A Day Off in Knowle.

Friday 11^th July, 2014 at Knowle.

We have a free day today; we made good progress down from Fazeley and have arrived here with a day in hand before the Scout Group arrives tomorrow.

The weather was cloudier than yesterday but still dry and warm. Our quick visit into Knowle yesterday showed that the little town is not without charm, especially in respect of its buildings. It has some fine architecture, particularly in its very Norman Church and the Chester House, dating back to the 15^th century.

Chester House is now the Library and has been beautifully converted inside. The roof beams are spectacular and have been left exposed. What a wonderful use of such a fine, historic building.

R was thrilled to see that the two-bedroom flat over the Costa Coffee shop was for sale. Just think, he could have his lattés hoisted up on a butler’s lift!

Opposite Costa was a magnificent bakery with mouth-watering cakes, artisan bread and, best of all for R, brownies!

We also bought bacon and homemade pies at the excellent butcher’s shop, Eric Lyons. On the way back to the canal, M fell in love with the crooked little “Golden End Cottage” with its lovely garden; her dream house.

Opposite, there was a row of stunning cottages, with very neat lawns and box hedging in front.

At the end of these cottages was a house where there was an unorthodox answer to the problem of extending a house without spoiling its looks. The owners' builders had dug a very deep hole in the front garden and installed a basement extension that was connected to the house by an internal stairway. Light will be provided by two skylights in the middle and cars can be parked on top. Most unusual! It will be interesting to come back and see how it looks when it is finished.

Back on MM, we decided to reconnoitre the Knowle flight of five locks in readiness for the arrival of the Scouts tomorrow. On the way, we spotted a notice advertising a narrowboat festival this weekend just a mile down the canal. So, after inspecting the locks, we walked down the canal and were delighted to see dozens of narrowboats moored up with bunting flying, lots of happy smiling faces and a general carnival atmosphere.

The trade boats were arriving and setting up as we watched, including our favourite n.b. "Wand'ring Bark" whose owners make and sell “Wildside” jam and marmalade boat from their boat. They had a brand new butty boat, irresistibly and perfectly named “The Jam Butty”!

We also met up with our friends Rico and Lorraine on their boat “It’s Amore” and they invited us to join them on their boat for a cup of tea. We last saw them on the “Maccie” and it was great to see them again.

What a stroke of luck that the festival should be here this weekend for the Scouts’ visit!

Today: Just 2.3 hours to charge the batteries.