Great-grandchild ... number 4 ...

George and I are overjoyed to announce that our fourth great-grandchild is on the way. 

Very many congratulations to Louise and Rob, a brother or sister to twins Grace and Lillian.  

Congratulations too to grandparents Sharon and Joe.

 

Welcome to Ivy Piper

Yesterday we welcomed our third great-granddaughter weighing in at 10lb 3oz. Congratulations to granddaughter Joanne and partner Ross and to our daughter Sharon and son-in-law Joe. Ivy Piper will be so well loved by all her aunties, uncles and her two cousins and I for one can't wait for some cuddles.

Long time no-see ... and the draw of the water ...

We left life on the canal for life on land nearly 2½ years ago but are still are drawn to the water, you may remember that we now live not far from Audlem on the Shroppie.

 Today on this cold and frosty morning we arrived above lock 4 at Audlem ... we knew that CRT were replacing the top gate at lock 11 ...

and were surprised to see that work was also going on at lock 9 where the canal has been dammed to allow access to refurbish the top end, replace the stop-plank channel, brick and masonry repair, clearing the lock chamber of debris and repair to the by-wash.

Past lock 10 and now we can see more CRT work boats ...

Men at work ...

... replacing the top gate...

... and working on the enormous beam.

We continued to walk down the canal passing Audlem Mill an icon of the Shropshire Union Canal.  Did you know that it's up for sale? The current owners, Christine and Peter bought the premises back in 2007 and are now ready for retirement, so if you're interested contact them on 01270 811059 or info@audlemmill.co.uk.

Another icon of the Shroppie - The Shroppie Fly - we shall call in on our way back up the canal to the car.

We would have had a meal here this lunch time but unfortunately they don't do food today so we sat in comfy chairs and had a hot chocolate instead before heading home.