Rare Sighting on Dudley No2 Canal‏

Phoenix at Hawne Basin

Phoenix at Hawne Basin

The first weekend of meteorological Spring (honest!) lead to the extremely rare sighting of the Society’s Treasurer in control of a working Power Tool!  Despite the exertions of the previous evening in Selly Oak a stalwart band managed to find their way to Hawne Basin to begin the makeover of Phoenix.

The expert skills of Arthur, Barry and Bob were backed up by the willing hands of Mike Rolfe, Michael SK, Ivor Caplan, Malcolm and Dave.  The happy sound of Wire Brushing the underside and hold area was interspersed with the usual helpful passers by with cries of “you missed a bit” but steady progress was nonetheless made.  The rather sorry looking Classic stove also got a partial refurbish (the bits we could reach!) and a primer coat on the tiller and other vulnerable areas was added.

Refreshed by the excellent Catering in the Hawne Basin Social Club (roast lamb – yum yum) the first side was completed and cutting back continued on the second side, to the extent that a coat of Bitumen was completed for the entire hull and rudder – with the work gang gradually turning as black as the hull.  With the intervention of Tony Friar kindly fixing the new anodes, this left the second day gang to continue the blacking into the hold and to get THREE coats on the hull, including several non-slip areas (bird sand – which apparently includes egg shell?).

We also had visits from Danny, who plans to start the Cabin preparation this week and Martin trying to solve the mystery of air in the fuel line.

Sadly the last couple of hours were subject to horrible rain and cold but spirits remained high and the boat looks super.

Well done everybody and thanks to Coombeswood Canal Trust for the use of their facilities!!