Avsnitt

  • Send us Fan Mail

    As we edge towards midsummer night, we’re reminded how everything is in constant change. This is particularly the case in the fast-moving world of podcasting. It is a good opportunity to reflect on what it all means for this podcast; the challenges and plans for the future, and also why is everyone suddenly so interested in Vanessa's age (and why would they think that I know what it is)?

    Journal entry:

    12th June, Friday

    “Soft the wash of rain
    Soft the feathered touch of yarrow
    Soft the call of wood pigeon
    Hidden in ancient trees.
    The canal responds in kind.”

    Episode Information:

    In this episode I read a short poem by Jen Ratcliffe. You can read her Substack here: Mess in a Boat. You can see Vanessa in her wonderful vlog The Mindful Narrowboat.

    With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast.
    Ana McKellar
    Susan Baker
    Mind Shambles
    Clare Hollingsworth
    Kevin B.
    Fleur and David Mcloughlin
    Lois Raphael
    Tania Yorgey
    Andrea Hansen
    Chris Hinds
    Chris and Alan on NB Land of Green Ginger
    Captain Arlo
    Rebecca Russell
    Allison on the narrowboat Mukka
    Derek and Pauline Watts
    Anna V.
    Orange Cookie
    Mary Keane.
    Tony Rutherford.
    Arabella Holzapfel.
    Rory with MJ and Kayla.
    Narrowboat Precious Jet.
    Linda Reynolds Burkins.
    Richard Noble.
    Carol Ferguson.
    Tracie Thomas
    Mark and Tricia Stowe
    Madeleine Smith

    General Details

    The intro and the outro music is ‘Crying Cello’ by Oleksii_Kalyna (2024) licensed for free-use by Pixabay (189988).

    Narrowboat engine recorded by 'James2nd' on the River Weaver, Cheshire. Uploaded to Freesound.org on 23rd June 2018. Creative Commons Licence.

    Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram.

    All other audio recorded on site.

    Support the show

    Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
    Would you like to support this podcast by becoming a 'lock-wheeler' for Nighttime on Still Waters? Find out more: 'Lock-wheeling' for Nighttime on Still Waters.

    Contact

    Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/noswpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nighttimeonstillwaters/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/noswpod.bsky.social Mastodon: https://mastodon.world/@nosw

    I would love to hear from you. You can email me at [email protected] or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon.

    For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters

    You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com.

  • Send us Fan Mail

    It’s the night of a blue moon. Following a hot and busy sunny day the canal settles down into a contented stillness. It’s a perfect night to join and to sit back, let the quietness wash over us, to relax and to let our minds play with some big ideas.

    Journal entry:

    23rd May, Sunday

    “Voices lift across the water
    No words, just sound
    A copy of Baisao in my hand
    Lingering over phrases and lines
    In the soft evening sun.
    I too have my cup of tea beside me
    Pine wind among the reeds
    Carp twist in crystal light
    Swallows dip low to drink.”

    Episode Information:

    In this episode I reflect on Jeff Van Booven’s reflections following the previous episode on time.

    With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast.
    Ana McKellar
    Susan Baker
    Mind Shambles
    Clare Hollingsworth
    Kevin B.
    Fleur and David Mcloughlin
    Lois Raphael
    Tania Yorgey
    Andrea Hansen
    Chris Hinds
    Chris and Alan on NB Land of Green Ginger
    Captain Arlo
    Rebecca Russell
    Allison on the narrowboat Mukka
    Derek and Pauline Watts
    Anna V.
    Orange Cookie
    Mary Keane.
    Tony Rutherford.
    Arabella Holzapfel.
    Rory with MJ and Kayla.
    Narrowboat Precious Jet.
    Linda Reynolds Burkins.
    Richard Noble.
    Carol Ferguson.
    Tracie Thomas
    Mark and Tricia Stowe
    Madeleine Smith

    General Details

    The intro and the outro music is ‘Crying Cello’ by Oleksii_Kalyna (2024) licensed for free-use by Pixabay (189988).

    Narrowboat engine recorded by 'James2nd' on the River Weaver, Cheshire. Uploaded to Freesound.org on 23rd June 2018. Creative Commons Licence.

    Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram.

    All other audio recorded on site.

    Support the show

    Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
    Would you like to support this podcast by becoming a 'lock-wheeler' for Nighttime on Still Waters? Find out more: 'Lock-wheeling' for Nighttime on Still Waters.

    Contact

    Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/noswpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nighttimeonstillwaters/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/noswpod.bsky.social Mastodon: https://mastodon.world/@nosw

    I would love to hear from you. You can email me at [email protected] or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon.

    For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters

    You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com.

  • Saknas det avsnitt?

    Klicka här för att uppdatera flödet manuellt.

  • Send us Fan Mail

    Tonight, as the rain falls softly outside and the kettle sings on the hob, we are letting our thoughts roam free. Together, we shine a light into the forgotten corners of history to explore a quiet, essential rhythm; the often-overlooked role of the people who wound the parish clocks, and the precious gift they gave, the burden of time,

    Journal entry:

    11th May, Monday

    “Mother and a host of tiny ducklings
    (Don't count them. Just enjoy).
    A raven alights on the One Oak
    And barks at the morning sky.
    A thrush peels off notes in triplicate
    Expansive, avant-garde.
    I listen with the untutored ears
    Of a school boy
    Taken to the Proms.”

    Episode Information:

    If you would like to watch my original video that accompanied some of the words that I read in this episode you can find it here: The Last Winding (YouTube link).

    More photographs featuring some of the inscriptions and the clock mechanism can be found on the podcast’s website.

    With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast.
    Ana McKellar
    Susan Baker
    Mind Shambles
    Clare Hollingsworth
    Kevin B.
    Fleur and David Mcloughlin
    Lois Raphael
    Tania Yorgey
    Andrea Hansen
    Chris Hinds
    Chris and Alan on NB Land of Green Ginger
    Captain Arlo
    Rebecca Russell
    Allison on the narrowboat Mukka
    Derek and Pauline Watts
    Anna V.
    Orange Cookie
    Mary Keane.
    Tony Rutherford.
    Arabella Holzapfel.
    Rory with MJ and Kayla.
    Narrowboat Precious Jet.
    Linda Reynolds Burkins.
    Richard Noble.
    Carol Ferguson.
    Tracie Thomas
    Mark and Tricia Stowe
    Madeleine Smith

    General Details

    The intro and the outro music is ‘Crying Cello’ by Oleksii_Kalyna (2024) licensed for free-use by Pixabay (189988).

    Narrowboat engine recorded by 'James2nd' on the River Weaver, Cheshire. Uploaded to Freesound.org on 23rd June 2018. Creative Commons Licence.

    Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram.

    All other audio recorded on site.

    Support the show

    Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
    Would you like to support this podcast by becoming a 'lock-wheeler' for Nighttime on Still Waters? Find out more: 'Lock-wheeling' for Nighttime on Still Waters.

    Contact

    Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/noswpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nighttimeonstillwaters/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/noswpod.bsky.social Mastodon: https://mastodon.world/@nosw

    I would love to hear from you. You can email me at [email protected] or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon.

    For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters

    You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com.

  • Send us Fan Mail

    Join us tonight, in the golden glow of a late spring twilight at our favourite mooring spot under the Forest of Arden’s mysterious gaze. As twilight begins to fall settle back, relax and enjoy the majestic splendour of the ancient evensong of the wild; a symphony in which every voice has a part.

    Journal entry:

    1st May, Friday, Beltane

    “The dip and swell
    Of these gently folding fields
    Home to shadows and sheep
    And trees who have become
    Old friends.”

    Episode Information:

    This episode features sound recordings made on the South Stratford upon Avon canal on the afternoon and evening of the 25th April 2026.

    With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast.
    Ana McKellar
    Susan Baker
    Mind Shambles
    Clare Hollingsworth
    Kevin B.
    Fleur and David Mcloughlin
    Lois Raphael
    Tania Yorgey
    Andrea Hansen
    Chris Hinds
    Chris and Alan on NB Land of Green Ginger
    Captain Arlo
    Rebecca Russell
    Allison on the narrowboat Mukka
    Derek and Pauline Watts
    Anna V.
    Orange Cookie
    Mary Keane.
    Tony Rutherford.
    Arabella Holzapfel.
    Rory with MJ and Kayla.
    Narrowboat Precious Jet.
    Linda Reynolds Burkins.
    Richard Noble.
    Carol Ferguson.
    Tracie Thomas
    Mark and Tricia Stowe
    Madeleine Smith

    General Details

    The intro and the outro music is ‘Crying Cello’ by Oleksii_Kalyna (2024) licensed for free-use by Pixabay (189988).

    Narrowboat engine recorded by 'James2nd' on the River Weaver, Cheshire. Uploaded to Freesound.org on 23rd June 2018. Creative Commons Licence.

    Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram.

    All other audio recorded on site.

    Support the show

    Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
    Would you like to support this podcast by becoming a 'lock-wheeler' for Nighttime on Still Waters? Find out more: 'Lock-wheeling' for Nighttime on Still Waters.

    Contact

    Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/noswpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nighttimeonstillwaters/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/noswpod.bsky.social Mastodon: https://mastodon.world/@nosw

    I would love to hear from you. You can email me at [email protected] or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon.

    For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters

    You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com.

  • Send us Fan Mail

    There’s a warm welcome aboard the Erica tonight. But why the Erica? Why not any of the other boats we viewed and discussed? What was it about the Erica that made her special enough for us to buy, even though there were other boats that seemed to be stronger contenders? How did we know she was the right choice? Jo Bell’s brilliant book Boater helps us to find some answers.

    Journal entry:

    12th April, Sunday

    “From Bridge 55

    Children and old men
    Lean on Georgian ironwork
    Warmed by the sun
    And gaze in silence
    Into the waters below.

    One sees time
    Like slow waters
    Drifting past,
    The other the wonder
    Of a world unfurling.

    Maggie plunges her head
    Under calm waters
    Retrieves a stick
    And I thought I saw
    A smile in her eye.”

    Episode Information:

    In this episode I talk about and read a couple of short extracts from poet and industrial archaeologist Jo Bell’s Boater: A life on England’s waterways including her poem ‘A Marriage.’

    With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast.
    Ana McKellar
    Susan Baker
    Mind Shambles
    Clare Hollingsworth
    Kevin B.
    Fleur and David Mcloughlin
    Lois Raphael
    Tania Yorgey
    Andrea Hansen
    Chris Hinds
    Chris and Alan on NB Land of Green Ginger
    Captain Arlo
    Rebecca Russell
    Allison on the narrowboat Mukka
    Derek and Pauline Watts
    Anna V.
    Orange Cookie
    Mary Keane.
    Tony Rutherford.
    Arabella Holzapfel.
    Rory with MJ and Kayla.
    Narrowboat Precious Jet.
    Linda Reynolds Burkins.
    Richard Noble.
    Carol Ferguson.
    Tracie Thomas
    Mark and Tricia Stowe
    Madeleine Smith

    General Details

    The intro and the outro music is ‘Crying Cello’ by Oleksii_Kalyna (2024) licensed for free-use by Pixabay (189988).

    Narrowboat engine recorded by 'James2nd' on the River Weaver, Cheshire. Uploaded to Freesound.org on 23rd June 2018. Creative Commons Licence.

    Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram.

    All other audio recorded on site.

    Support the show

    Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
    Would you like to support this podcast by becoming a 'lock-wheeler' for Nighttime on Still Waters? Find out more: 'Lock-wheeling' for Nighttime on Still Waters.

    Contact

    Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/noswpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nighttimeonstillwaters/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/noswpod.bsky.social Mastodon: https://mastodon.world/@nosw

    I would love to hear from you. You can email me at [email protected] or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon.

    For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters

    You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com.

  • Send us Fan Mail

    Join us on a noisy and stormy night of high winds at the tail-end of winter as we contemplate the messiness of these between times that lie at the edges of the seasons. In a world used to binaries, these times can feel messy, frustrating and even unsettling. The old idea of ‘borrowing days’ helps us to navigate these ‘untidy’ seasonal borders in a different way.

    Journal entry:

    30th March, Monday

    “Sometimes,
    The canal is silent
    Biding time
    Keeping counsel.
    Don't ask
    Let things be.

    At other times,
    It reaches out
    With whispers
    That sing soft and low
    Holding memories
    Of old friends.”

    Episode Information:

    In this episode I recommend Jen Ratcliffe’s interviews for the ‘Water Book Club’ on her Mess in a Boat Substack.

    I also read an extract from Bridget Haggerty’s post on the Irish Cultures and Customs website.

    With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast.
    Ana McKellar
    Susan Baker
    Mind Shambles
    Clare Hollingsworth
    Kevin B.
    Fleur and David Mcloughlin
    Lois Raphael
    Tania Yorgey
    Andrea Hansen
    Chris Hinds
    Chris and Alan on NB Land of Green Ginger
    Captain Arlo
    Rebecca Russell
    Allison on the narrowboat Mukka
    Derek and Pauline Watts
    Anna V.
    Orange Cookie
    Mary Keane.
    Tony Rutherford.
    Arabella Holzapfel.
    Rory with MJ and Kayla.
    Narrowboat Precious Jet.
    Linda Reynolds Burkins.
    Richard Noble.
    Carol Ferguson.
    Tracie Thomas
    Mark and Tricia Stowe
    Madeleine Smith

    General Details

    The intro and the outro music is ‘Crying Cello’ by Oleksii_Kalyna (2024) licensed for free-use by Pixabay (189988).

    Narrowboat engine recorded by 'James2nd' on the River Weaver, Cheshire. Uploaded to Freesound.org on 23rd June 2018. Creative Commons Licence.

    Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram.

    All other audio recorded on site.

    Support the show

    Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
    Would you like to support this podcast by becoming a 'lock-wheeler' for Nighttime on Still Waters? Find out more: 'Lock-wheeling' for Nighttime on Still Waters.

    Contact

    Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/noswpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nighttimeonstillwaters/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/noswpod.bsky.social Mastodon: https://mastodon.world/@nosw

    I would love to hear from you. You can email me at [email protected] or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon.

    For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters

    You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com.

  • Send us Fan Mail

    The temperature is dropping and it looks like a frosty night is ahead of us. So, why not join us in the Erica’s cosy cabin as we contemplate the coming of spring, the therapeutic and philosophical aspects of planting seeds, and joy of sunshine on your shoulders.

    Journal entry:

    19th March, Thursday

    “On Horse Hill
    The light scrubbed clean
    By the sharpness of frost
    Two rooks harry a buzzard pair
    Who fly on wings
    Of feathered nonchalance.”

    Episode Information:

    In this episode I read the poems ‘Crows in Spring’ by John Clare and ‘Everything is Going to be Alright’ by David Mahon. With special thanks to Jasmine Wilder from the Tiny Joy Project for the inspirational post 'Somewhere, right now.'

    With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast.
    Ana McKellar
    Susan Baker
    Mind Shambles
    Clare Hollingsworth
    Kevin B.
    Fleur and David Mcloughlin
    Lois Raphael
    Tania Yorgey
    Andrea Hansen
    Chris Hinds
    Chris and Alan on NB Land of Green Ginger
    Captain Arlo
    Rebecca Russell
    Allison on the narrowboat Mukka
    Derek and Pauline Watts
    Anna V.
    Orange Cookie
    Mary Keane.
    Tony Rutherford.
    Arabella Holzapfel.
    Rory with MJ and Kayla.
    Narrowboat Precious Jet.
    Linda Reynolds Burkins.
    Richard Noble.
    Carol Ferguson.
    Tracie Thomas
    Mark and Tricia Stowe
    Madeleine Smith

    General Details

    The intro and the outro music is ‘Crying Cello’ by Oleksii_Kalyna (2024) licensed for free-use by Pixabay (189988).

    Narrowboat engine recorded by 'James2nd' on the River Weaver, Cheshire. Uploaded to Freesound.org on 23rd June 2018. Creative Commons Licence.

    Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram.

    All other audio recorded on site.

    Support the show

    Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
    Would you like to support this podcast by becoming a 'lock-wheeler' for Nighttime on Still Waters? Find out more: 'Lock-wheeling' for Nighttime on Still Waters.

    Contact

    Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/noswpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nighttimeonstillwaters/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/noswpod.bsky.social Mastodon: https://mastodon.world/@nosw

    I would love to hear from you. You can email me at [email protected] or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon.

    For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters

    You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com.

  • Send us Fan Mail

    Join us tonight as we reflect on that often under-appreciated companion to the canals, the humble towpath. We uncover its vital importance in the past and how in, recent years, its relationship with the canal has been changing. We also meet up again with E Temple Thurston and the good captain Eynsham Harry as the meet a figure of the forgotten past.

    Journal entry:

    5th March, Thursday

    “A warm sun that hums
    With the buzz of big bodied
    Bumblebees busy among
    The soft fall of plum blossom.

    A gust of wind swirls
    The petals like stirred tea.
    The call and response
    Between mother and lamb.”

    Episode Information:

    In this episode I refer to Alice McGladdery’s (2016) Canal Boat Ancestors: A beginner’s research guide, information given by The Rothen Group, the Jerico Wharf Trust, and the CRT’s 2026 report Vital Connector for People and Nature. I also read a short extract from E Temple Thurston’s (1910) The Flower of Gloster.

    With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast.
    Ana McKellar
    Susan Baker
    Mind Shambles
    Clare Hollingsworth
    Kevin B.
    Fleur and David Mcloughlin
    Lois Raphael
    Tania Yorgey
    Andrea Hansen
    Chris Hinds
    Chris and Alan on NB Land of Green Ginger
    Captain Arlo
    Rebecca Russell
    Allison on the narrowboat Mukka
    Derek and Pauline Watts
    Anna V.
    Orange Cookie
    Mary Keane.
    Tony Rutherford.
    Arabella Holzapfel.
    Rory with MJ and Kayla.
    Narrowboat Precious Jet.
    Linda Reynolds Burkins.
    Richard Noble.
    Carol Ferguson.
    Tracie Thomas
    Mark and Tricia Stowe
    Madeleine Smith

    General Details

    The intro and the outro music is ‘Crying Cello’ by Oleksii_Kalyna (2024) licensed for free-use by Pixabay (189988).

    Narrowboat engine recorded by 'James2nd' on the River Weaver, Cheshire. Uploaded to Freesound.org on 23rd June 2018. Creative Commons Licence.

    Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram.

    All other audio recorded on site.

    Support the show

    Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
    Would you like to support this podcast by becoming a 'lock-wheeler' for Nighttime on Still Waters? Find out more: 'Lock-wheeling' for Nighttime on Still Waters.

    Contact

    Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/noswpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nighttimeonstillwaters/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/noswpod.bsky.social Mastodon: https://mastodon.world/@nosw

    I would love to hear from you. You can email me at [email protected] or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon.

    For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters

    You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com.

  • Send us Fan Mail

    In tonight’s episode, with the help of a few of our listeners, I continue to reflect on life aboard the Erica and how it might have changed our lives as well as go on a hunt for the elusive 'Seventh Word'. There is often a lot of talk about how canal-life is helpful for mental wellbeing. Is this really the case? We also go in hunt for some mysterious bramble cutting vandals.

    Journal entry:

    21st February, Saturday

    “A silvered dawn.
    Milder air
    With the promise of Spring.
    Plum blossom and cowslips.”

    Episode Information:

    In this episode I read two short poems by Wendell Berry; ‘Song (2)’ and ‘Woods’. I also refer to a line by WH Auden from his poem ‘Herman Melville’.

    With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast.
    Ana McKellar
    Susan Baker
    Mind Shambles
    Clare Hollingsworth
    Kevin B.
    Fleur and David Mcloughlin
    Lois Raphael
    Tania Yorgey
    Andrea Hansen
    Chris Hinds
    Chris and Alan on NB Land of Green Ginger
    Captain Arlo
    Rebecca Russell
    Allison on the narrowboat Mukka
    Derek and Pauline Watts
    Anna V.
    Orange Cookie
    Mary Keane.
    Tony Rutherford.
    Arabella Holzapfel.
    Rory with MJ and Kayla.
    Narrowboat Precious Jet.
    Linda Reynolds Burkins.
    Richard Noble.
    Carol Ferguson.
    Tracie Thomas
    Mark and Tricia Stowe
    Madeleine Smith

    General Details

    The intro and the outro music is ‘Crying Cello’ by Oleksii_Kalyna (2024) licensed for free-use by Pixabay (189988).

    Narrowboat engine recorded by 'James2nd' on the River Weaver, Cheshire. Uploaded to Freesound.org on 23rd June 2018. Creative Commons Licence.

    Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram.

    All other audio recorded on site.

    Support the show

    Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
    Would you like to support this podcast by becoming a 'lock-wheeler' for Nighttime on Still Waters? Find out more: 'Lock-wheeling' for Nighttime on Still Waters.

    Contact

    Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/noswpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nighttimeonstillwaters/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/noswpod.bsky.social Mastodon: https://mastodon.world/@nosw

    I would love to hear from you. You can email me at [email protected] or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon.

    For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters

    You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com.

  • Send us Fan Mail

    This year, the Bita kaulo munthos (the little dark month) has brought with it yet more rain. This time of year can be a hard time. Mid-winter; the time of lambing, Imbolc and the Cailleach. Strung halfway between winter solstice and spring equinox, Imbolc heralds the mid-point of what for many seems to be turning out to be a very hard winter. Join us tonight around our fire as we contemplate how this time can help to prepare us for the uncertainties of the coming year.

    Journal entry:

    6th February, Friday.

    “A stern hatch slides back
    And a head appears.
    ‘Has it been raining all day?’
    I am asked
    'Just about.' I reply.
    We laugh as
    I splash passed.

    One of the puddles
    In the field goes up to
    Maggie’s tummy.”

    Episode Information:

    In this episode I refer to Lea Leendertz’s (2024) A Year in Story and Song: A celebration of the seasons, as well as reading short excerpts from Ruth Binney’s (2010) Wise Words and Country Ways: Weather lore and John Clare’s poem ‘November.’

    With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast.
    Ana McKellar
    Susan Baker
    Mind Shambles
    Clare Hollingsworth
    Kevin B.
    Fleur and David Mcloughlin
    Lois Raphael
    Tania Yorgey
    Andrea Hansen
    Chris Hinds
    Chris and Alan on NB Land of Green Ginger
    Captain Arlo
    Rebecca Russell
    Allison on the narrowboat Mukka
    Derek and Pauline Watts
    Anna V.
    Orange Cookie
    Mary Keane.
    Tony Rutherford.
    Arabella Holzapfel.
    Rory with MJ and Kayla.
    Narrowboat Precious Jet.
    Linda Reynolds Burkins.
    Richard Noble.
    Carol Ferguson.
    Tracie Thomas
    Mark and Tricia Stowe
    Madeleine Smith

    General Details

    The intro and the outro music is ‘Crying Cello’ by Oleksii_Kalyna (2024) licensed for free-use by Pixabay (189988).

    Narrowboat engine recorded by 'James2nd' on the River Weaver, Cheshire. Uploaded to Freesound.org on 23rd June 2018. Creative Commons Licence.

    Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram.

    All other audio recorded on site.

    Support the show

    Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
    Would you like to support this podcast by becoming a 'lock-wheeler' for Nighttime on Still Waters? Find out more: 'Lock-wheeling' for Nighttime on Still Waters.

    Contact

    Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/noswpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nighttimeonstillwaters/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/noswpod.bsky.social Mastodon: https://mastodon.world/@nosw

    I would love to hear from you. You can email me at [email protected] or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon.

    For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters

    You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com.

  • Send us Fan Mail

    Tonight, we’re celebrating our 200th episode while enjoying our sixth winter aboard the NB Erica. To mark the occasion, I’m looking back at how the watery path of canal life has reshaped our lives, sometimes in unexpected ways. So, settle in as we ponder the intricacies of synoptic weather charts to the quiet, unique qualities of living on the water.

    Journal entry:

    24th January, Saturday

    “A silver sun
    Leans on a lonely wind
    Casting hard light
    Upon the world.

    I can taste
    Winter in the air
    It’s old and it’s brave
    Unheeding of complaints.”

    Episode Information:

    For our 200th episode we begin our short series on looking at different aspects of life on water.

    In this episode I read a section of my poem “A Narrow Path.”

    With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast.

    Susan West
    Ana McKellar
    Susan Baker
    Mind Shambles
    Clare Hollingsworth
    Kevin B.
    Fleur and David Mcloughlin
    Lois Raphael
    Tania Yorgey
    Andrea Hansen
    Chris Hinds
    Chris and Alan on NB Land of Green Ginger
    Captain Arlo
    Rebecca Russell
    Allison on the narrowboat Mukka
    Derek and Pauline Watts
    Anna V.
    Orange Cookie
    Mary Keane.
    Tony Rutherford.
    Arabella Holzapfel.
    Rory with MJ and Kayla.
    Narrowboat Precious Jet.
    Linda Reynolds Burkins.
    Richard Noble.
    Carol Ferguson.
    Tracie Thomas
    Mark and Tricia Stowe
    Madeleine Smith

    General Details

    The intro and the outro music is ‘Crying Cello’ by Oleksii_Kalyna (2024) licensed for free-use by Pixabay (189988).

    Narrowboat engine recorded by 'James2nd' on the River Weaver, Cheshire. Uploaded to Freesound.org on 23rd June 2018. Creative Commons Licence.

    Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram.

    All other audio recorded on site.

    Support the show

    Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
    Would you like to support this podcast by becoming a 'lock-wheeler' for Nighttime on Still Waters? Find out more: 'Lock-wheeling' for Nighttime on Still Waters.

    Contact

    Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/noswpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nighttimeonstillwaters/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/noswpod.bsky.social Mastodon: https://mastodon.world/@nosw

    I would love to hear from you. You can email me at [email protected] or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon.

    For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters

    You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com.

  • Send us Fan Mail

    The failure of the Whitchurch embankment offered sobering viewing for those on and off the canal. This episode responds to listeners’ concerns and questions and then reflects on the wider implication of incidents like these on the future of life on the canals. *Spoiler -it is not all doom and gloom!*

    Journal entry:

    6th January, Tuesday

    “Colder night
    But slightly milder dawn
    A few desultory snowflakes fall
    Flightless feathers
    With no wind
    Upon which to dance

    Will these small flakes
    Ever get the chance
    To find the sea?”

    Episode Information:

    For a video diary of the Whitchurch Breach see Paul and Anthony’s Narrowboat Life Unlocked. For Prof Tim Wilson’s comment on canals in Britain, see The Sinkhole in Shropshire.

    I also refer to Skempton’s (1996) article on construction of early embankments and cuttings (railways), and the 2025 report by Whitfield Consulting Services.

    With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast.

    Susan West
    Ana McKellar
    Susan Baker
    Mind Shambles
    Clare Hollingsworth
    Kevin B.
    Fleur and David Mcloughlin
    Lois Raphael
    Tania Yorgey
    Andrea Hansen
    Chris Hinds
    Chris and Alan on NB Land of Green Ginger
    Captain Arlo
    Rebecca Russell
    Allison on the narrowboat Mukka
    Derek and Pauline Watts
    Anna V.
    Orange Cookie
    Mary Keane.
    Tony Rutherford.
    Arabella Holzapfel.
    Rory with MJ and Kayla.
    Narrowboat Precious Jet.
    Linda Reynolds Burkins.
    Richard Noble.
    Carol Ferguson.
    Tracie Thomas
    Mark and Tricia Stowe
    Madeleine Smith

    General Details

    The intro and the outro music is ‘Crying Cello’ by Oleksii_Kalyna (2024) licensed for free-use by Pixabay (189988).

    Narrowboat engine recorded by 'James2nd' on the River Weaver, Cheshire. Uploaded to Freesound.org on 23rd June 2018. Creative Commons Licence.

    Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram.

    All other audio recorded on site.

    Support the show

    Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
    Would you like to support this podcast by becoming a 'lock-wheeler' for Nighttime on Still Waters? Find out more: 'Lock-wheeling' for Nighttime on Still Waters.

    Contact

    Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/noswpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nighttimeonstillwaters/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/noswpod.bsky.social Mastodon: https://mastodon.world/@nosw

    I would love to hear from you. You can email me at [email protected] or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon.

    For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters

    You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com.

  • Send us Fan Mail

    It's Christmas on the canal, and the time when we traditionally gather around by firelight and tell stories of wonder and magic. So, tonight, there is an extra specially warm welcome aboard the Erica as we turn the lights down low and listen by firelight to a rather remarkable (and I think wonderful) tale of canal-side Christmases past and the magic hidden along the towpath. Grab a mug of your favourite drink, settle into your cosiest chair and join us into the heart of a canal-side Christmas.

    With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast.

    Ana McKellar
    Susan Baker
    Mind Shambles
    Clare Hollingsworth
    Kevin B.
    Fleur and David Mcloughlin
    Lois Raphael
    Tania Yorgey
    Andrea Hansen
    Chris Hinds
    Chris and Alan on NB Land of Green Ginger
    Captain Arlo
    Rebecca Russell
    Allison on the narrowboat Mukka
    Derek and Pauline Watts
    Anna V.
    Orange Cookie
    Mary Keane.
    Tony Rutherford.
    Arabella Holzapfel.
    Rory with MJ and Kayla.
    Narrowboat Precious Jet.
    Linda Reynolds Burkins.
    Richard Noble.
    Carol Ferguson.
    Tracie Thomas
    Mark and Tricia Stowe
    Madeleine Smith

    General Details

    The intro and the outro music is ‘Crying Cello’ by Oleksii_Kalyna (2024) licensed for free-use by Pixabay (189988).

    Narrowboat engine recorded by 'James2nd' on the River Weaver, Cheshire. Uploaded to Freesound.org on 23rd June 2018. Creative Commons Licence.

    Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram.

    All other audio recorded on site.

    Support the show

    Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
    Would you like to support this podcast by becoming a 'lock-wheeler' for Nighttime on Still Waters? Find out more: 'Lock-wheeling' for Nighttime on Still Waters.

    Contact

    Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/noswpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nighttimeonstillwaters/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/noswpod.bsky.social Mastodon: https://mastodon.world/@nosw

    I would love to hear from you. You can email me at [email protected] or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon.

    For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters

    You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com.

  • Send us Fan Mail

    As advent candles burn into their second half, and berries blaze along the towpath, why not join us tonight aboard the Erica to hear about what it feels like to experience this advent on the cut.

    Journal entry:

    8th December, Monday

    “A ragged river of rooks
    Stream across
    A watery sky
    On purposeful wings.

    They rise and circle
    Around the One Oak.
    The fire of their
    Jubilant chatter
    Warms the day.”

    With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast.

    Susan Baker
    Mind Shambles
    Clare Hollingsworth
    Kevin B.
    Fleur and David Mcloughlin
    Lois Raphael
    Tania Yorgey
    Andrea Hansen
    Chris Hinds
    Chris and Alan on NB Land of Green Ginger
    Captain Arlo
    Rebecca Russell
    Allison on the narrowboat Mukka
    Derek and Pauline Watts
    Anna V.
    Orange Cookie
    Mary Keane.
    Tony Rutherford.
    Arabella Holzapfel.
    Rory with MJ and Kayla.
    Narrowboat Precious Jet.
    Linda Reynolds Burkins.
    Richard Noble.
    Carol Ferguson.
    Tracie Thomas
    Mark and Tricia Stowe
    Madeleine Smith

    General Details

    The intro and the outro music is ‘Crying Cello’ by Oleksii_Kalyna (2024) licensed for free-use by Pixabay (189988).

    Narrowboat engine recorded by 'James2nd' on the River Weaver, Cheshire. Uploaded to Freesound.org on 23rd June 2018. Creative Commons Licence.

    Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram.

    All other audio recorded on site.

    Support the show

    Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
    Would you like to support this podcast by becoming a 'lock-wheeler' for Nighttime on Still Waters? Find out more: 'Lock-wheeling' for Nighttime on Still Waters.

    Contact

    Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/noswpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nighttimeonstillwaters/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/noswpod.bsky.social Mastodon: https://mastodon.world/@nosw

    I would love to hear from you. You can email me at [email protected] or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon.

    For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters

    You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com.

  • Send us Fan Mail

    These are the days of the long nights, when ¾ of our day gives way to the dark. If we listen carefully, their gifts are rich and restoring. In these strange times we need, once more, to slow down, look up, and hear the night speak to us with its silences. Come aboard the Erica and let’s journey into the night.

    Journal entry:

    27th November, Thursday
    "This morning,
    The kingfisher wakes
    To a softer, kinder day.

    The willow leaf
    Finds the current
    That I cannot see.”

    Episode Information:

    In this episode I read an extracts from:
    Jen Ratcliffe’s wonderful and highly recommended Substack Mess in a Boat (with spoken word version).
    Chet Raymo’s The Soul of the Night (1985) published by Cowley.

    I also read Tom Hennan’s ‘Summer Night Air’ from his collection Darkness Sticks to Everything (2013) published by Copper Canyon Press, and refer to Nic Wilson’s Country Diary column.

    With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast.

    Susan Baker
    Mind Shambles
    Clare Hollingsworth
    Kevin B.
    Fleur and David Mcloughlin
    Lois Raphael
    Tania Yorgey
    Andrea Hansen
    Chris Hinds
    Chris and Alan on NB Land of Green Ginger
    Captain Arlo
    Rebecca Russell
    Allison on the narrowboat Mukka
    Derek and Pauline Watts
    Anna V.
    Orange Cookie
    Mary Keane.
    Tony Rutherford.
    Arabella Holzapfel.
    Rory with MJ and Kayla.
    Narrowboat Precious Jet.
    Linda Reynolds Burkins.
    Richard Noble.
    Carol Ferguson.
    Tracie Thomas
    Mark and Tricia Stowe
    Madeleine Smith

    General Details

    The intro and the outro music is ‘Crying Cello’ by Oleksii_Kalyna (2024) licensed for free-use by Pixabay (189988).

    Narrowboat engine recorded by 'James2nd' on the River Weaver, Cheshire. Uploaded to Freesound.org on 23rd June 2018. Creative Commons Licence.

    Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram.

    All other audio recorded on site.

    Support the show

    Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
    Would you like to support this podcast by becoming a 'lock-wheeler' for Nighttime on Still Waters? Find out more: 'Lock-wheeling' for Nighttime on Still Waters.

    Contact

    Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/noswpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nighttimeonstillwaters/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/noswpod.bsky.social Mastodon: https://mastodon.world/@nosw

    I would love to hear from you. You can email me at [email protected] or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon.

    For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters

    You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com.

  • Send us Fan Mail

    Join us tonight aboard the Erica’s warm and cosy cabin as storm Claudia rages outside. Let us experience together the intimate feeling of being snug and safe in a tiny home afloat on the storm lashed canals.

    Journal entry:

    14th November, Friday

    “Sky of smudged greys,
    Chalky, sooty, dirty laundry water,
    And a light of such silvery metallics
    Lead and steel, iron and zinc,
    That makes the canal surface shine
    And adds richness to berry and leaves.
    Why is it, that on dull mornings like these,
    Do I become so aware of such colour?
    The colour of storms.”

    Episode Information:

    The soundscape was recorded in the stern study of the narrowboat Erica at the height of Storm Claudia on 24th November 2025.

    With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast.

    Susan Baker
    Mind Shambles
    Clare Hollingsworth
    Kevin B.
    Fleur and David Mcloughlin
    Lois Raphael
    Tania Yorgey
    Andrea Hansen
    Chris Hinds
    Chris and Alan on NB Land of Green Ginger
    Captain Arlo
    Rebecca Russell
    Allison on the narrowboat Mukka
    Derek and Pauline Watts
    Anna V.
    Orange Cookie
    Mary Keane.
    Tony Rutherford.
    Arabella Holzapfel.
    Rory with MJ and Kayla.
    Narrowboat Precious Jet.
    Linda Reynolds Burkins.
    Richard Noble.
    Carol Ferguson.
    Tracie Thomas
    Mark and Tricia Stowe
    Madeleine Smith

    General Details

    The intro and the outro music is ‘Crying Cello’ by Oleksii_Kalyna (2024) licensed for free-use by Pixabay (189988).

    Narrowboat engine recorded by 'James2nd' on the River Weaver, Cheshire. Uploaded to Freesound.org on 23rd June 2018. Creative Commons Licence.

    Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram.

    All other audio recorded on site.

    Support the show

    Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
    Would you like to support this podcast by becoming a 'lock-wheeler' for Nighttime on Still Waters? Find out more: 'Lock-wheeling' for Nighttime on Still Waters.

    Contact

    Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/noswpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nighttimeonstillwaters/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/noswpod.bsky.social Mastodon: https://mastodon.world/@nosw

    I would love to hear from you. You can email me at [email protected] or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon.

    For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters

    You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com.

  • Send us Fan Mail

    Welcome to Halloween on the canal. It’s a perfect night to turn down the lights, curl up in comfy chair with a warm mug, and listen to a spooky tale. Can anyone explain what really did happen on that celebrated (or notorious) section of canal at Morton’s Rise under the glowering presence of Draid Hill?

    Journal entry:

    31st October, Friday (All Hallows’ Eve)

    “The day grows thin
    Between light and darkness
    Heron spanned
    Silent as owl flight
    The canal listens.

    Samhain, All Hallows’ eve,
    Nut-crack night
    Hop-tu-Naa
    Halloween
    The canal waits.”

    Episode Information:

    This episode features a reading of my canal-side weird tale Morton’s Rise.

    With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast.

    Susan Baker
    Mind Shambles
    Clare Hollingsworth
    Kevin B.
    Fleur and David Mcloughlin
    Lois Raphael
    Tania Yorgey
    Andrea Hansen
    Chris Hinds
    Chris and Alan on NB Land of Green Ginger
    Captain Arlo
    Rebecca Russell
    Allison on the narrowboat Mukka
    Derek and Pauline Watts
    Anna V.
    Orange Cookie
    Mary Keane.
    Tony Rutherford.
    Arabella Holzapfel.
    Rory with MJ and Kayla.
    Narrowboat Precious Jet.
    Linda Reynolds Burkins.
    Richard Noble.
    Carol Ferguson.
    Tracie Thomas
    Mark and Tricia Stowe
    Madeleine Smith

    General Details

    The intro and the outro music is ‘Crying Cello’ by Oleksii_Kalyna (2024) licensed for free-use by Pixabay (189988).

    Narrowboat engine recorded by 'James2nd' on the River Weaver, Cheshire. Uploaded to Freesound.org on 23rd June 2018. Creative Commons Licence.

    Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram.

    All other audio recorded on site.

    Support the show

    Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
    Would you like to support this podcast by becoming a 'lock-wheeler' for Nighttime on Still Waters? Find out more: 'Lock-wheeling' for Nighttime on Still Waters.

    Contact

    Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/noswpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nighttimeonstillwaters/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/noswpod.bsky.social Mastodon: https://mastodon.world/@nosw

    I would love to hear from you. You can email me at [email protected] or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon.

    For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters

    You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com.

  • Send us Fan Mail

    Have you ever wondered what it was like to visit a ‘moorings’ along one of Britain’s waterways and to stand and watch and listen as this small world flows to its own daily rhythms? Although every 'mooring' is different, we explore the common thread that unites them. Why not join us for a sunny autumnal Sunday and listen to the day unfold.

    Journal entry:

    6th October, Monday

    “Wind buffets and rocks the boat
    The mooring lines tighten and then slack.
    Fenders creak and the calendar on my desk
    Gently swings.

    Reed pennants measure the gusts
    That sweep the length of the canal.
    Rooks stream ragged across
    A sky stabbed with jackdaw calls.”

    Episode Information:

    In the episode I read a short section from John Clare’s The Shepherd’s Calendar (‘The Leaves of Autumn’).

    The soundscape in this episode was recorded at our current home mooring on 26th September 2025.

    With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast.

    Susan Baker
    Mind Shambles
    Clare Hollingsworth
    Kevin B.
    Fleur and David Mcloughlin
    Lois Raphael
    Tania Yorgey
    Andrea Hansen
    Chris Hinds
    Chris and Alan on NB Land of Green Ginger
    Captain Arlo
    Rebecca Russell
    Allison on the narrowboat Mukka
    Derek and Pauline Watts
    Anna V.
    Orange Cookie
    Mary Keane.
    Tony Rutherford.
    Arabella Holzapfel.
    Rory with MJ and Kayla.
    Narrowboat Precious Jet.
    Linda Reynolds Burkins.
    Richard Noble.
    Carol Ferguson.
    Tracie Thomas
    Mark and Tricia Stowe
    Madeleine Smith

    General Details

    The intro and the outro music is ‘Crying Cello’ by Oleksii_Kalyna (2024) licensed for free-use by Pixabay (189988).

    Narrowboat engine recorded by 'James2nd' on the River Weaver, Cheshire. Uploaded to Freesound.org on 23rd June 2018. Creative Commons Licence.

    Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram.

    All other audio recorded on site.

    Support the show

    Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
    Would you like to support this podcast by becoming a 'lock-wheeler' for Nighttime on Still Waters? Find out more: 'Lock-wheeling' for Nighttime on Still Waters.

    Contact

    Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/noswpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nighttimeonstillwaters/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/noswpod.bsky.social Mastodon: https://mastodon.world/@nosw

    I would love to hear from you. You can email me at [email protected] or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon.

    For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters

    You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com.

  • Send us Fan Mail

    It's a blustery, moonless, and nearly starless night tonight, with the ever-present hint of rain in the air. So, why not come aboard the Erica for a while and reminisce about inconsequential things, the joy they bring, and how they form such strong bedrocks to our lives in an unsteady world?

    Journal entry:

    17th September, Wednesday

    “Summer has left
    And strewn all along the towpath
    Is the detritus of its sojourn.
    Rusting wires of sorrel and dock,
    Hogweed spokes like upturned
    Discarded umbrellas.
    Hawthorn berries
    Litter the ground
    Like carelessly flung confetti
    The wind has now blown out
    The willowherb candles
    A few whisps of seeds
    Hang like cobwebs.

    Now is the time
    For autumn’s
    Fires
    Hips, haws, rowan,
    Bryony and firethorn.”

    Episode Information:

    In the episode I mention the wonderful and beautifully produced celebration to nature and life on the canals and rivers of Britain, The Mindful Narrowboat vlog.

    With special thanks to our lock-wheelers for supporting this podcast.

    Susan Baker
    Mind Shambles
    Clare Hollingsworth
    Kevin B.
    Fleur and David Mcloughlin
    Lois Raphael
    Tania Yorgey
    Andrea Hansen
    Chris Hinds
    Chris and Alan on NB Land of Green Ginger
    Captain Arlo
    Rebecca Russell
    Allison on the narrowboat Mukka
    Derek and Pauline Watts
    Anna V.
    Orange Cookie
    Mary Keane.
    Tony Rutherford.
    Arabella Holzapfel.
    Rory with MJ and Kayla.
    Narrowboat Precious Jet.
    Linda Reynolds Burkins.
    Richard Noble.
    Carol Ferguson.
    Tracie Thomas
    Mark and Tricia Stowe
    Madeleine Smith

    General Details

    The intro and the outro music is ‘Crying Cello’ by Oleksii_Kalyna (2024) licensed for free-use by Pixabay (189988).

    Narrowboat engine recorded by 'James2nd' on the River Weaver, Cheshire. Uploaded to Freesound.org on 23rd June 2018. Creative Commons Licence.

    Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram.

    All other audio recorded on site.

    Support the show

    Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
    Would you like to support this podcast by becoming a 'lock-wheeler' for Nighttime on Still Waters? Find out more: 'Lock-wheeling' for Nighttime on Still Waters.

    Contact

    Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/noswpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nighttimeonstillwaters/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/noswpod.bsky.social Mastodon: https://mastodon.world/@nosw

    I would love to hear from you. You can email me at [email protected] or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon.

    For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters

    You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com.

  • Send us Fan Mail

    Tonight, for a little while, let’s leave the sleeping canal in peace as it slowly recovers and heals after the summer long drought. Instead, let's go down to the river where the water is alive with light and chuckles and laps under rowing boats and let us see what we can see.

    Journal entry:

    4th September, Thursday

    “Clouds pillow and pile
    Black skies behind us
    A fleeting sun catches
    the scarlet of bryony berries
    That wrap themselves around
    Spiky vines of midnight blue blackthorn.
    The canal reflects the flight
    Of a raven passing overhead.”

    Episode Information:

    The soundscapes and washes for this episode were recorded beside the River Avon on 3rd September 2025 on the ‘River Steps’ in Bancroft Gardens, Stratford-upon-Avon, and by the chain ferry.

    With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast.

    Susan Baker
    Mind Shambles
    Clare Hollingsworth
    Kevin B.
    Fleur and David Mcloughlin
    Lois Raphael
    Tania Yorgey
    Andrea Hansen
    Chris Hinds
    Chris and Alan on NB Land of Green Ginger
    Captain Arlo
    Rebecca Russell
    Allison on the narrowboat Mukka
    Derek and Pauline Watts
    Anna V.
    Orange Cookie
    Mary Keane.
    Tony Rutherford.
    Arabella Holzapfel.
    Rory with MJ and Kayla.
    Narrowboat Precious Jet.
    Linda Reynolds Burkins.
    Richard Noble.
    Carol Ferguson.
    Tracie Thomas
    Mark and Tricia Stowe
    Madeleine Smith

    General Details

    The intro and the outro music is ‘Crying Cello’ by Oleksii_Kalyna (2024) licensed for free-use by Pixabay (189988).

    Narrowboat engine recorded by 'James2nd' on the River Weaver, Cheshire. Uploaded to Freesound.org on 23rd June 2018. Creative Commons Licence.

    Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram.

    All other audio recorded on site.

    Support the show

    Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
    Would you like to support this podcast by becoming a 'lock-wheeler' for Nighttime on Still Waters? Find out more: 'Lock-wheeling' for Nighttime on Still Waters.

    Contact

    Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/noswpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nighttimeonstillwaters/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/noswpod.bsky.social Mastodon: https://mastodon.world/@nosw

    I would love to hear from you. You can email me at [email protected] or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon.

    For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters

    You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com.