You might remember me as an Airbnb host, but I’m also the proud parent of Malachi who’s drawing of a canal boat features in the mural at Hirst Wood. I agree with your point about the rather underwhelming reception of the Kennet at Hirst Wood lock but wanted to just let you know why that might have been. Saltaire Primary, I’ve found is not great at planning and, having heard about the celebration through the regeneration group some weeks earlier, we planned to celebrate Malachi’s granddad turning 70 on the day by watching the children singing and taking part in the festivities However we did not receive a letter from school until a few days before and not only that,we were only given a weekend to consent to accompanying our children the following weekend. I was sorely disappointed to received a text from school to say there hadn’t been enough of response – not surprising given the short notice!
Despite that, we were keen to celebrate such a momentous occasion and our extended family greeted the boat with enthusiasm. We enjoyed a fabulous day following the flotilla to Bingley, which is perhaps not echoed by your somewhat underwhelmed account of the day.

Dumbo
xxx