Bargecade
Bargecade
Bargecade has been running since 1971, and is a similar type of trip to those undertaken by The Bona Boaters. It is usually frequented by Stan from The Bona Boaters, and he has occasionally organised it. It consists mainly of people who work for [..or used to work for..] British Rail or any of the companies subsequently formed by it's privatisation. In it's heyday, Bargecade could take as many as six boats, and last for up to two weeks, though many of the crew members would only stay aboard for part of the trip with many arriving and departing during the trip. Such large trips do however present their own logistical problems, such as overwhelming visitor moorings as well as local pubs and restaurants. For more information, see the Bargecade website.
Pete W had been invited onto Bargecade several times in the past, but it's proximity to The Bona Boaters trips usually made it impossible for him to to get the time off work. Bargecade usually occurs in early May, while the Bona Boaters always have their trips in the third week in May, thus usually only leaving one or two weeks between the two. Pete's job required him to book leave up to 9 months in advance, and within a strict rota. The Bona Boaters trip was always a fixed week - the week leading up the spring Bank Holiday, so that the trip always finished on the Fri/Sat/Sun of the Bank Holiday weekend. This made it relatively easy for him to book well in advance, but not knowing the exact date of Bargecade that far in advance made that impossible to book. Since he left work, this situation no longer applies.
The Bargecade website has not been updated for many years and is now woefully out of date.
Note: The Bona Boaters cannot be held responsible for the content of other sites.
Bargecade 2022 - The four counties ring
Bargecade 2023 - The Leek & Caldon Canals
Bargecade 2025 - The BCN again !