On Monday 3rd October last year our narrow boat Wingspread was finally complete and craned into Shardlow Marina from a low loader. The boat was built for us by Reg of the Small Boat Company in Billingshay. After Wingspread was in the water Reg announced that extra weight was needed in the stern to trim the boat. Enquiries were made from a boat fitter working on broad beam alongside us and we set off to a local builders merchant to purchase some paving bricks. On arriving at the merchants

19 it was obvious that the information was duff and the yard had clearly been closed for many years. At this point we decided to head into Long Eaton in the hope of finding a B & Q. Before reaching the town centre I saw a wizen old