Easter Boater’s Gathering 21-24 March, Ellesmere Port

The journey from Chester to the Ellesmere Port Boat Museum was horse drawn with Steve Rees Jones’ boat horse ‘Buddy’. ‘Buddy’ is a lovely big ‘shire’ type horse with fringed feet. Sue Day of the Horse Boating Society would describe him much more accurately than I am doing!

Crewing on Saturn was bitterly cold and windy. After a few hours of this weather we were all wondering why we put ourselves through it, however despite being blown to bits we finally arrived on time after a few stops by ‘Buddy’ to exchange greetings—and rub noses—with other horses in fields along the way.

We made a change this year having Saturn moored outside the Toll House at The Boat Museum, with our display inside which was beneficial as the weather was still cold, windy and wet (even sleet!). Having the facility of the Toll House was ideal and we were able to display the history of Saturn’s restoration and have plenty of circulation space to explain to the public the importance of our heritage boat.

On Easter Monday we were entertained by a group of Welsh Morris Dancers in elaborate costumes with dragons on their backs, performing outside the entrance to the Toll House which attracted interest and drew people in to view our display.

Despite the cold conditions, there was a fair throughput of people eager to enquire about Saturn and as the boat was moored nearby, visitors were shown over by Bill Walker and other members of the Committee. This close proximity provided us with further opportunity to engage people as there was a natural progression from display boards to a ‘live’ boat outside.

Shrewsbury & Newport Canal Trust, Norbury Junction—3-4 May

This was one of many regular visits by SUFBRS to Norbury Junction for the Festival but for the first time with Saturn moored on display. Sue and John Yates had towed Saturn from Ellesmere Port with their n/b Buckden and Saturn was moored amidst a number of historical boats mostly belonging to our members who were then able to talk to the public about her history and restoration.

For this event we had the use of the purpose built ‘step’ designed by Tony Lewery and SUFBRS member, Adrian Polglase, and then made by Adrian - our thanks to Adrian for the step which enables people to come on board safely.

Again the weather was not kind to us, particularly on Sunday, but despite the downpours, we raised £107 made up of donations and the sale of SUFBRS fleeces.

Again we were delighted to welcome new members from the Horse & Jockey pub at Grindley Brook, near Whitchurch. Carol, Keith and family are great supporters of Saturn and on occasion have provided grazing for ‘Bonny’ the boat horse used to tow Saturn and car parking for a garden party in aid of SUFBRS funds, held in 2005 at which they contributed an evening meal prize as part of the event.

The Horse & Jockey are creating a ‘Boaters’ Bar’ which will be promoting the canal and Saturn—if anyone has any artefacts for them to display, these would be much appreciated - telephone Carol on 01948 662723.