News from the Hole- December 2000

When Simon asked me if I would contribute a few words on life in the engine 'ole, I thought he said the title should be "Views from the Engine 'Ole", and I started thinking I suppose you could say you don't get much of any view from the engine 'ole, other than the passing edge of the towpath and the steerers legs! Well anyway after seeing Dave Stott's contribution in the Summer 2000 edition of "195", I realised then it was News that Simon had asked for, not Views! So, having already put pen to paper, on the subject of 'Views', before receiving the latest (excellent) issue of "195", I have now put that effort aside (for the time being at least) and try to think of any 'News'.

So here goes. Well we are really talking of the Etruria run this time, in May this year.

As far as I was concerned I had an easier ride than usual - you will have read that Andrew Holbrook has now "passed out" as 'engine-man' (Well done Andrew!) - well, this trip was effectively his final trial run before going up before the "Gaffa" on the Etruria to Middlewich stretch (no offence Dave!) - so although not very far from the action all the time, for me, it was a case of rather more supervision than usual. We started at the museum by preparing the boats, lighting the boiler and running the engine the day before leaving for Etruria, to test everything out. The other major task was to load 4 tons of steam coal for which most of the crew gave a hand. As it happened we had enough coal on board (in the orange bags) to last the run up to Etruria. This coal was very good - burnt well, little ash, and hardly any clinker. Not only was I fortunate in having Andy as assistant engine-man, but also to have the help of Harry (Stoopman) as well - you never know we might get Harry to follow Andrew next!

I'm pleased to say we had no problems with the boiler and engine plant. As you will have gathered, the only real difficulties were to do with the state of the cut. But, although tough at the time, it has left the crew with a few memorable moments, particularly in regard to bridge 103 on the Trent & Mersey!

Maurice Parker