With the 2018 season over, our thoughts turn to what we might do in 2019. Possibilities on the table so far.....

• During the past season, we heard suggestions that there may be a BCF Mission in Northampton in June. We also heard that there was to be an IWA Festival in Waltham Abbey in the Lee & Stort area - we could get to this after the mission. 2019 is also the centenary of the official "naming" of the "Merchant Navy" by King George in recognition of their work during WW1 so the annual parade at Tower Hill could be on the cards after that.
• We could revisit our original plans of 2018 - Shroppie to Chester, Middlewich Branch then explore the River Weaver, before heading north for western Leeds & Liverpool, Ribble Link, and Lancaster Canal.
• We could do the eastern L&L, possibly expanding that.

Update 22 Nov - We have recently heard that the Mission has been called off, so we will probably not be going south. The map has been updated to show the (currently) most probable route

Update 30 Dec - Finalised our plans - will be heading out towards Birmingham to pick up a few small areas we've not yet been round, then dropping down the (Wolverhampton) 21 and onto the Shroppie. Plan to go the full length of the Shroppie to Chester, then return to Barbridge and across to Middlewich. Going northwards, we plan to drop down and explore the River Weaver, before continuing north, via the Bridgwater canal and Leigh Branch to Wigan. From there, we intend to go via the Ribble Link to the head of the Lancaster, before heading out west to Liverpool. The journey home will probably be direct via Harecastle.

Update 28 Apr - After the drydock, we found we had extra work to be done. Heading into Birmingham for MNA 30th anniversary service, to meet up with son's family, then attend 250th celebration at Brownhills. After that, intend to return to Trent Lock for gearbox work. We reckon we still have time to go to Liverpool and Lancaster as originally planned.

Update 21 Jun - After period in Birmingham (doing more than intended), contacted gearbox engineer and have agreed it's safe to continue using (he has no part, and no time at this point). Water restrictions are already in place up north. Revised (curtailed) plan for remainder of year is to go via Great Haywood/Staffs&Worcs/Shroppie to Chester (possibly Ellesmere Port), then return via Middlewich Branch and Harecastle. There could be a few deviations on the way.