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Great Canal Journeys.

(33 Posts)
Falconbird Sun 29-Mar-15 16:43:12

I really love this programme - on tonight, with Prunella Scales and Timothy West. They are such a lovely couple and have been together for years. Timothy West reminds me of my late DH.

Hunt Tue 07-Apr-15 10:29:56

I found these programmes extremely sad. My husband and I at 85 and 83 have just sold our last narrow boat. Although we can manage the day to day stuff we felt we could possibly no longer deal with an emergency. I have to say, as the steerer, I never hit anything the way Timothy seems to keep doing.

nigglynellie Tue 07-Apr-15 09:40:07

I agree about the locks! Light years ago (as a child) we had a rowing boat on the Thames, and to get anywhere necessitated negotiating a lock, and it was always nerve wracking!!! So, yes, I admire Pru for her prowess!!!
I think facing up to the future must be very daunting for both of them so a little irritation is understandable.

Deedaa Mon 06-Apr-15 22:38:53

It's a lovely programme and I was glad to see that Pru is doing so well. She seems to be coping very well so far although it must b frustrating for her and worrying for him of course.

etheltbags1 Mon 06-Apr-15 22:14:48

I had never heard of these two until I watched the programme but I truly love them both, I adore any kind of holiday programme but canal are my fave, Im saying on another thread that over 80s are boring as they just talk about shopping etc but I would love to live next door to these two. I really thought that they were maybe late 60s or early 70s.

NotTooOld Mon 06-Apr-15 21:39:23

I think Pru has guts tackling those locks like she does. I've done some of that myself and it is not always easy. In fact, I used to steer through the locks and let DH do the heavy work. Well done, Pru.

nigglynellie Mon 06-Apr-15 19:57:56

Just watched the last in the series, and I've so I enjoyed this programme with these two lovely people. I hope all goes as well as possible for them in the future.

Retiredguy Wed 01-Apr-15 16:33:38

A lovely gentle programme and such a nice couple, obviously devoted.

KatyK Tue 31-Mar-15 19:03:49

During the last series, Tim kept reminding us of Pru's 'problem' in front of her. I felt sorry for her when he kept mentioning it. He is obviously worried about her but she seems OK doesn't she (at the moment)? Love it though.

petra Tue 31-Mar-15 17:38:58

I like their acting. But I don't think I would want to be tied up alongside them. I certainly wouldn't have wanted them manoeuvring their boat anywhere near my (past) boats.

nigglynellie Tue 31-Mar-15 10:41:42

I thought Tim showed signs of 'abtuptnesss'(?!) on Sunday's trip, the French boyfriend, and navigating the lock which let's face it, anyone would find difficult, and she's only 'pint size'. Having said that, the prospect of Pru's diminishing faculties must be very daunting, so who knows?! Like all relationships I expect they've had their ups and downs!!!!!!!

Gagagran Tue 31-Mar-15 09:17:17

I spotted that Timothy was wearing his hat from the PS Waverley, the famous paddle steamer. He and Prue were on the trip from Portsmouth to Yarmouth, Isle of Wight in September 2014 when I was.

She looked lost and quite scared and he just ignored her, walking round the boat and chatting to fans while she tailed along behind. At the time I thought he seemed quite neglectful and uncaring but of course they would not show that on the TV programme. He does seem quite egocentric though and a bit bullying even on that.

I loved the way Prue spoke about her French boyfriend and Timothy got jealous!

petra Tue 31-Mar-15 08:34:22

A word of warning to those of you who might be contemplating a cruise on one of these barges on the French canals.
If there is no mains electricity where they tie up at night, there will be a generator running all night. This is for the fridge/freezers.
They don't tell you that in the blurb.

Marelli Mon 30-Mar-15 21:47:51

I'm watching it now, on 'catch-up'. I love their attitudes - Pru's in particular.

nigglynellie Mon 30-Mar-15 20:47:46

I meant antidote!!!

nigglynellie Mon 30-Mar-15 19:01:10

Last night's episode was fantastic. That French canal at times took a bit of navigating!!!!!! I find the series very soothing and tranquil, an anecdote to the election!!!!! Tim and Pru are a lovely couple, and their sons seem so fond of them and very caring. I feel so sorry that Pru has been struck with this horrible illness. My word, those grandson's are certainly handsome!!!!!

whitewave Mon 30-Mar-15 18:47:22

Loved last night. Decided we might go on the Canal Midi, so looked up on net. Thought it would be a good wheeze to go on a largish barge where everything is done for you and you just sit and enjoy. Changed my mind pretty sharpish - price about £3400 per person for a week!!!!

Pittcity Sun 29-Mar-15 19:56:15

Loved last weeks when they were in London and gave Andrew Sachs a lift. A good old chinwag about Fawlty Towers.

KatyK Sun 29-Mar-15 18:48:48

Yes this is the second series. The first one was just as lovely. They met up at one point with their son and granddaughter.

whitewave Sun 29-Mar-15 18:14:54

Oh I didn't know there had been another series - how annoying.

TerriBull Sun 29-Mar-15 18:13:36

Me too, it has a gentle quality about it, just right for Sunday evenings, interesting as well. I like them both, particularly Prunella who these days seems a long way removed from snappy, bossy Sybill Fawlty, well she did have Basil to deal with hmm a very exasperating husband. Yes I agree KatyK, Prunella does look much younger than her years.

Falconbird Sun 29-Mar-15 17:49:05

I looked them up and Timothy West was born in 1934 and Prunella Scales in 1932 - my maths aren't brilliant but I think that makes them 81 and 83 so they are doing exceptionally well.

I've always been a fan of them both from way back.

KatyK Sun 29-Mar-15 17:38:51

I love this. We watched the last series too. They seem such a lovely couple and very close to their children. I think Prunella looks much younger than her years. I saw them once, having coffee in the cafeteria of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford - not that that has anything to do with anything smile

POGS Sun 29-Mar-15 17:37:23

Having watched the first series, like a few others, I thought I might be feeling a little bit of the opinion 'same old, same old' but on the contrary I am enjoying this series just as much.

I think it is an all round winner for me too Falconbird.

Mishap Sun 29-Mar-15 17:06:37

It is good that the programme has been made in spite of her dementia illness, and good to see her joining in and playing her part.

loopylou Sun 29-Mar-15 16:58:21

It is sad, I agree whitewave, makes the programme more poignant doesn't it? Lovely series.