Voyages of Gabriel: Aylesbury Town Basin to Circus Field Basin

Fri 28^th April Aylesbury Town Basin

We started with prayer together on Beacon, and Andrew joined us. We set out the chairs and tables, and put up signs offering free tea and coffee.

It was a bit quiet, and there were a couple of rain showers, but John and Ruzenka arrived, as well as Marcus and Jane, and we had drinks on board Beacon. Later, the sun came out, and we had some good conversations with people. Aidan arrived to help for a while. James brought Gabriel over from the pontoon to the wharf to see how it would fit if we needed to run an extension lead from there. Although the stern stuck out a little, it was definitely possible, and we will probably do that tomorrow.

Although there is an electricity point it needs a code number to work, and C&RT have not told us how to use it, despite phone calls and emails.

Liz turned up and we discussed the challenges surrounding the operation of her Little Trip Boat. When she moved on again with her dog, we were on the point of putting everything away, but at that moment we had two guys turned up, plus a couple, and two separate ladies, so we served more drinks and cakes, and had some excellent discussions.

We returned Gabriel to the pontoon for overnight, and went for a meal with Chris and Sally on Kairos. Roger and Jo had their last day at More+, and then went for a meal with Mark and Roz.

Almost no boating today. No photos either.

Sat 29^th April Aylesbury Town Basin

We began with breakfast on Gabriel – bacon baps and almond croissants. Then we moved Gabriel across to the wharf, behind Beacon.

Kairos Spirit Gabriel

The very end of the Aylesbury Arm

After a prayer time on Beacon, we started setting up for the day. Our PA system emerged from the depths of our cupboards, and we used the power from Gabriel, with no problems. We searched everywhere for a 4-gang extension lead that we had seen yesterday. In the end we used a different one. Our Wheel of Hope was also on display. There were kids’ activities as well.

While we were setting up the PA, James heard the football rattle that we use for sound effects on the Wheel of Hope. He went to investigate, and there was no sign of the rattle. There were three boys there with their mother. James asked about the rattle, and the mother asked the boys. One of them retrieved it out of their bag! James explained what we use it for, and that it was part of our equipment. Hopefully, it demonstrated forgiveness better than a lecture on stealing.

The weather was brilliant. The only problem was that the sun shone on our music tablets, making it difficult to see the words and chords.

Singing a few songs to entertain (photo: Peter Braybrook)

We sang five songs in the morning, and another three in the early afternoon, before handing over to the choir, who were very good, and obviously well practised. It was wonderful to have them coming along to participate. They are based at Holy Trinity Church, and they meet to practice every Monday evening except bank holidays.

Aylesbury Community Gospel Choir

Liz was doing short trips with the Little Trip Boat, with Jo and Roger helping.

LittleTrip Boat

We sang another three songs later, and then mingled to chat with the people for a while.

There were many good conversations going on. Alan and Geraldine came from High Wycombe, and Peter Braybrook came from Banbury, along with Mark and Liz. We had some people from the church including Phil and Anne, and Eric, Norma and Pauline from the apartments.

Lots of conversations

It was a good day. We put all the equipment away, moved the boat back to the pontoon, and took down the bunting.

James searched high and low for his wallet, but had to go without it, when the six of us went for a drink at the White Hart (crowded), and tried to get a table at the Rococo Lounge (impossible). We went instead to the Sri Lankan Restaurant which was peaceful and excellent.

Returning to the boat we continued the search for the wallet, which James found eventually, where he had hidden it for safekeeping. The four-gang extension also turned up during the search. James had plugged some charging leads into it, and it was in a basket in plain sight!

Minimal boating today.

Sun 30^th April Aylesbury Town Basin to Circus Field Basin

We left early, at 8.40am, and apparently no-one heard us depart. We hadn’t seen anyone up and about, and we didn’t want to disturb them if they were sleeping. We passed Argus which has been pumped out and is no longer listing. We understand that Neil the owner is unwell and is being looked after.

Reversing out quietly

Argus and the Bantam Tug

High Bridge

The first lock was full and overflowing so we had to empty it. As we left, we raised one of the lower paddles to empty it for those following in Beacon. We did the same at the second lock.

Into the first lock

Going up

Above the lock, there was a fishing competition taking place. Thankfully, we didn’t want to moor at Tesco as the visitor moorings were full of fishermen. When we arrived at the next lock, the small floating pontoon was loose and wafting about in the lock entrance. When James let the water out of the lock, the pontoon started going round in circles. He managed to catch it and tie it up.

Fishing competition

The floating peril

Pirouetting

Lock 15

Weir on the Bear Brook

Hazel managed to operate the lift bridge. We had discovered that another boat was on our mooring, so we found another place at the car park end of another jetty, convenient for people getting on when we leave again on Tuesday.

Our new mooring for 2 days

James held the lift bridge for Beacon when they arrived 30 minutes later, with Chris, Sally, Roger and Jo. He collected our white table and chairs from Beacon, to return them to our apartment.

Beacon returns

We all went to the Broughton Church service at 1030. Roz was leading the worship with Ben Sarah and Jane. Phil was preaching, and cooking fish on a barbecue. Shirley led the meeting. Roger and Jo were sent out. Chris reported back on the outreach in the town, and he prayed for the church. It was all good.