Page revised 15 November 2000 

The First Mate Guide to the Grand Union Canal

Author:	Carole Sampson
Publisher:	Carole Sampson
Available by Post from:	Carole Sampson, 48 Old Lane, Bramhope, LEEDS, West Yorkshire, LS16 9AZ
Publisher's Web Site:	http://www.canalmate.co.uk
Format:	A5 sized, comb bound guide with many schematic maps and diagrams.

General Comments:

This guide was published in November 2000. and Carole Sampson was kind enough to send me a copy.  First Mate Guides are very different from the typical Nicholson or Canal Society Guide, which tend to explore scenery, history and where to eat and drink.  As it says on the web site...

The First Mate is the person responsible for the welfare of the crew rather than the steering of the boat, so the books include any habitation that Carole could reach on foot from a suitable mooring in under 20 minutes (about a mile if it's level). Any banks, shops, surgeries, post and telephone boxes etc. that may be of use to boating folk are listed, and mapped in a way that reflects how it feels to find them on foot.

It's the detail away from the canal which is impressive.  For example, both post offices and post boxes are marked.  According to the introduction in this latest First Mate Guide, a cash dispenser can be assumed at banks, unless indicated otherwise, although the key on the inside front cover still shows the two symbols for with or without a cash dispenser.  Launderettes are shown and whether the local phone boxes take coins or cards.  Bus routes are indicated and their frequencies.  In keeping with the policy of not duplicating what Nicholson's offers, pubs and restaurants are not mentioned, but take-aways are, with specific symbols for Asian, Chinese, Pizza, Fish and Chips, as well as "General".,  The out-boarding boater is not forgotten.  Petrol stations, too, are located!

Essentially, the guide is a book of more than 60 town and village plans.  These are arranged in the order you pass through them on the canal.  The plans indicate the bridges or moorings where access to the facilities may be gained.  Nothing is shown of the canals between the villages, although there are a number of "Nip-To" panels listing facilities close to bridges or locks not included on the maps. 

These are eminently practical and painstakingly researched guides.  They seem especially suitable for those making long voyages into unknown territory.  While the well-planned holiday maker, on their annual week on the canals, may not need this information (coming equipped with a week's supply of breakfast cereal and chilled meals stored in the fridge), the rest of us, realising something has been forgotten, will find no other guide to touch a First Mate Guide for day-to-day practical information.

Reviewed by: Greg Chapman