New Ideas and more cruise routes for 2004, and at last 7 day holidays feature in our price list! Click to see our 2004 cruise schedule.

We were chartered by British Waterways to carry the Canals Minister Alun Michael across the Edstone Aqueduct on the Stratford Canal on Monday 20 October 2003, at 1430. The party, celebrating the launch of "Waterscape" travelled by road from Stratford upon Avon; included Robin Evans Chief Executive, Tony Harvey new regional manager for the canal, the PR team from Watford and an old friend Ed Moss recently relocated from Lapworth Office. It was the shortest charter we have had across the longest aqueduct in England. Alun Michael MP for Cardiff South and the Minister for Rural Affairs stood at the stern going across. In between a running commentary of the work that had been done this last summer from a large Heritage Lottery Fund he showed a considerable interest in the development of our short break cruises. The party were treated to our afternoon tea at the other side which included Gail's delicious chocolate cake. Alun Michael finally left by foot across the aqueduct for another look at the amazing transformation, with our traditional gift in his pocket a miniature brass windlass, wishing Gail and I continued success.

Cliff & Gail will be spending the winter at Lower Heyford on the Oxford Canal. Please pop in and see us if you are passing between November 14th and end of February 2004 when we shall then be off to our new base.

We have at last been on holiday ourselves!! It was Gail's big 5 O on 10 December so instead of a party she said a trip to Paris was a better idea. We took off from Heathrow in the morning of the 9th and settled into a nice Hotel in the Monmartre district of Paris just behind the Moulin Rouge. A brisk walk down the Champs Elysee set us up for a cosy meal in the area near our hotel which was rich in restaurants that didn't seem to add Paris tax. The next day was all about the Notre Dame and wandering around the City, although the finale was a surprise dinner on the Seine. For once Gail sat down and someone else cooked for her while we gazed at Paris at night cruising down the river. Our last day was a leisurely cafe breakfast and a walk to the Louvre - what a place to get lost in and how small the Mona Lisa is compared to its reputation. All too soon it came to an end and we were leaving, not to go home but to California to recharge our batteries and spend an American Christmas with old friends who made us so welcome.

Many of you will know that our introduction to our professional career on the Waterways was working for David Dare who ran Rose & Castle Hotelboats as Heart of England Hotel Narrowboats in 2001. We are pleased to announce that in partnership with Peter & Elizabeth Simms who have recently sold Duke & Duchess Hotelboats we have purchased Castle for conversion to a support vessel in a new role alongside a new boat David Dare is building for us. More news to come about exciting new developments with us in 2004 and our new base.

Channel 4 have sent us the video of our Water Stories feature which we hope to copy onto DVD then we can arrange for a copy to be sent out and feature some stills on this page soon.

Carlton TV have told us that our advert sponsored as a Business Break by the Princes Trust will be screened between 6.00 and 6.30pm on Monday 5 April 2004 and Wednesday 7 April 2004. We shall also convert the VHS copy to DVD and feature some stills.

Finally our last cruise with two couples who were competition winners from Waterscape and Limited Edition Magazine broke new ground for us from Warwick to Banbury, saying farewell to our base in Warwick. Look out for exciting announcements for 2004 coming soon.

PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW LO CALL NUMBER FOR A CHEAPER CALL TO US 0845 644 5144.

Click to see our last Newsletter.

For further information please ring 0845 644 5144 or email enquiries@away4awhile.com