Nighttime on Still Waters (Richard Goode)
Explorez tous les épisodes de Nighttime on Still Waters
| Date | Titre | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06 Feb 2022 | Solitary Stranger: The Wigeon | 00:29:45 | |
This week we have been joined by a solitary stranger from the north. Probably blown south-west on last week’s northerly storm winds a wigeon has arrived. The appearance of this diminutive figure prompts us to find out a little more about this little duck and we discover his place in the legend of the Seven Whistlers and its association with the end of the world (but, perhaps, not as we know it). Journal entry: “4h February, Friday. Episode Information: In this episode I refer to the following books: Edward A Armstrong's (1958) The Folklore of Birds (Collins New Naturalist Library 39) published by Collins. BB (2008) The Naturalist’s Bedside Book published by Merlin Unwin Books. Stefan Buczacki’s (2002) Fauna Britannica published by Hamlyn Walter Černy’s (2000) Field Guide in Colour to British Birds published by Silverdale Books. Rob Hume (2007) RSPB Complete Birds of Britain and Europe (revised edn.) published by Dorling Kindersley. Recording of Wigeon calls by Stanislas Wroza on 01.01.2022 at Radonvilliers, Aube, Grand Est, France and downloaded from the xeno-canto site. Full recording details and credits: General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 13 Feb 2022 | Windy Days and Nights | 00:32:48 | |
You join us tonight at the end of a rather windy day. There seems to be a fairly common feeling that we have been encountering a lot of blustery winds recently, both meteorologically and metaphorically. Tonight, we stoke the fire and reflect on the place of the wind in our lives, history and culture. Journal entry: “11th February, Friday. One some late winter days Make the grey world fold open into a summer’s evening Episode Information: In this episode I read short extracts from; John Marzluff and Tony Angell’s (2005) In the Company of Crows published by Yale University Press. Anonymous (c.1365) The Chronicle of Anonymous of Canterbury 1346-1365. A recent scholarly edition has been published by Oxford University Press (2008/2019). I also refer to: Storm Dunlop’s (2021) Weather Almanac 2022 published by Harper Collins. 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 20 Feb 2022 | Riding the Storm (Eunice) | 00:31:26 | |
Snuggle up comfortably as you join us on the NB Erica for a wild night and day as we ride the storms Dudley and Eunice. The poems of Ted Hughes, Louis MacNeice, A.A. Milne, William Blake, and John Betjeman keep us company as they take us through a day of roaring wind and rattling rain-squalls. Please note, the audio for this episode has been intentionally kept ‘dirty’ to capture the ambient sounds of a storm as experienced on a narrowboat and so any bangs, clicks, clunks, and other background noises are entirely deliberate! Journal entry: “16th February, Wednesday. 21:15 Storm Dudley batters the boat, It is a night for wild souls who can match this night, storm for storm, Episode Information: In this episode I read the following poems (see episode chapters for time locations): Ted Hughes: ‘Wind’ from his first collection Hawk in the Rain (1957) published by Faber and Faber. Louis MacNeice: ‘House on a cliff’ from his collection Blind Fireworks (1929) subsequently published in collections by Faber and Faber. A.A. Milne: ‘The wind on the hill’ from his Now We are Six (1927) now published by Egmont (2009). William Blake: ‘Mock on. mock on, Voltaire and Rousseau’ (1796) John Betjeman: ‘Harrow on the Hill’ (1949) published first in A Few Late Chrysanthemums (1953) by in various later collections and anthologies like The Best of Betjeman (1978) published by Penguin Books.
General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 27 Feb 2022 | The Darkest of Nights | 00:26:48 | |
February has been a month of storms both meteorological and figurative that have left many of us feeling battered and anxious. Such storms leave their marks upon the landscape and familiar terrains can become strange, alien, and threatening. The cataclysmic events of the last few days are difficult to process and have catapulted us into what feels lik a much darker and more fearful world. How do we respond to it all and how do we navigate our way through times of intense darkness and confusion? We look to the misplaced wigeon to help us find some direction. Journal entry: “24th February, Thursday. "An old crescent moon hangs in a sky On my car radio Darkness falls Episode Information: In this episode I read the following poems (see episode chapters for time locations): Tom Hennen ‘When Night Nears’ from his collection Darkness Sticks to Everything: Collected and new poems(2013) published by Copper Canyon Press. Wendell Berry ‘To Know the Dark’ from his volume The Peace of Wild Things and Other Poems (2018), published by Penguin Books. I also read an extract from his book The World-Ending Fire: The essential Wendell Berry (2018) also published by Penguin books.
General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Contact Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 06 Mar 2022 | Masters of the High Wire | 00:32:19 | |
The wind is beginning to lose its raw edge, but the water is still lively and choppy. Join us on a moonless mad March night as memories of Shambala evoke a contemplation of high-wire walking in many of its different guises. The stove is warm, the kettle is on and there is always a warm welcome for you. Journal entry: “6th March, Saturday. "There’s a kerfuffle of rooks around the oak at the top of the hill. Two ducks fly low in tight formation There’s a patch of reeds thick the warm rough smell of fox 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Contact
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and usi Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 13 Mar 2022 | Wings of Angels (Cyril) | 00:32:52 | |
Over the last few weeks, we have watched our little swan family slowly begin the new phases in each of their lives. Whilst it can feel sad, it is also a celebration of the life of young Cyril who is now strong enough and equipped with enough skills to begin to make it in the adult world. It is also an endorsement of success for the young parents who, initially, encountered so many problems in nest building and egg laying. Journal entry: 12th March, Saturday “Last night I lay awake listening to the rain drum on the cabin roof. Night-time is not a good time to think things through. I could imagine the circles made by the rain on the dark waters beside me And that, for me, made the difference.” Episode Information: Please go to the noswpod website for recent photographs of Cyril. In this episode I refer to the following books: Malcolm Schuyl’s The Swan: A natural history published (2012) by Merlin Unwin Books. This is probably the most authoritative book on the subject and is accompanied by some wonderful photography. Simon Barns quirky but indispensable A Bad Birdwatcher’s Companion (2005) published by Short Books. The audio book is excellent, entertaining, lavishly produced and offering samples of each bird call too! 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 20 Mar 2022 | Skies of Impossible Blue | 00:29:14 | |
This week’s episode is filled with sunshine, the scent of resin, and the soporific call of pigeon and dove as we explore a little further afield. A visit to Dad on the north Norfolk coast means a change in landscape. Find out why, even though I love walking, I am often very reluctant to talk about it with other walkers! Journal entry: 14th March, Monday "Fog. The canal is dark and glassy. He eyes me as he glides slowly passed Episode Information: For information about the beach and woods at Wells-next-the-Sea (audio soundscapes were recorded there: 17.03.2022) you will find this website helpful: The Wells Guide. Please visit the noswpod website for photographs of the Corsican Pine woodland at Wells’ beach. In this episode I read the poem ‘March: Pooley Country Park’ by Vanessa Thomas from the wonderful The Mindful Narrowboat vlog. You can listen to Vanessa recite it and watch her creating her beautiful nature journal here: #93 The 8 Things I Brought to My Tiny Home! | Simplifying My Life 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 27 Mar 2022 | Steps out of Step | 00:26:55 | |
A week of glorious spring weather has heightened springtime activity along the canal sides and nearby fields. It also coincides with a particularly busy period personally. My response and those of the birds and animals around could not be more different. We dip our toes into the worlds of the polar north and the work of Kosuke Koyama to explore some possible explanations for this. Journal entry: 25th March, Friday “The fresh sun glances off the surface of the canal with a shimmering, silver warmth, that sets the night-time chill a-dance. A clutch of moorhens squabble, fluster, scold, and court, in plain view, transforming the dark waters into a crystal maelstrom. It is so unlike their normally timorous behaviour. A mallard pair doze in the sunshine on the bank. I stand on the stern deck and beat the dust of winter from our rugs. We have stepped into spring.” Episode Information: In this episode I make a brief mention of the work of Knud Rasmussen. You can read his account of his work and explorations in: Knud Rasmussen People of the Polar North: A record published in 1908 by Kegan Paul, Trench, Trübner. I also mention Kathleen Jamie’s beautifully written, insightful, and extremely thought-provoking book Surfacing published in 2019 by Penguin Random House. Kosuke Koyama’s Three Mile an Hour God has just been re-issued (2021) by SCM Press. David Johns’ canals and boating vlog Cruising the Cut can be found here: Cruising the Cut 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 03 Apr 2022 | I have Heard the Roar of Spring (and it is fearful) | 00:30:17 | |
Just as the wind swung north with its sting of sleet and hail, the first batch of ducklings were hatched this week. It was a far from simple event! However, as winter attempted to reassert itself with some biting winds and sharp frosts, we are reminded that winter’s growl is no match for the roar of Spring. Journal entry: 1st April, Friday "Penny looks up at me, hunched and quizzical, There is nothing remotely romantic about these driven, windblown, thin needles of ice,
Episode Information: In this episode I read an extract from Simon Barnes’ wonderful book A Bad Birdwatcher’s Companion. Simon Barnes A Bad Birdwatcher's Companion: ...or a Personal introduction to Britain's 50 most obvious birds published (2005) by Short Books. I highly recommend the Naxos unabridged audio book version of this which is read by Simon and also includes samples of each bird’s call and suitable music. I also read a very short extract from the Norse Prose Edda written thought to have been written in the early 13th century by the Icelandic writer Snorri Sturluson. I also refer to Alexandra Harris’ Weatherland which is published (2015) by Thames and Hudson. 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 10 Apr 2022 | No Small Gift | 00:37:18 | |
“It is no small gift” wrote the poet Mary Oliver about the joy a dog brings into our lives. . Journal entry: “It is no small gift” wrote the poet Mary Oliver about the joy a dog brings into our lives. In the week that we had to say goodbye to Penny, we remember the many gifts this timid lttle whirlwind brought into our lives and made them so much richer. We also explore why so many of us find grieving for a pet so difficult. "The trees are still here; And the blackbird still sings But I stand, incomplete, without a shadow... No, that is not how it feels. Episode Information: Please go to noswpod.com for photographs of Penny. I also refer to Guy Winch’s article ‘Why We Need to Take Pet Loss Seriously’ from the Scientific American (May, 2018). 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and B Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 17 Apr 2022 | Entanglements with the Archdeacon | 00:31:46 | |
The archdeacon is one of the colourful local characters who live here. Irascible and combative, he is nevertheless an important part of the social life of this small portion of the watery world. He’s a feral domestic duck with a chequered past and a strong sense of his own importance. A rather restless, listless day resulted in me drinking a lot of tea and reflecting on him and the work of Donna Haraway. Journal entry: 16th April, Saturday "I like it up here. It's not miles away from anywhere, but it certainly feels like it. The broad sky. The rise of hill. The tawny dried stems of last year's grass that rustle in the breeze that surfs over the hill's crest. I could walk to the top and look down on the world beyond but I won't, because then I'd know I am not on a fellside in Teasdale, buttoned with gentians and quartz, with the smell of tent canvas and crushed grass and the brassy shine of a primus stove. And I'd know that the world is waiting for me, even now, seeping across the borders of my mind." Episode Information: In this episode I read the first verse of John Betjeman’s poem ‘Upper Lambourne’. You can read the full poem here: Upper Lambourne. You can also hear John Betjeman read it on this video: John Betjeman reads ‘Upper Lambourne’. I also refer to the work of Donna Haraway. She has written a lot on this subject, but arguably she is best known for her essay 'A Cyborg Manifesto'. There are also numerous short (and long) videos on YouTube in which she presents her ideas in an accessible way. 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microph Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 01 May 2022 | 'A Gypsy Love of Colour' (Painted Boats) | 00:38:34 | |
Why are canal boats and traditional canal-ware so colourful? When did the custom of painting working boats in bright colours begin and why? This week we explore our attraction to bright colours and what Tom Rolt describes as the ‘working boaters’ inborn gypsy love of colours.’ Journal entry: 25th April, Monday "Heavy grey clouds, ragged and torn Two women sit cross-legged on their cabin roof. A blackbird scissor the sky A hint of Earl-Grey tea. There is something freeing about The water shivers in the skittering breeze." Episode Information: For more information about Soundcamp’s livestream, environmental, sound project: Soundcamp – Reveil. You can watch Vanessa’s progress on creating her ‘daisy’ stern cabin panel art on her YouTube channel: The Mindful Narrowboat. She begins her work in Episode 91 In this episode I cite: Julian Dutton (2021) Water Gypsies published by History Press. Jim Batty (2019) Narrowboat Life: Discover life afloat on the inland waterways published by Adlard Coles/Bloomsbury. L.T.C. Rolt (1944) Narrow Boat, first published by Eyre and Spottiswoode John Hassel (1819) Tour of the Grand Junction. London: Printed for J. Hassell. John Hollingshead (1860) Odd Journeys In and out of London. London: Goombridge and Sons. Sue Wilkes (2011) Tracing you Canal Ancestors, published by Pen and Sword Family History. E. Temple Thurston (1911) The Flower of Gloster, publish Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 08 May 2022 | Banbury Town (Rainy Saturday Afternoon) | 00:32:06 | |
Banbury has a significant place in the history of canals, most notably for being the location of Tooley’s boatyard and its association with canal restoration campaigner LTC (Tom) Rolt. However, the relationship between town and canal has not always been easy. Join me today, as we explore the town through the eyes of Temple-Thurston, Rolt, and Pearson, from the comfort of a coffeeshop window seat on a rainy Saturday afternoon. Journal entry: 7th May, Saturday "Another early start. A busy day lies ahead. One from which I shrink. The swans are still asleep. The cob tucked beside his mate on the nest. I stare at nothing. Hear nothing. Lost on the still waters of the mind. Episode Information: You can find out more about the history and current workings of Tooley’s Boat Yard at: Tooley’s Boatyard Trust. In this episode I cite or read short extracts from: Michael Pearson (2003) Pearson’s Canal Companion: Oxford and Grand Union, published by Central Waterways Supplies. L.T.C. Rolt (1944) Narrow Boat, first published by Eyre and Spottiswoode E. Temple Thurston (1911) The Flower of Gloster, published by William Norgate. Linda Aubry’s narrowboat themed fabric designs Linda’s fabric designs, many of which have been inspired by traditional narrowboat canal art, including her toile designs, can be seen on her Spoonflower site: Designs by orangecookie. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 15 May 2022 | When David Came (Cruising the Cut) | 00:29:04 | |
The Greek myths tell us that there are times when the gods come down from Olympus to walk amongst mortals. We had a very similar experience when, on a sunny day in late March, David Johns came to visit us and record an episode for his canal-based vlog Cruising the Cut. Journal entry: 11th May, Wednesday “The carp are spawning! May rain casting rings on thrashed water, I lie in the half-light of dawn, Episode Information: David Johns’ canal-based YouTube channel is Cruising the Cut. You can view David’s episode on Nighttime on Still Waters (via YouTube) here: 265. Evoking the spirit of pirate radio - on a canal. For information about the wooden writer’s box: Blue Star Crafts. 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 22 May 2022 | The Colour of Water | 00:36:37 | |
I want to describe to you what I saw today, but I can't. We have so many words to describe and represent the most complex of concepts. Why then is it almost impossible to describe something so simple and ordinary as the colour of the water earlier today? Kathleen Jamie and Thomas Merton (with a little excursive with Hana Videen) help us to find some answers. Journal entry: 17th May, Tuesday "The hills are painted a dusty grey and the world is filled with the quietness of sheep, the cry of distant crows and drip and splash of rain upon young oak leaves. The warm touch of bark beneath my hand and the shiver of a silvery mist. A perfect way to watch the slow dance of dawn." Episode Information: In this episode I cite or read extracts from: Kathleen Jamie’s (2004) Dublin Review article ‘Sabbath’ (open access), which can also be found in her (2005) book Findings published by Sort Of Books. Hana Videen’s (2022) The Wordhord: Daily Life in Old English published by Princeton University Press. Thomas Merton’s (2015) When the Trees Say Nothing: Writings on nature published by Ave Maria Press. 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 29 May 2022 | On Drying Days (Like This) | 00:29:00 | |
May slowly rolls into June, but is summer really here? The towpaths and hedgerows are garlanded in summer colours and the ducks (and swans) are beginning to move into their time of eclipse. Some of the mallard drakes are beginning to look very travel-worn! Meanwhile, days like these seem to bring a lot of childhood memories to mind. Journal entry: 27th May, Friday "Two hours until sundown and a stillness already settles. Later the peace will be disturbed and the sky explode with shouts and light. Episode Information: All birds moult (‘molt’ – US spelling) or go into ‘eclipse’. You can find more information about the eclipse or moult that ducks and swans experience on this site: Understanding Waterfowl: The amazing molt. More information can be found here: What is eclipse plumage? 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Contact Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 05 Jun 2022 | Caught in a Rhyme | 00:32:07 | |
On the week that the cygnets of our swan pair hatched, we explore the rather contradictory nature of the canal through the eyes of poets Jo Bell, Nancy Campbell, and Ian MacMillan. We find romance amidst the unromantic and beauty in the unbeautiful. Journal entry: 1st June, Wednesday "Heron, streak of grey light, Rain falls as needles of sunlight. Episode Information: In ‘News from the Moorings’ I refer to Mark Nicolaides’ beautiful and exceptionally informative website on the swan: Swan Life. You can read more about swans’ nesting and hatching behaviours in the section: Incubating Eggs. There is a very good collection of canal-themed poetry on the Poetry Society’s website where, in conjunction with the Canal and River Trust (CRT), there is a section that includes works from past and present ‘Canal Laureates’: Waterlines. In this episode I read the following poems: Jo Bell - ‘How to Live on a Boat’ Jo Bell – ‘Frozen In’ Nancy Campbell (2018) – ‘Recipe for a Towpath Garden’ Ian MacMillan – ‘Canal Life’ I am not sure how current Pete’s Etsy page is as most of his more recent artwork appears to be on his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TuffreyArtist. You can also follow Pete on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PeteTuffrey For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Eric Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 12 Jun 2022 | 'I've Got Her Now' (Love and Hawthorn Blossom) | 00:38:35 | |
This week has been one of extremes that encompasses the splendour of solitude and an onboard visit by three very enthusiastic police dogs (and a puppy)! Alongside all this, we took time to listen to some bats, watch the cygnets as the grow ever stronger and contemplate the hidden depths of the most surprising people. Journal entry: 8th June, Wednesday "The wind is kicking up among the branches of the ash and oaks while clouds as heavy as wet blotting paper begin to gather. There is that excitement in the air that portends change though the barometer stays level. The rooks are playing up and large spots of rain fleck the towpath. It is the time to stride across the ridgeways and old greenways in seven-league boots and drink in every second of the howling night... it is the time to close the hatches and listen to the rain as it rakes the cabin roof and batters on the window by my bed."
Episode Information: I am planning to feature bats more fully in a future podcast. However, if you are interested in finding out more about bats, there is a very good introductory guide to (British) bats on the Woodland Trust website: Bats. The bat sounds featured in this episode were a type of pipistrelle. We are not too sure which, but most probably (through population size) they were Common Pipistrelle. For more information: Common Pipistrelle. 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by K Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 19 Jun 2022 | Lessons from the Breadlady | 00:34:35 | |
The heat of the past few days has broken with sweeping skies filled with rain and lowering clouds. Join me tonight, as we reflect on life on water in the heat of summer, listen to the poetic words of one of our listeners, and discover the wisdom of making bread through the words of another listener and Robin Wall Kimmerer. Journal entry: 14th June, Tuesday. “The day starts fresh with clean skies and grasses that glitter with rainbows. Episode Information: This episode features the writing of two listeners; Margaret Jacobson and Sue ‘Breadlady’. I read the poem ‘The Colour of Water’ by Margaret Jacobson and a post by Sue on her love of bread. I also read a small extract from: 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Contact Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 26 Jun 2022 | Love Letters (Written in Canal Water) | 00:34:55 | |
It is funny how, looking back, distinct paths and interconnections can be found. It is, sometimes, tempting to see them as clear paths that we are destined to follow. However, sometimes, they are coincidence or simply a case that one can spot significance after the event. But they can also be 'love letters written in canal water'. Journal entry: 21st June, Tuesday, Summer Solstice. “Mist burns off the water, baptising the canal in red and gold. Three newly hatched moorhens, a chaos of fluff and bald-headed, On the opposite bank, a smallish carp, asleep in death, light flecking off the lively scales. Just down from here the body of a vole floats on the listless current. How do I make sense of all this? Those three moorhen seem to know. Episode Information: For those wanting to watch Steve Tyrell’s wonderfully soothing and informative cruise click this link: Cruising the Ashby Canal!!! The sound of a Gardner 2LW. You can see more of Steve’s videos on his YouTube channel: Narrowboat Precious Jet. It is well worth a look if you are interested in the more practical aspects of boat-life (which I tend to stay away from!). I also refer to the lyrics of ‘Society’ written by Jerry Hannan and, probably, most famously sung by Eddie Vedder as part of the OST for the film Into the Wild. There are numerous YouTube videos of this song. The official version is: ‘Society’ OST. A version featuring the lyrics (with rather idiosyncratic spelling) is: ‘Society’ with Lyrics. 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 03 Jul 2022 | This one unremarkable dusk | 00:25:22 | |
With apologies for sounding like an asthmatic badger, tonight we explore the special qualities of an unremarkable dusk and why we can feel so at peace with it and the darkness it can bring. Journal entry: 28th June, Tuesday. “I stop work to breathe in the storm-wind My shoulders feel heavy The water hose, snakes and hisses around my feet. Head upright, neck relaxed, the cob swan pushes towards me, My day begins to smile.” Episode Information: In this episode I refer to an interview with John O’ Donohue recorded by Krista Tippett (2008/2022) ‘The Inner Landscape of Beauty’ on the On Being podcast. I also read a very short extract from John O’ Donohue’s (1999) Anam Cara: Spiritual wisdom from the Celtic world published by Penguin Random House. I also refer to Robin Wall Kimmerer’s article ‘Nightfall’ published in Paul Bogard’s (2008) Let There Be Night: Testimony on behalf of the dark published by University of Nevada Press. I also refer to the following works: Matthew Beaumont (2016) Nightwalking: A nocturnal history of London published by Verso Books. Roger Ekirch (2004/2013) At Day’s Close: Night in times past published by Weidenfeld and Nicholson The episode finishes with a reading of Tom Hennen’s short poem ‘Summer Night Air’ from his Darkness Sticks to Everything: Collected and New Poems published (2013) by Copper Canyon Press. General Details In the int Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 10 Jul 2022 | Unfamiliar Mirrors (... and a herring) | 00:37:35 | |
Old stories can lift an unfamiliar mirror up to our lives so that we see ourselves anew and as we really are. Tonight, I will tell you an old story. It’s a story about a silvery day of sea fret (mist), rolling ocean waves, empty fishing nets, and a solitary herring. Journal entry: 6th July, Wednesday “I sit on the bank, one leg hanging down. He watches me. I smile, but it means nothing to him. He could be Penny - a little soul staring at each move I make. I want to tell him 'it'll be alright'. But that is the point, isn't it? Neither of us live in a world of fairy tale endings. But that they may hear our songs (you, duck, and me) and Episode Information: In this episode I read a very short extract from Roy Vickery’s (2019) Vickery’s Folk Flora, published by Weidenfeld and Nicolson. I also refer to Sharon Blackie’s (2019) Foxfire, Wolfskin and other stories of Shapeshifting Women, published by September Books where you can read her (much briefer) version of the story of the herring and the fisherman. Field recording General Details Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 17 Jul 2022 | The Dog Days of Summer | 00:24:11 | |
These are the long days. The days of heat and dust. The days of quiet skies and dulled colours. Days of eclipse and renewal. These are the dog days of summer. Journal entry: 23rd July, Saturday [Should be 16th July - blame the heat!!] “Martins twist and flit around the large ash, We slip the mooring ropes and leave.” Episode Information: In this episode I read two short extracts from Miles Hadfield’s (1950) An English Almanac published by J.M. Dent and Sons. Soundscape of dusk, recorded at Wilmcote (South Stratford upon Avon Canal) at 21.15 on 16th July 2022. 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Contact
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwate Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 24 Jul 2022 | Let the Stars Sing out your Stories | 00:41:48 | |
The forecast hot weather has come and gone, but its psychological, as much as physical, effects feel a bit harder to shift. So join with me tonight as we gaze deeply into the mirrored dome of the night sky and its web of starlight, to discover what stories they tell and their challenge for us to begin to create newer ones. Journal entry: 22nd July, Friday “Every day shakes the kaleidoscope. Today, three young jackdaws chase each other It calls to somewhere deep inside of us, Episode Information: In this episode I quote a section from Jack Johnson's song ‘Constellations’ which was released on his album In Between Dreams on Bushfire Records in 2005. You can listen to it here: ‘Constellations’. I also read an excerpt from Susan Hanson’s essay ‘Deep in the Heart’ found in Let There Be Night edited by Paul Goodard (2008) published by Uni of Nevada. John Moriarty talks about the impact of western mythology on the psyche and culture of western civilisations in many of his books; particularly, Nostos, An Autobiography (2001) and What the Curlew Said: Nostos Continued (2007). The best introduction to John’s writing is the excellent John Moriarty: Not The Whole Story (2018) written by Mary McGillicuddy. All these books are published by Lilliput Press. 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comm Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 31 Jul 2022 | Down by the Cattle Pond | 00:35:01 | |
There is a spot of ground that is special to me. Perhaps you have one too. They often are not particularly attractive, but somehow they are places we can go to find quietness. Join me to tonight when we visit one of my special places as we go down to the cattle pond with the help of Wendell Berry. Journal entry: 27th July, Wednesday “Drifts of mist rise and ghost upon the water The heron is in the cow-splash down by the oaks And wish for rain.”
Episode Information: In this episode I read a very short extract from Simon Barnes’ excellent, quirky, and altogether wonderful, A Bad Birdwatcher’s Companion published (2005) by Short Books. I also read Wendell Berry’s poem ‘A Standing Ground’ which can be found in his volume The Peace of Wild Things: And other poems published (2018) by Penguin Books. You can listen and watch Mary Berry read this poem here: ‘A Standing Ground.’ 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Contact Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 07 Aug 2022 | The Scent of God | 00:27:44 | |
Join me this week as we moor on a still August night, under a proud stand of poplars studded with starlight and moonlight. Tonight, we explore the evocative power of scents and smells. Journal entry: 6th August, Saturday. "The sun is three fingers above the horizon Three ducks cast perfect wakes of Vs There is something ethereal about this light The sun has always been an alchemist at heart." Episode Information: For more information about Noctule bats (Nyctalus noctula), which is the largest bat in the UK, there is an excellent article on the Woodland Trust's website: Noctule Bat. 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Contact
Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 15 Aug 2022 | Hot August Nights (Listening for the thunder) | 00:24:57 | |
It has been a sweltering hot week with temperatures in the 30s (90F). Join me onboard NB Erica, on a hot August night just as the heatwave is about to break, as we listen for the rolling sound of distant thunder. Journal entry: 10th August, Wednesday “The last of today’s sun slowly climbs A few hundred yards from me My notebook lies empty beside me Bats fill my silence.” Episode Information: In this episode I refer to the music of the jazz singer Cassandra Wilson and refer specifically to versions of Darkness on the Delta and the achingly beautiful Love is Blindness. The field recording of distant thunder was recorded by ‘sagetyrtle’ and uploaded to Freesound in October 2010. 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Contact Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 28 Aug 2022 | Beside a young willow (in a thunderstorm) | 00:34:22 | |
Although a little delayed, the long-awaited rain and thunder did eventually arrive. Join us tonight as we hunker down beside a young willow and enjoy, with a field full of crows, the wonder of a thunderstorm as it roars overhead and all the richness it brings. Journal entry: 19th August, Friday. “An impulse forage among the brambles on a We have done this hundreds of times before Both instinctively aware of its special quality
Episode Information: In this episode I read two of Wendell Berry’s Sabbath poems: XIX – ‘Some Sunday afternoon’ XXI – ‘I was awakened from my dream of the ruined world’ You can listen to the MIND Station using the imbedded player at Mind Station. Recording of the rain and thunder recorded on Erica: South Stratford Canal (16.08.2022). 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 04 Sep 2022 | Milky tea and four sugars (Walking with elephants) | 00:31:34 | |
There’s a warm welcome awaiting you under the heavy night skies of summer’s hinterlands. Tonight we meet a very special person with a lop-sided smile and who might be able to teach us to walk with elephants. Journal entry: 30th August, Tuesday. “Day’s end. I stand up here and try to see what is Infront of me. But the future is just a confused blur of uncertainty. When I look back, I can so easily draw-out the most intricate constellations that map the chaos of my footsteps of the paths that I have walked. In them I begin to see order and meaning. Why can’t I do the same for my futures? But now, all I see is the hunch of the owl-chapelled oak, in its small bowl of nettles and the sheep whose shadows stretch long across the sunny curve of the hill. Perhaps one day, looking back from some future vantage point, I too will be able to find lines of connection and clarity. The clear path that was taken through my future uncertainty.” Episode Information: This episode is dedicated to Angela Oliver who, with her husband Roger, through extraordinary sacrifice enabled an unlikely man to continue to walk carefree and tall with elephants. 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Contact
Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 11 Sep 2022 | Canal Pushers (Summer readings) | 00:22:51 | |
The first of our ‘Summer’ readings this year is from Andy Griffee’s meticulously researched, fast-paced, crime thriller Canal Pushers. Set on the West Midlands canals from Stratford-upon-Avon up to Birmingham and down to Hanbury (a handy map is included at the front of the book). The detail of the canal systems travelled is beautifully captured as is life aboard a narrowboat for would-be owner Jack Johnson. I initially started the book with some slight apprehension, being drawn by the canal setting and the rave reviews. However, I was quickly hooked. If crime thrillers are your thing, you are going to love this. If canals and narrowboating are more your thing, I think you will love this too. The publisher’s blurb provides the following synopsis: “Book 1 in the Johnson & Wilde crime mystery series, featuring ex journalist Jack Johnson, the enigmatic Nina Wilde, and a narrowboat with a top speed of 4 miles per hour… More information and bibliographic details Griffee, Andy (2019) Canal Pushers. Leominster: Orphans Publishing. Andy has written (to date) two further adventures featuring Jack, Nina and Eddie (the border terrier); River Rats (set on the Kennet and Avon) and Oxford Blues (based around the Thames at Oxford). More information about Andy can be found on his website: Andy Griffee. You can follow Andy on Twitter Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 18 Sep 2022 | The Longest Trench (Summer readings) | 00:26:31 | |
The second of our reading this year takes back to the working-boat families of the First World War. Geoffrey Lewis’ beautifully detailed and cleverly structured tribute to the people who worked the boats through this turbulent period is a lovely and moving tribute to their hard work, sacrifices, and bravery. The Longest Trench follows the lives of two families as they work their boats and provides an intimate and carefully-researched window into their lives, charting not just the hardships, but also their joys. As such, it is a touching and heartfelt celebration on an aspect of British life that has been long over-looked. The novel is framed in such a clever way that allows Geoffrey to contrast the wide range of experiences working boaters encountered, from running multiple boats, being No. 1s (owners), different types of cargo. It also shines a light on the practical challenges that this life raised. For example, how do you conduct a courtship when the two parties are on different boats and on different routes? What happens when a young child becomes seriously ill? Publisher’s (SGM Publishing) blurb: “Careful research and Mr Lewis’ of the canals make this novel a realistic picture of boating people in the days of horse-drawn narrowboats, and once again his characters become real people whose fortunes matter to his ardent readers: Joy and sadness meet them along the way as news from the various theatres of war is received, while the burgeoning romance between a boy and girl carries us along towards Armistice Day.” In this episode I also read as short section from Tom Rolt’s Narrow Boat. More information and bibliographic details. Lewis, Geoffrey (2014) The Longest Trench. Kidlington: SGM Publishing. Rolt, LTC. (1944) Narrow Boat. London: Eire and Spottiswoode. I have found that the best site to locate Geoffrey Lewis’ books is at The Canal Shop. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 25 Sep 2022 | Church bells among crow song | 00:41:51 | |
This week much of the country fell silent for a while and that stillness was the occasion for a chance encounter and finding within the silence the music of bells among crow song. Join us aboard the Erica tonight as we are touched by the enigmatic qualities of bells and stillness. Journal entry: 21st September, Wednesday Dew, the smell of sheep and wet grass.
Episode Information: fAll field recordings made on 19.09.2022 and features the bells of St Peter's church, Wootton Wawen. SeánStreet’s (2012) The Poetry of Radio: The colour of sound published by Routledge. Seán Street’s (2019) The Sound inside the Silence: Travels in the Sonic Imagination published by Springer. I also read two short extracts from John Betjeman. John Betjeman (1958) Introduction to English Country Churches Steve Tyrell’s vlog recording his adventures on the NB Precious Jet can be viewed here: Narrowboat Precious Jet. David Keating’s Instagram account to view his photographs: david_keating. 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 02 Oct 2022 | Rory's episode (Red gumboots and a yellow summer dress) | 00:42:42 | |
This episode is especially for our youngest regular listener to the podcast, Rory, who had her 6th birthday a couple of weeks ago. So tonight, we explore the narrowboat Erica and what it is like to live on a boat, and then, especially for Rory listen to a story about another little girl who met some rather strange and wonderful people. Journal entry: 29th September, Thursday. “The reservoir is grey and slabby today, Ghosting veils of low cloud sweep mizzly rain Episode Information: This episode is dedicated to Rory Braso (aged 6) who lives in Massachusetts, USA – and, of course, her dad, MJ. Photographs of the Erica can be found on our website at noswpod.com. 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Contact
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 09 Oct 2022 | Living in Rehoboam's land | 00:36:34 | |
For many, these are not easy days in which to live and our futures can appear so uncertain. How do we live through such times? Join us tonight as we listen to some deeper wisdom offered by a magpie and an alder tree. Journal entry: 7th October, Friday “Day off. Episode Information: You can read an account of King Rehoboam’s reign in 1 Kings 12. In this episode I read a short extract from the Anglo-Saxon poem ‘Deor’ and talk about the Old English phrase ‘þæs ofereode, þisses swa mæg’ (‘that passed over… so may this’). There is a beautiful recitation of this poem in its original form (with subtitles) performed by John Farrell: Deor: The Anglo-Saxon Poem. I make a passing reference to the final lines of Mary Oliver's 'The Summer Day' and end with a reading from her poem, ‘Whelks’. 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 16 Oct 2022 | Autumn colours the tattered garments of summer | 00:37:35 | |
The colours of autumn this year promise to be spectacular and the towpaths are being transformed by the brush of autumn’s artistry. Join us tonight as we drink in some of the sights and ponder why this season can evoke such a mixture of emotions within us. Journal entry: 11th October, Tuesday “A wash of gold afternoon light The sluices are full and running, A yearling ewe, with her forelegs Their eyes meet and for a moment, They drop their gaze and the world Episode Information: In this episode I read a very short extract from the early 17th century English printed volume by Nicholas Breton of the 15th century The Kalendar of Shepherds: Being devices for the twelve months. You can read a digitised reproduction of this book, with its wonderful woodcut engravings, in the Welcome Library: The Kalendar of Shepherds: Being devices for the twelve months. I also refer to Jacque’s monologue, ‘All the world’s a stage’ from Shakespeare’s As You Like It (Act II Scene VII). 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 22 Oct 2022 | 'By badger light and lantern's sigh' (Magickry) | 00:30:25 | |
Tonight, as the evenings draw in and autumn takes a firmer hold of towpath and fields, let's gather close beside a woodland campfire for some unabashed romanticism. Journal entry: 18th October, Tuesday “Low cloud, like smoke, sweep down the weeping slopes Above, cirrus clouds float like flamingo islands in chalk-blue oceans. Episode Information: In this episode I read a couple of short extracts from two poems ‘The Adventures of Tom Bombadil’ and ‘Errantry’ that featured in JRR Tolkien’s (1962) The Adventures of Tom Bombadil and Other Verses from the Red Book published by George Allen and Unwin. I also briefly refer to John Masefield’s (1903) ‘Cargoes’. Bonfire recorded by ‘Kyster’ and uploaded to Freesounds on 17th June 2010: https://freesound.org/people/Kyster/sounds/99280 Fox call recorded in Jersey on 14th May 2020 by ‘Ionskwad2020’. https://freesound.org/people/lonskwad2020/sounds/518135/# 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 30 Oct 2022 | Today I held back time | 00:28:18 | |
This weekend the clocks change (in the UK). These small markers in our calendars can touch us in deep ways. Join me tonight as we stop the clock, step out of time, and savour together the unspent, untouched hour as the world around us sleeps on. Journal entry: 28th October, Friday “Wild winds race ragged Golden leaves, sherry warm,
Episode Information: In this episode I read a couple of short extracts from Susan Hill’s (1983) The Magic Apple Tree published by Penguin Books. Photographs of the clock I used to wind and the words for ‘Today I held back time’ can be found on the nowspod.com website. 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Contact
I would love to hear from Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 13 Nov 2022 | Of cormorants and graduands | 00:36:19 | |
This week saw the return of the cormorant which prompts a visit to Ernest Ingersoll to find out why they have no voice. A fairly severe reaction to the Covid jab meant that I missed attending this year’s graduation ceremony so join me as I think about past ceremonies and reflect on the journey of those passaging from graduand to graduate. Journal entry: 9th November, Wednesday “Here they come’ Half a dozen tree-fulls of rooks, Their chatter Their words are full of comfort.” Episode Information: In this episode I read an excerpt from Ernest Ingersoll’s (1923) Birds in Legend, Fable and Folklore published by Longmans, Green and Co. (link will take you to free open access text). 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Contact
Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 20 Nov 2022 | Stories are for listening: Blisworth Tunnel (Ian Douglas) | 00:33:29 | |
As the nights draw in and the cosy glow of a fire gets evermore inviting, it is the perfect time to share stories. It is not surprising that ghost stories have an enduring appeal. Many stories of the canal feature them. Ghosts like the canal networks themselves create a link between our worlds and the past. Tonight we enjoy the skill of Ian Douglas’ retelling of a ghostly encounter at Blisworth tunnel and why these stories are important. Journal entry: 18th November, Friday. “Stainless steel I look around for old copies of Giles cartoon annuals Outside oak leaves shimmer Episode Information: In this episode I read Ian Douglas’ account of the ghostly encounter in Blisworth Tunnel (and his epilogue) as told in his (2021) Folk Tales from the Canal Side published by The History Press. You can watch David Johns’ (Cruising the Cut) own ‘ghostly’ encounter at the tunnel here: Is this a ghostly encounter at the Blisworth tunnel? I also read a short extract from Storm Dunlop’s (2021) Weather Almanac 2022 published by Harper Collins and make a reference to Allan Scott-Davies’ (2010) book Shadows on the Water: The Haunted Canals and Waterways of Britain also published by The History Press. The earlier episode on the liminal nature of canals is: Ep 5 ‘Down the cut’. The soundtrack for the tunnel story was recorded cruising through Shrewley Tunnel in August 2021. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr a Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 27 Nov 2022 | Rainy town (as darkness falls) | 00:34:34 | |
Tonight, we enjoy the special beauties of a rainy town in central England as darkness begins to fall, listen to Thomas Merton on city rain, and spend awhile at a window seat in a small café and create for while our own version of Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks. Journal entry: 26th November, Saturday "Sometimes, all it takes
Episode Information: In this episode I refer to Edward Hopper’s (1942) painting Nighthawks and Thomas Merton’s (1966) essay ‘Rain and the Rhinoceros’ from his book Raids on the Unspeakable published by New Directions. An open access copy of it can be found here: Piefurcation: Rain and the Rhinoceros by Thomas Merton. The sounds for this episode were recorded on Henley Street and York’s Café, Stratford upon Avon on 24th November 2022. 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Contact Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 04 Dec 2022 | Nightwalk 2 (Moon shadows across the water) | 00:40:52 | |
The night is chill and crisp, a bright moon rides the racing clouds and stars shimmer on the surface of the canal. It’s a perfect night for a night walk. Snuggle down and wrap up warm as you join me on a canal walk washed by moon light. Journal entry: 29th November, Tuesday “Reluctant daylight. Episode Information: In this episode I read an extract from Niall Mac Coitir’s retelling of the myth of Halcyone and Ceyx in his (2015) book Ireland’s Birds: Myths, legends and folklore published by Swift Books. The book by Alexander Porteous that I refer to on the walk is The Forest in Folklore and Mythology first published in 1928 and subsequently republished by Courier Corporation (2001). I also cite a portion of Ralph McTell’s song ‘Streets of London’ released in 1969. You can listen to the complete song here: Ralph McTell – Streets of London. The first NoSW ‘Nightwalk’ can be heard here: Episode 5: Nightwalk. For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 11 Dec 2022 | Those eyes of old (look out at me) | 00:34:02 | |
“Those eyes of old look at me and, through the haze of your futures, I look back at you…” On this freezing December night, snuggle closer to the stove as I reflect on the strangeness of coming across an old photograph of me as a small child as well as the adventures of the Archdeacon on ice. Journal entry: 9th December, Friday “The scent of wood smoke and cold air. Episode Information: In this episode I read an extract from the Anglo-Saxon poem Andreas and I refer to Eleanor Parker’s book Winters in the Word: A journey through the Anglo-Saxon year published in 2022 by Reaktion Books. You can see and buy a copy of Dru Marland’s wonderful ‘Canal Ice Scale’ from her Etsy site: Dru Marland ‘Canal Ice Scale’ (postcard). 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other au Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 18 Dec 2022 | 'Earth stood hard as iron...' | 00:34:55 | |
Join us around the stove tonight, on a very cosy NB Erica that is currently ice-locked into a frozen landscape, as we think about the Fimbulwinter of old, and why Midwinter might be mid-winter after all! Journal entry: 14th December, Wednesday. “Ridges of frost form ribs on the sweep of hills. Episode Information: In this episode I read very short extracts from: I also refer to: 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 24 Dec 2022 | The Christmas Heron | 00:45:14 | |
It’s Christmas Eve and the perfect time for a canal-side story. Have you ever heard of the Christmas Heron? No? Well, there’s probably a very good reason for that, but I will tell it to you anyway. So, curl up in your special armchair by the stove and I will tell you all about the Christmas Heron. Journal entry: 24th December, Saturday (Christmas Eve). “Christmas Eve dawns with a silvered light. A choir of rook song. Tinsel ribbons of memories stream away into Episode Information: In this episode I sample the following recordings: ‘Harsh cries by one Grey Heron’ recorded by ‘Dobroide’ near Caño de Guadiamar, Doñana National Park (Spain): https://freesound.org/people/dobroide/sounds/65264/ Swans in flight recorded by ‘Dibko’: https://freesound.org/people/dibko/ 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Contact
Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 08 Jan 2023 | When darkness falls (Skating on 'un-time') | 00:42:36 | |
Happy New Year! New Years can be exciting times, marking new beginnings, a clean page, awakening dormant dreams and ambitions. However, sometimes it is not always like that. This year, in particular, many face the new year with trepidation, filled with anxieties, a sense of being overwhelmed and unable to cope. *Please note that this episode candidly discusses issues of mental health* Journal entry: 4th January, Wednesday. "Silver light on Cotswold stone. Damp gusts bully down alleyways. Episode Information: In this episode I read the opening to Minnie Louise Haskin’s (1912) poem ‘God Knows’ [often called ‘The gate of the year’]. I also refer to Bede’s (ca.627 CE) account of King Edwin’s conversation and the lesson of the sparrow from his Ecclesiastical History of the English People Book 2 Chap 13. Vanessa’s beautiful Mindful Narrowboat vlog can be viewed here: The Mindful Narrowboat. 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 15 Jan 2023 | Tuesday Morning, 5.30am (The Voyage of Bran) | 00:36:21 | |
Rain and mud are all around us at the moment, but there is wonder there too. The ancient myth of ‘The Voyage of Bran’ helps us to find the extraordinary within the ordinary and (with apologies to Simon and Garfunkel) the beauty of Tuesday Morning, 5.30am. Journal entry: 13th January, Friday “Boggy ground, although I am high on the hill. I turn, and behind me, the sunrises in red and gold What is even more wonderful is that, further to the west, And so the sunrise is shouldered across the land from tree to tree Episode Information: In this episode I read extracts from ‘The Voyage of Bran’ (Imram Brain). I use the Kuno Meyer’s translation of it which can be read here: Voyage of Bran. I also read the first lines of William Blake’s ‘Auguries of Innocence.’ You can read more about Sharon Blackie’s ‘sit spot’ challenge in her book The Enchanted Life published in 2019 by September Publishing. John Moriarty’s (2011) Nostos: An autobiography is published by Lilliput Press. 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 22 Jan 2023 | One day last summer | 00:37:24 | |
Join us around the warmth of a glowing stove tonight as ice once more grips the boat and freezing fog thickly mantles the winter-naked trees. On nights like these, it is good to remember summer days and so, tonight’s episode takes us back to one particular day late last summer. Journal entry: 16th January, Monday “A westering sun paints the opposite bank in amber, Eight ducks emerge from the undergrowth
Episode Information: All the recordings for this podcast were taken on location. 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Contact
Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 29 Jan 2023 | A train in the distance ('Night Mail') | 00:36:25 | |
Canals and railways are often very close near neighbours and so trains can be a frequent part of the canal soundscapes. This week we explore why the sound of a train in the distance (thanks to Paul Simon) can be so evocative which gives me the opportunity to reminisce about my childhood and revisit some wonderful poems. Journal entry: 24th January, Tuesday. “Racing head. Not much sleep. The ground crunches and splinters into Icy shards. In front of me the morning sun emerges above the trees Episode Information: In this episode I read the following poems: Philip Larkin – ‘Whitsun Weddings’ (excerpt) You can watch the film, Night Mail, free (and I highly recommend it!) at the BFI website: Night Mail. 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, S Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 05 Feb 2023 | February Dawning | 00:30:53 | |
All along the canal side, the wintery tees and hedgerows are filling with spring song and life. Subtle shifts and changes, the play of light through the trees, the shimmering reflection of an old oak, auger new seasons awaiting us. It might still be winter and cold weather is on the way, but why not join me tonight in a ‘secret’ spot, canal-side, where we can listen together to February dawning? Journal entry: 1st February, Wednesday. "The conclave of oaks at the top of the hill The hill rolls down towards Episode Information: In this episode I read Philip Larkin’s ‘Coming’ from his collection The Less Deceived (1955). The recording used for ‘February Dawning’ was taken in the early morning near ‘Mile 19’ on the Stratford upon Avon Canal on 4th February 2023 using an Edirol R-09HR sound recorder. 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Contact
Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 12 Feb 2023 | Lock Wheeling | 00:35:48 | |
Any boater who is faced with the prospect of numerous locks ahead will know how wonderful it is to find someone who is prepared to take on ‘lock-wheeling’ duties. This episode takes some time out to reflect on the podcast as well as explore the many listeners who have become tireless lock-wheelers for it. Journal entry: 10th February, Friday “Ice skates lines across the water. The morning sun sets fire to the reeds. Episode Information: If you want to become a lock-wheeler for Nighttime on Still Waters or would like to know more about it, you can find more information here: ‘Lock-wheeling’ for Nighttime on Still Waters. In this episode I refer to the work of Tim Dee. He discusses ‘Adam’s curse’ in his book The Running Sky published in 2009 by Penguin Books. 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Contact
Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 19 Feb 2023 | Songs to the Younger Part (Hymn of the Pearl) | 00:56:49 | |
Blustery late winter nights are perfect for retelling old stories. Tonight we listen again with new ears to the ancient story told in the 'hymn of the pearl' and explore how old myths and folktales can weave such powerful tales if we just allow them tell their own stories. Journal entry: 15th February, Wednesday “An old moon leans back against the dawn. Chaos above and chaos below. Episode Information: In this episode I retell the story of the quest for the pearl which is based on the ancient Syrian (possibly Indian) song, ‘The Hymn of the Pearl’. You can find the text in English here: The Hymn of the Pearl. The song is part of a much longer late second/early third century gnostic text, the ‘Acts of Thomas’. You can read the full text here translated into English from the Syriac: The Acts of Thomas. With special thanks to our lock-wheelers: Mary, Arabella, and Stephen. 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Contact Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 26 Feb 2023 | The Miles We Have Walked (You and Me) | 00:38:27 | |
This episode is dedicated to my pair of walking boots who has shared life with me for nearly 45 years (and both of us are still going strong). We have walked miles together. Where have they taken me and to what (and to whom) will they take me in the future? “The jackdaws' chant hangs A church on a hill Episode Information: There are some old photographs featuring my ‘lumberjack’ shirt and desert boots, as well as some early backpacking pictures on the NoSWPod page for this episode. With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast.
General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 12 Mar 2023 | Night Swimming (After the snows) | 00:31:37 | |
Curl up with us tonight as we enjoy the warmth of a cosy cabin as snow gives way to sweeping rain and our stove glows brightly in the gathering darkness. Journal entry: 10th March, Friday “The convocation of oaks rises to my view I want to say, But they know that. Episode Information: In this episode I briefly refer to the following: Tom Hennen’s Darkness Sticks to Everything published in 2013 by Copper Canyon Press. With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast.
General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. 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. It will also allow you to b Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 19 Mar 2023 | When blackbirds learn to sing | 00:33:30 | |
After a blustery week of wild, mad, March weather, why not join us tonight as we enjoy a sunny moment beside the canal and contemplate on the powerful word-play of some very old Celtic bards. Journal entry: 17th March, Friday “The sun is warm Episode Information: In this episode I read extracts from the following poems: Amergin Glúingel: ‘The song of Armergin’ Taliesin: ‘An Unwelcome crowd.’ In also briefly refer to the following: Miles Hadfield’s (1950) An English Almanac published by JM Dent and Sons. With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. Mary Keane. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. 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 Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 26 Mar 2023 | The Three of Seven (At the conclave of oaks) | 00:34:08 | |
Tonight, the clouds are racing and the young moon has already dipped below the horizon. Spring comes roaring on the back of a raging southwesterly. Join the Erica on a windy March night as, with the help of Rory's favourite book, we explore the significance of the conclave of oaks on the hill top. Journal entry: 21st March, Tuesday. Episode Information: I also read a very short passage from Suzanne Simard’s (2022) Finding the Mother Tree: Uncovering the wisdom and intelligence of the forest published by Penguin Books. With special thanks to our lock-wheelers for supporting this podcast: General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. 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 Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 14 May 2023 | Up on the Roof (Waiting for the rain) | 00:33:10 | |
We are back! Spring sunshine and showers are transforming the fields and the canal and it is wonderful to be behind the microphone once again! This episode is dedicated especially to Stu and Vania. Journal entry: 10th May, Wednesday “A game of Pooh-sticks and listening for the train. Episode Information: With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. Orange Cookie General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 21 May 2023 | A Nightingale Sang (and the world listened) | 00:42:22 | |
This week marked the anniversary of what has been considered by many to be one of the most important cultural events of the twentieth century. Tonight, we try to recapture that moment and explore why its power to move still remains today. Journal entry: 18th May, Thursday, Episode Information: The nightingale song was recorded by ‘reinsaba’. You can access the full recording at Freesound. With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life on the Erica on our website at no Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 28 May 2023 | The Sun that Shone on Eden (still shines upon us here) | 00:40:32 | |
Come with me for a walk by the canal and I will show you something wonderful! This week we explore how names and memories have the power to root and reinforce our connections with home and tell us something very important about ourselves. Journal entry: 27th May, Saturday “Late afternoon sun slants into With a flick of a tail, they all glide as one Episode Information: In this episode I refer to the work of Elinor Gwynn and Keith H Basso’s (1996) book Wisdom Sits in Places: Landscape and language among the Western Apache published by University of New Mexico Press. With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. Laurie and Liz General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You c Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 04 Jun 2023 | In Praise of Locks (and lock-keepers) | 00:35:08 | |
There’s something almost indefinably special about canal and river locks. Tonight, I relate my struggle to outwit the ghost of Odd Lock as well as take time to celebrate the lock-keepers of old and their newer iteration – the volunteer lockie (I’m guessing at the spelling!) Journal entry: 2nd June, Friday Episode Information: In this episode I read short extracts from: Julian Dutton’s (2021) Water Gypsies: A history of life on Britain’s rivers and canals, published by Coles Books. Ivan Broadhead’s (editor) (1994) Up the Cut: An anthology of inland waterways, published by Alan Sutton Publishing. LTC (Tom) Rolt’s (1944) Narrow Boat now re-published by History Press. I also refer to: With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast: General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters You can find more information and photographs abou Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 11 Jun 2023 | 'A Little Clinker-Built Boat' (The 'Kathy' Chronicles - pt 1) | 00:32:30 | |
Travel back in time to the scorching summer of 1959. Although the canals were still mainly used by working boats, leisure cruising was growing in popularity and so too the idea of living on a canal boat. Tonight, I take us back to that world as I read Mum’s reminiscences of the decision to live on a boat with a young baby, eventually finding their future home, the Kathy, and their nail-biting journey taking her to their home mooring. Some of which could sound all too familiar to modern canal users! Journal entry: 5th June, Monday “Hawthorn petals turn pink and brown A chiffchaff scissors the morning Episode Information: In this episode I an extract from Mum’s book Life and Erica (unpublished) that describes the time when she (with Dad and Wendy) decided to live on a boat and having found the Kathy she relates the adventurous journey to her mooring at Hampton Hall Farm, Rickmansworth. With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. Laurie and Liz General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 18 Jun 2023 | These are the Long Days (on Windmill Hill) | 00:30:54 | |
These are the days when the nights are short and the days are long. On the cusp of the summer solstice, the year's turning reaches its zenith, join me tonight in celebrating the unique joys (and challenges) of the long days with a special visit to Windmill Hill (Grid reference SP 33 42). Journal entry: 14th June, Wednesday “Sun down. Episode Information: I highly recommend Greg Chapman’s website on his life boating on Britain’s canals and waterways is Greg Afloat. It is well worth a visit! With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. Laurie and Liz General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 25 Jun 2023 | Five Finger Widths (above the horizon) | 00:34:53 | |
Watching the sun sink below the horizon, particularly after long sunny days such as these, can evoke a mass of mental and emotional responses that seem to tap into something deep within us. Join us this week as week count down a setting sun and reflect on the rich culture it created. Journal entry: 23rd June, Friday. “The alder saplings are growing thick at the water’s edge This time last year Episode Information: For those interested in reading a bit more about the different solar myths and legends across the globe, Stanford Solar Centre have produced a useful and nicely presented overview. With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. Laurie and Liz General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 02 Jul 2023 | Facing the Fears with Maggie | 00:23:34 | |
This has been rather an unexpected and eventful week. This is a special episode where we welcome a board a new fellow traveller (along the canals and through life). Journal entry: 30th June, Friday “Endless motorways. Endless traffic. A short drizzle of rain. Episode Information: Photographs of Maggie can be found on the podcast’s website: noswpod.com. With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. Sean James Cameron General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 09 Jul 2023 | Changes (lessons from a field edge) | 00:30:17 | |
Join us tonight on a hot sticky night of lingering light and stubborn twilight. With the summer’s tilt shifting wider and deeper changes are felt. "Life is a motion. Life is growth. It is never static," says the corner of a field. Journal entry: 4th July, Tuesday "Goldfinch carnival Dark clouds to the west The cows are in no hurry
Episode Information: In this episode I read ‘The Summer Day’ by Mary Oliver first published in House of Light (1990) published by Beacon Press. With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. Sean James Cameron General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. Y Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 16 Jul 2023 | Low along the Fox Paths | 00:29:09 | |
It’s a wild and wet July night of wind and rain. So why not step aboard for a while as we meander down some fox trails and contemplate the pleasure of sunshine and dark skies. Journal entry: 11th July, Tuesday “A quarter to midnight. All day I have watched the dark Maggie and I stood It falls like brush strokes Episode Information: In this episode I read a very short extract from the Ladybird Book What to look for in Summer by E.L. Grant Watson (1960) published by Wills and Hepworth. I also read the following Sabbath Poems XXII and XXIII by Wendell Berry (2013) published by Catapult. With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. Sean James Cameron General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer sug Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 23 Jul 2023 | Crochet by Lantern Light (The 'Kathy' Chronicles - pt 2) | 00:31:57 | |
What was it really like to live on board a 30ft canal boat in the late 1950s before there were such things as service points and fully equipped marinas? Episode Information: You can listen to part 1 - here. With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. Sean James Cameron
In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 30 Jul 2023 | The New Baby Arrives (The 'Kathy' Chronicles - pt 3) | 00:32:10 | |
What was it like to give birth on small 30 ft boat in the 1960s? Mum continues her account of her life afloat on the Kathy in this week’s instalment of ‘The Kathy Chronicles’. We hear about the some of the challenges and joys of bringing up two very small children on a boat as well as Dad’s battle with the Pithers stove and a strange event that remains a mystery. Episode Information: You can hear earlier episodes of 'The Kathy' Chronicles here: One, Two.
Anna V General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 06 Aug 2023 | Adventures and Departures (The 'Kathy' Chronicles - pt 4) | 00:30:43 | |
Life afloat can throw up some rather singular challenges from being frozen in to sinking, running aground, being attacked by wild kittens and the dangers of runaway working boats!! Join us tonight as we ride out Storm Antoni (apologies for some background rain patter) for the concluding reading of The Kathy Chronicles, where the decision is made to leave life on the canal and embrace new adventures. Episode Information: You can see some family photographs from this time by going to the noswpod website. With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. Anna V. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 20 Aug 2023 | An August-coloured Evening | 00:29:02 | |
Tonight, we celebrate and enjoy a special August evening at the moorings, filled with golden light, gentle chatter, a rolling wind, duck call and church bells. A rare ‘August-coloured’ evening. Journal entry: 15th August, Tuesday “Chasing clouds and sunshine. Episode Information: In this episode I read an extract from Tov Jansson’s classic The Summer Book: A novel republished (2003) by Sort of Books. With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. Anna V. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. 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. It will al Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 27 Aug 2023 | As long as the rain talks (I will listen) | 00:36:00 | |
Rain has a quality to touch us both physically and emotionally. Thomas Merton and Tristan Gooley are two very different people, but both offer insights into the language of rain and what we can learn through listening to it. Journal entry: 24th August, Thursday "We drop down the hill Episode Information: In this episode I read extracts from: General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other aud Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 03 Sep 2023 | Roots do not hold you down (Hedge wisdom) | 00:38:22 | |
The hedges are ablaze with colour and they call to us of lessons that we have long forgotten. Journal entry: 2nd September, Saturday A cool whisper of air Episode Information: In this episode I read extracts from: Anna V. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters You can find more information visit our website at noswpod.com wher you can become more a part of the Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 10 Sep 2023 | Home thoughts of a Pilgrim (Chasing the wind) | 00:32:10 | |
It's a hot sultry night in the late eve of summer. Join us tonight as we spend time with the gentle words and wisdom of a friend of mine. Journal entry: 6th September, Wednesday “This evening
Episode Information: In this episode I read Chasing the Wind by Tony Bell ©2020 With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. Anna V. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 17 Sep 2023 | 'No Regrets' (Listeners' questions - 1) | 00:40:39 | |
On a dark night that is damp with an autumnal chill, join us as tonight I answer some of the questions posed by the listeners of this podcast which range from the decisions and motivations behind our choice to live afloat to canal etiquette. Journal entry: 14th September, Thursday “Thin drizzle. Episode Information: In this episode I refer to Jim Batty’s book Narrowboat Life published in 2016 by Adlard Coles. I also mention Peter Warnett and Alan Thornhills’ The Three Mile Man published in 1980 by Harper Collins.
With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. Anna V. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 23 Sep 2023 | Uncertain Futures (Listeners' questions - 2) | 00:41:11 | |
There’s a chill in the air tonight and there will be mist on the water in the morning. Join me tonight as I answer some hard questions about how viability is a long term in the Erica on the canals? Journal entry: 21st September, Thursday “For a short while this evening Then a robin sings as rain drops fall. Episode Information: In this episode I answer the following listener’s questions:
With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. Derek and Pauline Watts General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. 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. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 01 Oct 2023 | Under the ghost of a Harvest Moon | 00:19:45 | |
A week of serious problems with our internet has meant that I have been unable to record the episode answering listeners’ questions. However, join us tonight to enjoy a special meeting under the ‘ghost’ of a harvest moon. Journal entry: 29th September, Friday “Early this morning, Behind us, This is the stillness that falls Episode Information: In this episode I read a section from Neil Young’s Harvest Moon published in 1992 by Big Deal Music. I also read poems 137 and 42 by Ryokan from The Zen Fool Ryokan by Misao Kodama and Hikosaku Yanagishima published in 199 by Charles E Tuttle. I also read a short passage from Eido Frances Carey’s biography Kakurenbo published 2013 in by Temple Ground Press.
With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. Derek and Pauline Watts General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 08 Oct 2023 | Swings and Roundabouts (Listeners' Questions - 3) | 00:35:38 | |
There's an old and trustworthy adage on the canals: when two or more boaters meet up it is only a matter of time before the conversation will turn to the subject of toilets. So guess what the topic of this week's episode is?! Journal entry: 3rd October, Tuesday “Light fades. I struggle in the half-light Episode Information: In this episode I answer the following questions from listeners: 11:33 - What are the pros & cons of pump-out toilets? 22:55 - Can boaters use compost toilets? 29:39 - Is drinking tap water safe & how do you know when the water tank needs filling? To watch the episode when Maggie meets Zephyr on The Mindful Narrowboat: Come Here For A Narrowboating Break. With special thanks to our lock-wheelers for supporting this podcast. Derek and Pauline Watts General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 15 Oct 2023 | Words & Music (Listeners' questions - 4) | 00:32:39 | |
The temperature outside is dipping down towards zero, so join us for a cosy night by the glow of a hot stove, as we chat about two subjects close to my heart and the surprising way that living on a boat has altered my attitude to them. Journal entry: 13th October, Friday “Battered by the winds of the world Gothic wings outspread, I stand alone below Episode Information: In this episode I answer the following questions from listeners: 10:59 = How did we decide which books to include in our library on the Erica? Click link to order a copy of Ruthie Windsor-Mann’s 12 months of 12 Acres. With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. Allison on the narrowboat Mukka General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 22 Oct 2023 | The Rebellious Light of Beauty (The last dandelion of summer) | 00:42:24 | |
It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the global events of the last couple of weeks. Following the battering of Storm Babet, this week’s episode offers a space for us to reflect on a world that can be often violent and far from perfect. Journal entry: 13th October, Friday “Battered by the winds of the world Gothic wings outspread, I stand alone below Episode Information: In this episode I read Seán Street’s poem ‘Listening with a spider’ from his 2021 collection The Sound Recordist published by Maytree Press. I also read an extract from Melanie Challenger’s (2023) essay: ‘Animals in the room: Why We Can and Should Listen to Other Species’. I also refer to Thomas Hobbes’ (1651) Leviathan, Tennyson’s (1850) ‘In Memoriam’, and Max Richter’s (2003/2018) album The Blue Notebooks. With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. Allison on the narrowboat Mukka General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 29 Oct 2023 | Autumn Forest | 00:35:42 | |
I am not sure if it is just me, but so far autumn doesn’t feel quite so ‘autumny’ as it usually does. Therefore, I think that it is a perfect time to savour a reading from one of my most favourite childhood books, Brendon Chase by BB. Journal entry: 26th October, Thursday. “Darkness. Like walking A dance of tiny droplets Episode Information: In this episode I read an extract from BB’s (1944) wonderful Brendon Chase republished in 2016 by Puffin Books. I also refer to Miles Hadfield’s An English Almanac (1950) published by Dent and Sons. With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. Allison on the narrowboat Mukka General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 05 Nov 2023 | November Fireside Nights | 00:39:07 | |
It’s a foul November night, so why not come and join me aboard the Erica by the warm glow of fire light. I have with me a lovely book that I found last year in a second-hand bookshop and think that it's perfect for a night like this. Journal entry: 1st November, Wednesday. “November is born brave The dark water is alive The walk from the boat Episode Information: In this episode I read the following poems: ‘The Chilterns’ by Rupert Brooke (extract) ‘Cotswolds’ by David Ashby ‘Cotswold Roads’ by Eva Dobell ‘Tewkesbury Road’ by John Masefield ‘The High Road’ by John Haines ‘Dedicatory Ode’ by Hillaire Belloc (extract) ‘The Ancient Wall’ by Brian Waters ‘The Cotswold Farmers' by John Drinkwater All poems (excluding Brooke’s) are found in Forest and Vale and High Blue Hill: Poems of Gloucestershire, the Cotswolds and Beyond collected by Johnny Coppin (1991). I finish with an extract from LTC Rolt’s Narrow Boat. With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. Allison on the narrowboat Mukka General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 12 Nov 2023 | When Guy Fawkes wore my old dressing gown | 00:27:58 | |
I've always felt that there is something rather singular about the month of November. Tonight I try to find out what it is and end up recounting the time when Guy Fawkes wore my old dressing gown (which might or might not have anything to do with it!). Journal entry: 8th November, Wednesday. “Look down for the healing. Episode Information: In this episode I read very short extracts from: I also read a brief extract of John Clare’s ‘November’ from his The Shepherd’s Calendar (1827). With special thanks to our lock-wheelers for supporting this podcast. Allison on the narrowboat Mukka General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 19 Nov 2023 | The Battered Landscapes of our Edens | 00:42:27 | |
Autumn is a good time for contemplation and a place by the fireside encourages reflection. Recently I have been revisiting the journals of Thomas Merton and, with the help of John Moriarty, I have found myself relearning some valuable lessons. The Edens of our flourishing are sometimes not quite what we dream them to be. Journal entry: 15th November, Wednesday "Across the fields, A rabbit's tail strobes white in my torchlight. Episode Information: In this episode I read a number of entries from: Thomas Merton’s Dancing in the Water of Life published in 2009 by HarperCollins. For more information on John Moriarty and the ‘yoga of horror’ see his What the Curlew Said published in 2007 by Lilliput Press.
With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. Allison on the narrowboat Mukka General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 03 Dec 2023 | When Mum met Dad (95th Birthday edition) | 00:43:44 | |
This week is a very special episode as we celebrate Dad’s 95th birthday and we go back in time to hear about how a 1938 Hilman Minx was instrumental in how Mum met Dad. Journal entry: 1st December, Friday “Short sections of the canal She walks parallel to the offside bank Pivot Right foot raised in a high arc Pivot And so on. Skating slowly
Episode Information: Vanessa’s vlog can be viewed here: The Mindful Narrowboat. For more information, photographs and readings from Mum’s book: The Start of it all.
With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. Allison on the narrowboat Mukka General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 10 Dec 2023 | When Mum married Dad (95th birthday edition) | 00:38:11 | |
Join us on a stormy December night to listen to the next part of ‘How Mum met Dad’ in celebration of Dad’s 95th birthday. This week, we hear about their crack of dawn wedding and their honeymoon on the Norfolk Broads in the Whippet. Journal entry: 7th December, Thursday “Untidy smoke trail of jackdaws Maggie and I pick our way Episode Information: For more information, photographs and readings from Mum’s book: The Start of it all. With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. Rebecca Russell General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 17 Dec 2023 | Afloat with Maggie (Listeners' questions - 5) | 00:32:20 | |
You have seen the Instagram photographs/videos of happy boat-dogs gambolling along summer towpaths, dense with colour and sunshine, or happily curled up in front of cosy fires, but what is the reality of sharing a boat with a dog really like, especially in the winter? Journal entry: 15th December, Friday. “All night, This morning, Episode Information: In this episode I read a short extract from Tom Rolt’s (1944) Narrow Boat re-published in 2014 by The History Press Links to all the vlogs that I mention in this episode can be found in the transcript below. With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. Rebecca Russell General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 23 Dec 2023 | The Christmas Eves of Childhood | 00:30:51 | |
You are invited to join us for a very special episode as we celebrate Christmas Eve onboard the Erica and remember the Christmas Eves of our childhood. Journal entry: 21st December, Thursday, Winter Solstice “The year’s turning There’s a rough wind The polestar oak The ducks don’t seem
Episode Information: Can I take this opportunity to wish you a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a happy NEW YEAR!
With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. Rebecca Russell General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 17 Jan 2024 | I Felt the Anchor Shift (An Update) | 00:26:06 | |
It has been a rather tempestuous year so far! Currently, I am many miles from the boat and have not been able to record any podcasts. I have rather rushed this episode out to update you on the reasons why I have been so quiet of late and to bring you up to date with what has been happening. Apologies for the sound quality of this episode. I do not have my recording gear with me at the moment. Episode Information: In this episode I read parts of the lyrics from ‘Sit Down’ by James, written by Jim Glennie, Larry Gott, Tim Booth, Gavan Whelan (1989). I also read a very short extract from John Moriarty’s (2009) Dreamtime published by Lilliput Press and featuring the words of Julian of Norwich. With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. Captain Arlo General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 18 Feb 2024 | Rough Crossings | 00:34:57 | |
Welcome aboard the NB Erica on a wet winter’s night. It is a perfect night to snuggle down and listen to JM Synge’s turn of the 20th century accounts of his travels to the Aran Islands in a small currach on stormy seas. Journal entry: 14th February, Wednesday (St. Valentine’s Day) “Outside, Warm sun, fleeting, Maggie sits, watching, I too watch, Episode Information: In this episode I read passages from JM Synge’s (1907) book The Aran Islands republished by Penguin Classics (1992). For more information go to the episode page at noswpod.com With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. Chris and Alan on NB Land of Green Ginger General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 03 Mar 2024 | Walking Home (In fading light) | 00:34:14 | |
As a family, we gained a reputation for the way our 'short walks' often turned into marathon hikes which invariably meant staggering home long after dark (usually without a torch). In this week’s episode I reminisce on the lessons learnt, their prescient significance, and living in a culture that does growing old and dying so astonishingly badly. Journal entry: 24th February, Saturday. “Cloud cliffs, grey and climbing The hub of politicking and commerce An hour of gentle talk and laughter Later, vast flights of wild geese fly south Episode Information: This episode comprises largely of family recollections, but please note that it also touches on the themes on death and dying. With special thanks to our lock-wheelers for supporting this podcast. Chris and Alan on NB The Land of Green Ginger General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 10 Mar 2024 | On Surveys and Winter Warmth (Listeners' questions - 6) | 00:34:02 | |
As the slow march of Spring travels along the canal and towpaths, tonight I answer two more questions: How do we keep the boat from freezing when we have to leave it unattended, and how long does it normally take to buy a narrowboat? Journal entry: 7th March, Thursday. “A grey wind blows Damson blossom Sweet smell of woodsmoke þæs ofereode, Episode Information: In this episode I refer to Miles Hadfield’s (1950) English Almanac and Eleanor Parker’s (2022) Winters in the World. I also read a verse from John Clare’s ‘Last of March written at Lolham Briggs.’ With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. Chris and Alan on NB Land of Green Ginger General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 14 Apr 2024 | Just shadows on a summer lawn | 00:19:43 | |
For us the river of the year has, so far, been roaring and fierce. It is difficult, at times, to see the bank or to even know whether we are floating or sinking. However, that is only one small part of the picture. What follows is a rather incoherent attempt to find coherence amid the noise. Journal entry: 10th April, Wednesday “This morning dawned in chilled silver With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. Chris and Alan on NB Land of Green Ginger General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 28 Apr 2024 | The Dusts of Winter (Spring Cleaning) | 00:36:30 | |
In tonight’s episode we meet a couple of beautiful spring flowers with some fearsome reputations and go about spring cleaning a very messy and cluttered boat with the help of Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows. Journal entry: 20th April, Saturday “A ring of coltsfoot heads has been placed Perhaps some child placed them there
Episode Information: In this episode I read the opening pages of Kenneth Grahame’s (1908) The Wind in the Willows republished by Penguin Classics. I also refer to Roy Vickery’s (2019) Vickery’s Folk Flora, published by Weidenfeld and Nicolson and With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. Chris and Alan on NB Land of Green Ginger General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 12 May 2024 | First Impressions (On canal life) | 00:35:03 | |
In tonight’s episode we meet a couple of beautiful spring flowers with some fearsome reputations and go about spring cleaning a very messy and cluttered boat with the help of Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows. Journal entry: 8th May, Wednesday. “A May evening of golden haze Nearby, lambs call as mothers graze and nuzzle Encircled by ever increasing concentric Episode Information: Karen and Jason made a video of their time on NB Sam's Drum. You can view it here: Leaving America for a Narrowboat. Chris and Alan on NB Land of Green Ginger General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 02 Jun 2024 | A Sunday Morning in May | 00:32:34 | |
Sometimes episodes have a mind of their own and take you to unplanned places they think you need to go. This is one of those episodes. One ‘soft’ Sunday morning in May in John Clare country. Journal entry: 31st May, Friday “Standing looking south-west The fields and hills in the distance
Episode Information: In this episode I read John Clare’s poem ‘Day-Break’ and a very short extract from his Shepherd’s Calendar. You can visit Deborah Vass’s beautiful website here: Still Sketching. Cally Conway’s gorgeous nature inspired linocuts can be viewed here: Cally Conway Prints. You can view Karen and Jason Politte’s videos: Just Two People. The soundscape was recorded in Weldon Woodland Park on 26/05/24. With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. David Dirom General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 16 Jun 2024 | The Children of the Children of Lir | 00:41:54 | |
Join us on a wet and windy night as, tonight, we listen the strange and untameable tale of Fionnghuala, Oadh, Fiacra and Conn, the children of Lir, and meet up with our own (children of the) children of Lir who share their own wild mythologies. I also give an explanatory statement about the YouTube podcast channel. Journal entry: 11th June, Tuesday “Standing knee deep And here am I, Episode Information: In this episode I retell the story of the Children of Lir. As can be expected from a tale birthed in orality it can be found in many forms. A good introduction can be found here: Wilderness Ireland. However, oral stories are not so much about the precise details but what you, the listener, bring to them. I also refer to our old friend, Miles Hadfield’s (1950) An English Almanac. With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. David Dirom General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 30 Jun 2024 | Living inside the Seasons | 00:34:01 | |
This episode was inspired by a sentence in Beth Kempton's Wabi Sabi and explores how calendars can connect us more closely to the world around us. Join us tonight as we explore the year through the eyes of some Japanese poets and celebrate the unfolding of the summer. Journal entry: 25th June, Tuesday “First day this summer This evening
Episode Information: In this episode I recite a number of Larry Hammer’s translations of Japanese poems from the Kokinshū from his (2018) Ice Melts in the Wind published by Cholla Bear Press, as well as haiku from The Four Seasons published (1958) by Peter Pauper Press. I also refer to Lev Parikian’s (2021) Light Rains Sometimes Fall published by Elliott and Thompson, and Beth Kempton’s (2018) Wabi Sabi published by Piatkus. With special thanks to our lock-wheelers for supporting this podcast. David Dirom General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 14 Jul 2024 | Spun by Wonderment (above Hemel Hempstead) | 00:34:27 | |
There are times that can touch us deeply. Very often they are not about finding a place of peace or somewhere outstandingly beautiful. It is something else. Something beyond these things. It is about encountering something wonderful, and being spun by wonderment. Journal entry: 13th July, Saturday “Loosestrife sets alight Chiff chaff squeak Maggie sniffs each stone The heron is back Episode Information: In this episode I briefly mention a line from ‘Waltzing Along’ by James (1997) and Kai T Murano’s The Monk and the Butterfly, self-published in 2024. With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. David Dirom General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 28 Jul 2024 | Meursault's Walk & Mine (Dad's ashes) | 00:46:27 | |
Join me tonight as I recount a strange and rather unnerving experience that I had just over a week ago, of feeling as if I were walking in the footsteps of Meursault, the main character of one of my favourite books, Albert Camus’ The Outsider. Journal entry: 25th July, Thursday “First light of iron and steel. A raven calls from the We both look west Episode Information: In this episode I read an extract from Albert Camus’ (1942) The Outsider translated by Sandra Smith and published in 2012 by Penguin Classics. I also briefly refer to his The Plague also published by Penguin. With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. David Dirom General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 11 Aug 2024 | Holiday Interlude (& the Cap'n's Dad) | 00:31:06 | |
We’re on HOLIDAY! And so, a rather truncated and spur of the moment podcast tonight. However, join us as we enjoy a spot of tranquillity canal-style. We also hear a lovely story from one of our long-time listeners and lock-wheelers. Journal entry: 25th July, Thursday “The sun flashes off the canal Sweet fruit hang amid But for the bottle green beetle For the plum tree, My world must seem so Episode Information: In this episode I recommend Wes and Amy’s vlog: Boat Time. With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. Andrea Hansen General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 25 Aug 2024 | Shot through with wonder (First glimpse of the sea) | 00:30:48 | |
Traditionally, August has been the time for Britons to head off to the seaside for their annual holiday. This week’s episode celebrates this custom and causes me to reconsider the momentous moment when I saw the sea for the first time. Journal entry: 23rd August, Friday “All night the winds blew; I stand on the bank
Episode Information: In this episode I read Mind Shamble’s poem ‘Over Steam (Spring 2021)’ and read excerpts from John Betjeman’s poems, ‘Seaside Golf’, ‘Trebetherick’, and ‘Greenaway.’ I also refer to the song ‘Morningtown Ride’ by M. Reynolds and sung by The Seekers.
With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. Andrea Hansen General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com 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. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||