someone will come out to see you". We sat a the first of six empty tables in the long dining area. A server shortly came with menus and we bought drinks from the bar. The menu was very extensive. The server, who was one of the partners, told us that they try to cook everything fresh. Piglet ordered a tandoori platter and I oredered a lamb sashlick with bombay potato on the side. It was very good. The platter could have served two at a pinch but Piglet managed to get through it. The locals in the bar smelt the food and started to comment "I might have a shashlick myself" "I didn't know you could eat in" "That looks really nice". The Partner came out and we chatted for a bit. They had only been working there for about htree months. We wish them success in the future.
6miles 2 locks 3.1/2 hours
28 September 2021
The target today was Atherstone Top Lock. We set off later than usual at 0840 and got to the bottom lock at 1045. I lock wheeled and walked betweeen the loicks for the first six and then Piglet took over to lock wheel the flight up the hill. There were a coupe of boats coming the other way bit in the main we were fiollowing another boat and emptying down after them. These are "pauper's pocket" locks: slow to fill and quick to empty.
I had a lovely conversation with an ex-teacher who taught miners' children during the Miner's Strike. She described the area as it was when the collieries were in full production. A bygone age now. "Mining people were good people", she said "A real community". Grendon, Baddersley and Orchard Collieries were mentioned.
We achieved the summit at about 1pm. Packed up and got in the car to return to Banbury. Piglet had had enough for the time being.
We moored on the visitor moorings just past Colehill Road Bridge.
4miles, 11 locks, 4.1/2 hours.
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