May 2021

Looking back through the diary It seems that most of the month was wet and cool! Our first cruise of the season had rain every day but nevertheless we enjoyed visiting Slimbridge and Sharpness.

Sharpness Docks
Sharpness Lock from the top gate
Sharpness picnic site
The first time we have had a clear view of the Severn Bridges from Sharpness
Sharpness Pier collapsing?
Vindicatrix memorial at Sharpness
Slimbridge novel recyclable cups
Swans nesting alongside Patch Bridge
Andy the bridge keeper put up these boxes and its the first time they have been used. This season sparrows and blue tits have made nests.

We took Henry to Newark for his annual habitation survey postponed from November 2020 and the weather did not improve. We stayed at Holme Pierrepoint the National Watersports Centre. A pleasant enough site with all basic amenities but a bit dated and not secure.

Race track
Watched this guy turning his canoe over

Family history took us to Bingham. We were looking for the home of Percy Bramley my Great Grandfather. The Library had most helpful staff and so was the Landlady of the White Lion who told me my cousin had a table booked for dinner! The pub landlord had been Percy’s son Arthur who was helped by his son Shandy AKA Arthur Percy born 1946.

The only sunny afternoon was spent at Redhill cemetery looking at headstones! We managed to catch up with some friends and family

Enjoying a G & T with cousin Ann at The Piewipe near Lincoln
Ann with her children Jane and Freddie
Family history turns up some unusual items of interest.! This is Ernest Jay Ann’s father. He was an entertainer, singer and compere and well as into body building
Kerry Zita & Jenny

In Leadenham and Fulbeck just over the Lincolnshire border we were disappointed to find little evidence of our forbears but took shelter in the Hare and Hounds for a very pleasant lunch. Some years ago on a visit to Lincolnshire Archives Tony & I found ourselves working on our respective ancestors in the same village so now I am keen to follow up on both our families. Did our maternal Judson and Snaith families know each other? All may be revealed at some future date!

Cleaning the headstone of Thomas Snaith
William Judson

Began volunteering at The Soldiers of Gloucester Museum. Being on the front desk to welcome and sell entry tickets I have had to learn how to operate the till. Fortunately it tells you how much change to give! (Maths was never my strongest subject). I am learning a bit of the Glosters military history too!

Interestingly we are now moored just where the lifeboat was about to be launched!

In and around Gloucester:

Stylish ship for the sea cadets
Gladys in Neilsen’s yard, part one of her refurbishment. More photos of progress, next month
The original Gloucester wall inside the furniture shop on Southgate Street. Seen during an excellent Civil War walking tour during which we learnt a lot more about the fascinating history of Gloucester. We have been told it has the second most extensive history, after London!
Each day Colin flies at least one, usually different flag on LV Sula. This one was easy to identify!
Our neighbouring boat Stargazer departs

Happily by the end of the month the temperature had risen and on 30th it 25.2 degrees

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