A walk along the Ashby canal followed by a lovely picnic on a sunny summer’s day in the company of friends old and new, what could be nicer?
A baker’s dozen (we should have seen the omens) were led by Paul and Jan to admire Moira Furnace, a Nineteenth Century iron making blast furnace built in 1804, now restored as a small museum.
We straggled along the canal towpath looking at the scenery, enjoying the wildlife that Tom was feeding, ducks, moorhens, coots and a swan with her young cygnets. At the canal basin we were able to witness true heroism when Martin went to the rescue of a poodle in distress (nothing to do with the attractive young lady owner!) It was frightened of
water and was unable to get its ball back from the canal. Thankfully, Martin’s long arm succeeded despite a very watchful swan.
As we headed back, admiring the Lime Kilns, we noticed the darkening sky, but being hardened Morganeers we were not worried and picnic chairs were deployed. How foolish!! It is not easy holding an umbrella while eating in a downpour (unless you are Frank with Linda doing all the work!) Even the candelabra got a soaking.
Our picnic ended as abruptly as summer and we made a dash for our cars.
Thanks to Paul and Jan for organising an enjoyable event, it was so good to meet face to face again.
Jenny Davies
