January 2014
Our first meeting of the new year was held on the 8th January. After the usual business Mavis welcomed Mr Don Barker, assisted by his wife Barbara, to our meeting. Mr Barker, a local blacksmith, gave an interesting talk about his year as Prime Warden of the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths in 2011. Having decided to live on their narrow boat on the Thames for the year he told us about the trials and tribulations of their journey down from Doncaster through canals and rivers and their troubled journey back. During the year they had attended numerous events including the Buckingham Palace garden party, the Thames jubilee flotilla and various fund raising events for charities which support various colleges and provide bursaries.