My day started with a heavy heart. I was traveling to Leeds with an empty car. Unfortunately Yvonne was unable to make it due to a viral infection. Her artistic response to the environment had already prompted a number of positive responses and it was a shame she couldn’t make it.
Peter was also unable to be with us – he had a debit card stolen and over £500 withdrawn from his account. Replacing the fare from Burnley was easy but stopping and replacing direct debits, ensuring no further money was taken out was more difficult. A meeting with the Bank Manager took precedence.
I also had to absent myself from the course due to a meeting with the ‘new’ keeper at the Museum, discussing the future of Canal Connections at Thwaites.
I had prompted a discussion with the development team as to continuing.
Katrina said: “We will be fine!”
Gary said: “It is Katrina’s call.”
The caution of the old sage Graham: “The forecast isn’t too good. Perhaps we should postpone?
My first pick up from the railway station re-assured me of the weather and on arrival at Thwaites the boat was ready to receive our trainees. I met Jack and was about to return to pick up Toren when I got a call from Bradley’s mum. Bradley had tried to get onto the Watershed project at Skipton but was unable to make the dates. He found out about the Reflections Cruise too late but was invited to spend a day with us to consider whether he would like to join a future course. His mum was at the Museum. I returned and briefly introduced ourselves. Mum and Bradley were in the museum shop.
Introductions were made and a little voice from the back said, “I’m grandma”.
“What are you going to do today?” I asked.
Grandma responded with “We’re from Skipton. I’ve worked in Leeds but never realised this place existed.”
Bradley responded with “Sleep!”
“Is that usual or has he had an heavy night?” I asked.
His mum immediately responded with, “He is a scuba diver and he spent all day studying for his theory, navigation etc”
I returned to the station to pick up Toren and he immediately told me he had brought one of his puppets to show me. Super!
I went to the Museum and was greeted by a couple of staff. I enquired about the work taking place at the Museum. They enthusiastically replied about the improvements to the house but more passionately about one of the workers carrying out an impromptu workshop about stone masonry to museum visitors.
“Wow that would be superb for Ignite,” I thought.
I was directed to Andrews Office and an informal conversation expounded the value of passing on declining skills to the younger generation exemplified though Beamish Museum.
It soon became clear that the meeting had been precipitated by the departure of Howard from the Museum. His health had required him to leave the sanctuary of the boat “Blow It” but that prevented him from carrying out his duties as Moorings Manager. Andrew needed to clarify the partnership position of Canal Connections and the Museum. It soon became clear there were a number of misconceptions. I explained about the activities of Canal Connections and our wish to develop a valued partnership. Bottom line was we were taking up moorings that could generate income from private boaters.
I left the Museum and was asked, “Hi Trevor, how’s it going?”
“I’ve had better days!!” I replied.
But thankfully, the day did get better…!