The members cruise, 6th November 2004.

There were a few reasons why we decided to have members cruise in November! Firstly, we had just had a super new canopy fitted to Roseann and we wanted to show it off. Secondly, the Lottery, who had given us a grant to buy the canopy were having a day of events and thirdly, it was a long time since we had had a members outing. The canopy, made by Sail Loft at Port Edgar, made a huge difference to Roseann, not just in appearance (no longer can she be called the skip) but also in the comfort of cruising in her. No longer will the crew and passengers get soaked when it rains and be frozen when the temperature drops. Now we can sit inside and be warm and dry. Of course, in the summer, we will be able to roll up the sides and enjoy the sun.

Eleven of us congregated at Drumshoreland and after reuniting Roseann with her engine, we blew up balloons, hung bunting , donned caps and put our bits in pieces in bags, all supplied by the Lottery, and climbed aboard. After  a few circles to let the press get some photos, we were off! Those who had been on a Roseann trip before came armed with a supply of cushions! Dave was the skipper for the day and as he steered us towards the M8 bridge, out came the tea and coffee and I think I even saw some sandwiches - breakfast? We stopped at the Almond aqueduct for a while and it had obviously been the scene of fireworks party the night before and there was a bit of a mess. Within minutes we had picked everything up  and we left knowing that we had done our good deed for the day. We got to Ratho where we zipped down the canopy and went for an excellent  pub lunch in the Bridge Inn and yet more chat. While there, Dave phoned BW to tell them about a fallen tree across the tow path and by the time we went back, it had been removed. What service! We stopped at the aqueduct again on our way back but on the other side this time but as the light was beginning to fade, we didn't stay long and set off for our base at Drumshoreland. There we tidied Roseann, removed the engine, zipped up the canopy and left her securely moored.

We all agreed that it had been an excellent trip and the canopy is fantastic. Not only is it very functional, it looks good.

Here are some photos of the day