St Clare Hospice, Hastingwood, Essex
Diners Club

The day trip up the river Stort towards Roydon has become an annual event for the diners Canal Boat Hire to St Clares Hospice Diners Club club of St Clare Hospice. The group of relatives of people who have used the facilities of the hospice work tirelessly raising money for St Clare's. But this was their day out to enjoy the river, chat with old and new friends relax and watch the world go by.

The day started at 10am, overcast but the group were in high spirits as the eighteen or so day trippersRelaxing on a canal boat and six crew decided which of the two boats Dawn Treader or Stort Challenger they where to travel in. Before we reached the first lock, a matter of 100 yards, the kettle was on and the serious job of getting to know the crew and reestablish old friendships had started in earnest.

With two boats it was easier for both boats to use the Help with operating the locks on river Stort lock together and this afforded the chance for the two groups to mix with each other. at the three locks on the way to Roydon.

The birds and wildlife had deserted us along the way but with the refurbishment of the footpath all the way to Roydon there was plenty of weird looking river traffic and lots of help to operate the locks.

Lunch on board Stort Challenger

And so to Roydon were there is the possibility of taking a leisurely pub lunch, but with the diners club living up to their name there was no need as crew and day trippers helped themselves to what seemed like a never ending buffet. The wildlife even put in a suprise appearance at this point.

Parndon Mill art gallery and gardens

After what seemed like a six course meal people were ready for the return trip, not stopping at Pardon Mill art gallery and gardens and the other attractions along the river as plans were being made for their next outings and fund raising events.

Heling out crewing the boat

But there was time for the more adventurous to try their hand at skippering, something Jean excelled at, and crewing although with less enthusiam - it was their day out. Jean having a go at skippering

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Registered Charity 1108452