My father never had a car and we always went cycling on days out. We had a tandem with a fitted seat on the back for me with pedals connected so that I could help with the effort of getting up the hills.
After finding this old album I now remember being taken to Linslade and Marsworth to watch the boats going through the locks on days out and this must be the reason for my interest and hopefully living on a narrowboat.
The following three photographs are the only ones that my father took which show me as a lad by the canal enjoying the sights and sounds of the working narrowboats.
They were taken in June 1958 at Linslade.
Mother and me.
Me posing
The wonders of a lock
Isn't it strange that those early experiences should be forgotten yet somehow stay with you until something happens to make you remember, like these three photo's I found.
Yes I had blond hair then but it's white now and disappearing with every passing year.
"White now and disappearing.."
ReplyDeleteWell Dave, mine has all gone now! But, like you I have memories of canals.
Well, one canal in particular. The Birmingham & Worcester. My Dad worked for Cadbury's in Bournville. His place of work in the factory was called 'Waterside'. Yes, alongside the canal and my Mother used to take me as a child to see him, from the other side of the 'cut' of course. (1949)
Years later, when I was sixteen, my friend and I used to canoe along that stretch and to see who could paddle the furthest into the gloom of of Wast Hill Tunnel, without lights of course! No H&S in those days!
http://www.brumagem.co.uk/Canals_Worcester_Birmingham.htm
Cheers...Bernard the Organ Grinder.
Hi Bernard thanks for the comment.
ReplyDeleteThere are other memories I have of canals when we used to visit my Gran & Grandad who lived in Rosewood Avenue which is the other side of Horsenden Hill,Greenford,Middlesex.My grandfather used to take me for walks over the hill to walk along the canal.He was frightened stiff I would fall in.
Dave.