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Local organiser Simon Dyer writes:-

I woke up...rain smashing down on boat in town centre Sat morning....

Anyway, rain passed over and five boats made their way from Cropredy drenched and locks on the way down flooded! These augmented about 15+ local boats in the Banbury area and Brian and his wife from top o' Napton flight!

Tony Baldry arrived somewhat earlier, braving the spitting rain before it finally subsided! Councillor George Parish was the ONLY councillor in Banbury and District to make the effort! Banbury's Guardian, Cake and Oxford's Mail were present as was Will(a freelance for SOW).

We did have the Town Crier which was a suprise to me!!

Anyway, Castle Quay Shopping Centre provided a bit of hassle...I made e-mail application two weeks ago for placing a banner on their bridge and other flyers sent to them. They refused the banner nearer the time of blockade but knew that this was going to occur! We had many people come by road to assist and some were on the concourse outside of the precinct

. A security guy came out to tell us that the 'concourse' was privte property and that we must move off! and the bridge, too! About 1.45, the Police responded to a call from Castle Quay Management that there was a 'Riot' going on on the Canal!! Two Officers arrived, assessed our blockade, signed our petition and went in search of C.Q. Management for 'wasting Police time'!! We were also advised by the Police Officers that we WERE allowed on the concourse and bridge!! Thus we did miss out on some potential signatures!!

But we had lots of signatures! Another laugh, The Banbury Museum had a week ago, declined the offer of poster/Banbury event flyer. On Saturday, the Museum were inundated with questions about the blockade and requested Posters, etc!

What about this, too...As soon as Tooleys Management saw photographers snapping, quickly unleashed the Restaurant boat and moved it in at the front albeit, our request for sponsorship met with silence!!

Without the tremendous help and boats that were present, I couldn't have done what happened...