Irish Trefoil Guild

The Trefoil Guild Afloat!

Some considerable time ago, Cherry Bevan of Anglesea Guild suggested to some members of Dun Laoghaire Guild the idea of making a trip on a narrowboat (barge) on the Llangollen Canal. This idea was taken up by some intrepid members of Dun Laoghaire Guild, plus a Dublin Guild member and one from East Wicklow.

On the 3rd of September, eight adventurers set sail on the H.S.S. to Holyhead, then by train to Chester and mini-bus to Trefor Boat Yard to board what would be our home for the next week.

Cherry and Marge were waiting for us and wondering what sort of group we would turn out to be. Of course, in true Guiding spirit, we all got along famously, despite the fact that we did not all know each other beforehand.

The barge was called 'Tanglewood' and was sixty-nine and a half feet long. We went on board and stowed our gear (limited to one soft bag each), chose a bunk, viewed our surroundings, had a short talk from Marge, our wonderful skipper, then off we went, over the Pontcysllte aquaduct.

Left: Pontcysllte aquaduct

The aquaduct was built 120 feet above the River Dee over 200 years ago - such a feat of engineering. We were on our way.

We travelled about 15 miles each day through the beautiful rolling countryside of the Welsh borders, with Shropshire's farms and gardens stretching down to the side of the canal, tow paths well maintained, on which we took turns to walk.

Each evening we moored near a village where we shopped for provisions or on some occasions we invaded the local hostelry and partook of their excellent fare, sometimes with hilarious outcomes involving a glass of wine. Ask Daphne!

The villages had names like Ellsmere, Grindley Brook, Povey, Bettisfield and Wrenbury and were the 'chocolate box' variety, with flowers everywhere, quaint houses and village shops which sold everything and made us welcome.

The canal was busy and the barge people greeted each other with friendly waves and on at least one occasion we were greeted as 'the Guide ladies'!

I think we were something of a curiosity; ten ladies with not a man in sight, managing this long narrowboat, not to mention the locks!

Right: Llangollen canal locks and peaceful countryside

If we thought we were going to be 'driven' or whatever the term is, we were greatly mistaken - from day one, Marge had each one of us in turn to take the tiller and Cherry tutored us in the use of the windlass and paddles (opening and shutting the locks). How Marge did not have a nervous breakdown as we were learning our left from our right I don't know, but she calmly talked us through the learning of this new skill with such phrases as 'push to me', 'push to you'.

Marge did mention that due to the length of the barge it took seven seconds to correct the direction from bow to stern, i.e. if you miss hitting the obstacle with the front, you have a chance of hitting it with the back! But luckily we didn't hit anything! We even managed to get safely through a couple of very long and dark tunnels. It was truly amazing how proficient we all became by the end of the trip.

It was a most relaxing holiday. We were blessed with lovely weather, good company and many laughs and shared that special camaraderie that is found with fellow Guides. I must also mention the good food, as some wonderful dinners were cooked on board and also fabulous picnics on the towpaths at lunchtime.

As a group we would certainly recommend it - it is never too late to try something new!

Report by Joan Gregg.

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