CANAL LIGHT PARADE 10th DEC 2006

OK,
As usual I have to educate the grown-ups about Father Christmas. The REAL Father Christmas is on board the Narrow Boat Europe and is not to be confused with the flimsy fakes at Rackhams, Pallisades or Lewis' at Solihull. He can be seen in Lapland if you have loads of money but he spends most of Christmas with the Tooth-Fairy*.
I spent my time on the Europe this year with some of the most beautiful girls you can imagine and rather than spend all my time taking photos of the other boats I took lots of the crowds watching... and were they brave with the weather being as it was! I have posted just a few photos of the onlookers but have a good look, you could be there... I saw some of the listers as we passed by.
Walking along the towpath by the boats I bumped into some of the most incredible characters, but just take a look and enjoy.

*For the uninitiated read some of Terry Pratchett's excellent Discworld novels.

ps Sorry about the late posting of the event but I have been unwell, probably PMS (pre Merriness Stress)

pps MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL and a HAPPY 2007.

A view of Gas Street Basis before the light parade started. Although difficult to make out there are spotlights arcing across the sky in the background.

Today's story starts with the Narrow Boat Europe, here moored under the bridge connecting the ICC to Brindley Place because some sod had pinched our moorings back down the Birmingham Mainline where we were to assemble for the parade. Eventually we managed to nearly squeeze into our appointed place although we had a 4 foot gap to cross to board the boat. The NB Europe belonged to Second City Canal Cruises, a company which sadly closed in 2008.

The NB Europe was sponsored this year by the Kinnaree Thai Restaurant of 22 Waterfront Walk in the Mailbox, 0121 665 6586 and soon-to-be website http://www.kinnaree.co.uk/

The real working lighthouse at Old Turn Junction by the NIA.

The lighthouse is on the "roundabout" at Old Turn Junction, the junction of the Birmingham-Fazeley canal with the Birmingham Main-line. On the right is the Malt House Pub, at the end of the clip the beam lights up the NIA. (*few minutes walk Gina)

The Rocket Club sponsored the NB Brown Weaver (but I was on the NB Europe, more fun, see later!!!!!)

A sign of what is to be expected.

This boat says it all "Unbelievable Birmingham at Christmas"

An aptly themed boat.

This is the NB Zodiac, named Bag End at the front, and sponsored by by Shire Productions. Go to http://www.shireproductions.co.uk/home.htm
They won the parade competition with their "Unexpected Christmas Party" theme on the boat.
See also my blog on the 2005 Tolkien Weekend at http://tinyurl.com/y6nybq

I try to get a clear picture of Gandalf the Grey (with a hint of blue) but somebody resembling Peter Jackson tries to get in on the act... maybe I have inspired him.

Gollum checks his Christmas cake for Elven ingredients.

Kermit and friends on board the NB Bewicks Swan.

...and more muppets...

...and there's more!

Spearheading the festive season.

A first view of the girls of Kinnaree Thai Restaurant braving the wind and rain before boarding the boat.

Beware strangers on the towpath.

Two of the girls posing with Rudolph on the NB Europe.