Sounds and Smells
Yesterday, standing by the Chesterfield Canal on the towpath bridge at Shireoaks, it could have been 1913. Overhead an old bi-plane had just taken off from a grass runway, it's engine small and light. Across the canal cows grazed in a field, and behind us the sounds and smells of boatyards through the centuries - a wooden boat being built with hammering, and a strong aroma of sun-warmed tar and caulking carried on the wind.
Turning round it was obvious the New Dawn Project is making very good progress. Volunteers were busy fitting the wooden fenders to the stern, and tarring in the vicinity of the bows cabin.
In the foreground the wooden fenders are already fitted, and the top of the bows cabin can clearly be seen. In the background the main cabin at the stern is taking shape.
Once again one of it's unique working boats is taking shape by the Chesterfield Canal.
