Page 26 - The Parish News May 2019

The U3A members attending the meeting on Tuesday 9 April were treated to a fascinating talk by Robert Wright. Who is a Journeyman of the, now defunct, Waterways Craft Guild. The title “Traditional Canal Painting” only gave a taster of what was to come. In order to explain the techniques and origin of the decoration that is to be seen on most canal narrow boats Robert gave us a history lesson, a description of the lives and living conditions or the canal families and a description of how the decoration is achieved.
Firstly Robert reminded us that the canals were used to carry goods from one part of the country to another during the industrial revolution. Initially narrowboats were crewed by two men, captain (sometimes the owner) and mate and the families alongside the canals. They were fairly affluent and had furniture and possessions decorated in the fashion, (ornate and intricate flowers and castles) of the time, 1770-1830. The horse drawn boats carried around 30 times the load of a horse drawn cart. However the arrival of the railways which could carry many 100 times the load of a narrowboat led to a rapid decline. The canals were still used but in order to save costs the families lived on the narrowboats, the wife steering the boat whilst her husband walked with the horse. The living quarters were cramped, 10 x 7 feet being common, and carefully designed. Boats were decorated on the outside with the name, owners name and registration number and simplified roses and castles. The living cabin was also decorated in the same style.
Robert then showed us a video of the stages in painting both roses and castles in the traditional way. He spent a considerable time answering questions.
May sees our AGM and a talk on the use of ICE numbers and other hints and tips enabling a greater knowledge of the functions of the smart phones available today. The meeting starts at 2pm and will be held at the United Reformed Church Hall
24 THE NEWS MAY 2019 www.thenewseec@gmail.com