· Margaret Mason should arrange to contact the Coronet Canal Carrying Company, Whilton Locks, Northamptonshire ( coronet.canal@onetel.net.uk ). They will find that the Blue Nun, an ex-working boat with a classic Ruston & Hornsby slow-revving engine, has a lot of character not found on new boats and is available for hire. This is a great place from which to hire and has a great many cruising routes to discover.
Jeremy Lloyd