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Page 1 of 2 WE SET out up Hatton flight two weeks ago with the intention of going to Droitwich via the North Stratford and, hopefully returning to Warwick via the Avon and the Southern Stratford, writes contributor Roger Fox.
My previous investigation of water levels proved to be accurate, about 10" down above Hatton and about 6" down on the Birmingham New Main Line. It is a pity that information about these levels is not made available generally, but I did find out from another boater that British Waterways issues regular water updates to hire bases and similar companies. Why not send this data out on the regular stoppage email service? It would not cost anything.
Encounters with British Waterways personnel
We had several encounters with British Waterways personnel and I give most of them glowing reports. Our prop picked up a car tyre on the North Stratford near Bridge 8. I was unable to move it, and summoned help from British Waterways. Two men came out and did their best but we all failed to move the offending item. Having spent the night moored and unable to move I called the non-emergency Fire Brigade number.
They went to considerable efforts to find the right help and Pauline of the Hereford & Worcestershire Brigade thought that she had come up trumps when Nicky of the British Waterways Customer Service Department promised that they had men and equipment available who would be along to sort me out.
Couldn't be bothered
 When nothing happened after four hours, I backtracked and found, surprise, surprise, that Sue the British Waterways Section Supervisor had no intention of sending help again, and couldn't be bothered to call and let me know. Nil points to Sue. I have a feeling that she might benefit from some practical boating experience.
Finally we were liberated from the tyre three days later when a boater volunteered that he had a dry suit and the right tools and he would get it off. Nearly two hours later off it came and we were free. Thank you Taff!
Revised trip
The lost time called for a revised trip so we decided to turn round and go down the Stratford. This entailed going to King's Norton to turn. The back of the boat leapt about six inches as it went over what I suspect is a car in the South mouth of the stop lock.
 I was struck by how good some of the bridge maintenance is on the Stratford. There is one bridge with excellent new brickwork and red sandstone. My enthusiasm stopped when we reached Bridge 53 at Wooton Wawen before the Anglo Welsh base. I think that this must be the Stratford's entry in the British Waterways worst bridge repair competition which currently has the Oxford in pole position.
Our next encounter with British Waterways was at the top of Lapworth Locks. Three men were moving an empty mud hopper up the locks using a pole and ropes. Nothing wrong in that, but why did they have to lockwheel so far ahead? Three locks further on and we found a dredger owned by Rothens of Atherstone coming up the lock ahead.
All paddles open
Funny, I thought, it's taking a long time. About a foot had drained from the short pound before the crew noticed that they had paddles up at both ends. When we finally passed I asked if they had received training in lock operation.
 No, was the reply. Their response to my query about the loss of so much water was that it was none of my business. Are these people really working for British Waterways?
The state of the top gate cills on the Wilmcote Flight is terrible with many loosing huge amounts of water. Some seem to have clear holes right through.
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