Evening Nifty We've seen far worse on that bend! . Glad you had your dad sorted in the end . We get a lot of hirers sent out with only the theory of lock operation, particularly from the Anderton Marina. After Big Lock we are the first people who really show them how it's done. We demonstrate and then let them do it and watch them through the locks . We sometimes have to shout instructions to get them round that bend though . I'll make some enquiries about the pickle lady. It's a pity that the Anderton Lift was closed as it is interesting and a trip down the lift on to the River Weaver is well worth it .