Audlem Top Lock, Shropshire Union – Tuesday 17 July 2012
I’ve had a leisurely weekend.  Friday evening visitors arrived to admire ‘Ice Breaker’.
Saturday, spent wandering round the town which is looking very run-down although the town council have encouraged some ‘trompe-l’oeil’ on the empty shops and buildings, to make the place look less depressed.  There are a lot of charity shops but few local retailers due to supermarkets taking over (the town has Asda, Morrisons, Tesco and soon Sainsburys), what chance do small traders have?  The town was rebuilt following a fire in 1651, although there is pub that claims to be a survivor from the fire.  There are dozens of Union flags around the town, but the British Legion must have put them up or given instructions as they are all the correct way up!  One shop was flying the French Tricolor, but it was Bastille day.  It rained all day.
Sunday, church was St Mary’s early morning service.  The church has leaflets showing how it looked at different times, during the 18th 19th Centuries the walls were covered in plaster, but this has now been removed to show the stonework.  When he was young Clive of India apparently sat on one of the gargoyles at the top of the tower.  He was sent to India because he was a local trouble-maker (at one time getting money from shop-keepers as ‘protection’).  Saint Swithun’s day today - Sun out all day.
Monday, another rain soaked day, spent time inside, then out to friends for dinner.
Tuesday, short run of 4 miles and through the 5 Adderley locks.  I have moored up ready for the 15 Audlem locks tomorrow.  The sun is trying hard to come out, and so far we have not had any rain.
On Friday Braidbar No 105 ‘Nocturne’ went past and today No 61 ‘Shiraz’.