Trefoil Guild - Day Trip

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For those of you who don't know or are not sure the Trefoil Guild is an organisation of over 20,000 members - mostly but no means entirely - made up of women and men connected with Guiding and Scouting.

Canal Boat Hire to Trefoil Starting at 11 a.m. and getting to the New Inn at Roydon for lunch was always going to be challenging. But with the help of the 'always prepared' ex-guides and scouts, and with them 'doing their best' we made it. Just!

Getting involved, waiting for the water to fill the lock The day started overcast with a forecast of heavy rain all afternoon. So to beat the weather we set off promptly as soon as everyone had arrived. The first lock saw three intrepid volunteers - Jose, Iris and David jump to the aid of the overworked crew members.

Winding up the paddle With four locks between the base at Burnt Mill and Roydon their help and support was most welcome as we headed into a strong wind, making it difficult going at times.

Slowing down travelling through Roydon we passed many houses right on the river Roydon, Essex with beautiful gardens. With each one seeming to have some kind of boat outside no matter how large or small, it made for a picture postcard scene.

The New Inn is about a ten minute easy walk from the mooring even for those with restricted mobility so wasn't too far for a good meal. Eating in the New Inn Roydon Having pre-booked and arriving on-time we were served within a couple of minutes, despite the pub being busy. As we ate our meal, some having three courses, the Flowers along the Stort heavens opened but fortunately the walk back to the boat was rain-free. But as we arrived again at Roydon lock the heavens opened again and the volunteers to their credit didn't give in but got soaking wet for their troubles.

Flowers a the canal boat For the rest the conversataion turned to cooking and flowers and a lively debate followed regarding the names of the many wild flowers growing along the bank. At this point I thought it best to keep quiet as each of the group had clearly achieved their 'advanced flower spotting' badges.

The weather changed from winter to summer in a matter of minutes and with the wind behind us and Jose and David sharing the skippering we were soon home with plans being made for the next canal boat hire.

If you want to know more about the Trefoil Guild follow the link.

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