Yesterday (May BH Monday) was the annual celebration of Retford Charter Day. The Chesterfield Canal Trust organised a series short cruises on the canal (which as many of you know goes through the centre of Retford) on one of our trip boats. On the first voyage, as we approached Grove Mill winding hole on the return journey in intermittent sunshine with threatening clouds fast approaching, we collected (what turned out to be) a gents jacket on the prop. Since we were unable to shake it off in the normal way, as usual I was volunteered to make the day's first visit down the weed hatch. As I doffed my upper garments it started to snow lightly, quickly turning to a heavy hail shower and the cold wind increased. Happily after about five minutes I managed to get enough of the material loose to unwind the tangled mess and relieved we were soon on our way again. Of course as I ascended again from the depths the hail and snow stopped and the sun came out again. Fortunately we did not have cause to disturb the weed hatch clamp again all day. Hey-ho summer is here again. Arthur Naylor CCT Trip boat Seth Ellis
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