The theme for this years pageant was 'New Openings'

Things looked ominous when it was obvious that the Church Army, our arch rivals for the Ray Dunford Trophy for the best decorated group/community boat, had actually spent some time putting their display together!

However they had nicked our idea from 1996 in having a model excavator!

Helen Gardner had kindly lent us her boat (& Home) to decorate ...

... and if you didn't look too close it looked quite professional.

Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves ...

... even Martin being towed behind the boat, representing canals still to be opened.

The public seemed impressed ...

... the commentators seemed impressed ...

... Martin did his best ...

.... but it would appear that the judges had been paid off as they gave the prize to the Church Army (we did come a creditable 2nd, out of two)

Entering Maida Hill Tunnel ...

... and coming out again an hour later after having been to Camden and back.

Going past the multi million pound houses along Blomfield Avenue ...

... and into the pool where Martin was nearly sunk whilst fighting off a mud weight!

The rest of the weekend was spent running the waterways name game ...

... I don't think Sally knew what she was getting in to, the stall did however have a record breaking year, the money raised will go towards renewing the London WRG tool kit.