On a damp Wednesday morning in August 50 members climbed aboard the narrowboat Redshank for a river cruise around the floating harbour in Bristol and then upstream to the rural stretches of the River Avon. We were not going to let a few cold drips of rain down the backs of our necks dampen our spirits or spoil our enjoyment of this peaceful passage through the countryside.

The pub lunch was much appreciated at the turn of our journey, as was the welcome cups of coffee or tea available on the boat. Highlights included spotting a heron fishing and a fleeting glance of a colourful kingfisher as he made his way along the waterway.

Queuing to board ...	... the narrowboat.
We've looked forward ...	... to this trip ...
... so we're not ...	... going to let ...
... the English summer ...	... weather spoil our day.
Navigating the lock is a tight squeeze.	Admiring the Redshank's beautiful paintwork.

Before we disembarked we were given a wonderful view of SS Great Britain and the 1997 Replica of John Cabot's little wooden ship the Matthew that crossed the Atlantic in 1497.

SS Great Britain in Bristol docks ...	... with the small wooden replica of ...
... Cabot's Matthew beside her.