The Golden Cross FAQs

1

The responsibility for operating the boat lies with John & Kathryn Hackett, no other person will operate the boat at any time unless they hold relevant qualifications.

2

For any booking contact must first be made with the “Golden Cross” on 07838 377489. Once this provisional booking is made we will send you a booking form which should be completed and returned within 14 days to

“The Golden Cross”,
Birmingham City Mission,
75 Watery Lane
Middleway,
Birmingham
B9 4HN.

Please make any cheques for your donation payable to ‘ Birmingham City Mission”.

On receipt of your booking form and donation you will be sent a confirmation with joining instructions.

3

Cancellations must first be made by telephone and confirmed in writing within seven days. Wherever possible an alternative date will be arranged.

4

Bookings are made in the expectation that the boat will be usable at the time of departure. Where this is not so, due to any circumstances beyond our control, an alternative date will be arranged. The operators can accept no further liability.

5

The boat and crew are limited to eight hours operation each day, during daylight hours.

6

We do not levy a security deposit, however, it is the group leader, parent or individual's responsibility to inform the crew of any damage caused. Any damage may be charged for, at the discretion of the operators.

7

Animals are not allowed on board, unless it is a guide dog and by prior agreement with the operators.

8

The boat is fully insured to carry passengers, but we suggest you take out personal insurance to cover the loss of baggage, money or personal belongings and personal injury. The operators will provide a safe environment, but are not responsible for guests' belongings.

9

You will appreciate that the crew (2 people) will be operating the boat whilst cruising; therefore meals will be provided for guests at mutually convenient times. If you would like to “eat out” please advise the crew so that they may make the necessary arrangements.

10

The boat crew have no responsibility to supervise guests. Leaders or parents must ensure that an adult supervises children under the age of 16 at all times (safety is paramount). Wherever necessary the crew must be informed of the group leader so that they may liase.

11

No smoking or naked lights are allowed on board at any time.

12

The boat is centrally heated and has TV/CD/PS2 equipment on board. No other electrical appliances apart from hair dryers, portable games consoles, electric razors or medical equipment (agreed beforehand) may be taken or used aboard.

13

Bedding, pillows or towels are not provided for during the cruise. Sleeping bags are most suitable for use, and a soft bag with your clothes and belongings for the few days is all that are needed.

14

The operators may refuse to commence a trip, or ask guests to disembark during a trip if they consider that supervision is inadequate, or that they feel behaviour is likely to cause risk or injury to guests or damage to the boat, or if the behaviour of any guest causes offence to the public or fellow guests, or is liable to damage the reputation of the “Golden Cross” or “Birmingham City Mission”.

15

The captain of the “Golden Cross” is responsible for the ultimate safety of his passengers; therefore his authority or decisions are to be taken as final.

Home

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included?

Your short break holiday includes full board accommodation with tea, coffee and soft drinks. Please bring your own bedding, pillows and towels, sleeping bags are best.

Dietary requirements?

Please make sure you indicate on the booking form any special dietary requirements you may have.

What happens when I get to my departure point?

On arrival the crew will greet you and arrange parking for your vehicle. A small charge will be levied for parking. Arrival by 10am will ensure a prompt departure. Prior to leaving, a health & safety briefing will take place with the crew.

Where can we go?

Birmingham itself has many places of interest to visit including the Sea Life Centre, Museums and Art Galleries, Symphony Hall and Theatres, the Bull Ring Shopping Centre to name but a few. Close by are Cadbury World and the Black Country Museum. It may be that you just wish to cruise through the local countryside. Cruising destinations will be limited by the duration of the holiday and the leisurely pace at which narrow boats travel. We will endeavour to meet your requests.

What are the sleeping arrangements?

The crew quarters are at the stern of the boat, access through to the steering position is during day time only. Midships there is a double dinette with a small single bunk above. This area will sleep two adults and a child. Forward of the galley there is a double dinette. Separated by a screen is another double dinette, these two areas sleep four and would suit a family or small group. There is a guest bathroom with shower and toilet facilities (see gallery for photographs).

Can I book the boat for my own party or arrange a special holiday, which could mean a different variation to the cruise itinerary?

Yes, you may book the boat for your whole party (no less than five people), and by agreement with the operators, and subject to availability of the boat and crew. Variations to the cruise itinerary may be agreed.

We are a group of three; do we need to share the boat with another group?

Yes. Your crew will make sure as much as possible that by the time you finish your cruise you will have made new friends.

Do I have to do anything?

No, just relax if you want. However, participation in running the boat will be encouraged. Some groups may wish to be more active than others.

What if I can't swim?

Safety is paramount on our boat, but lifejackets will be provided for anyone who needs them. A risk assessment will be sent to you with your booking confirmation for you to read and sign. Please bring it with you on the trip.

What time will we disembark on the last day?

It is envisaged that subject to conditions you will leave the boat between twelve noon and one pm.

Home

Possible Routes Aboard The Golden Cross

We are aware that a narrowboat holiday can be as relaxing or exhausting as its passengers want it to be. We are giving some suggestions here but holidays are obviously open to discussion – it's your time to enjoy.

We are moored in Birmingham, close to Symphony Hall, Sea life Centre, National Indoor Arena and museums and art galleries, the Balti triangle and the Bull Ring. Families with small children may wish to alternate a trip by narrowboat to Cadbury World with a day moored in Birmingham to explore the city centre. A trip by canal to the Black Country Museum may be linked with a day to Dudley Zoo and Castle.

We can alternate canal days to the countryside and moor up to allow time for hiking or travel by bus or train to Worcester, Stratford or Warwick.

For the more energetic amongst you we can offer the following suggested routes with locks aplenty.

GOLDEN CROSS 5-DAY CRUISING OPTIONS

Route 1.

Birmingham Canal Navigation (BCN)-
Staffordshire / Worcestershire Canal- BCN

Incorporating a visit to Merry Hill shopping centre and the Black Country Museum.

72 Locks

Monday

5 hours

Sherborne Wharf to Merry Hill shopping centre
11.00am - 4.00pm
BCN, Netherton Tunnel, Cinema & shops

Tuesday

7 hours

Merry Hill to Stourton junction
9.30am – 4.30pm. A slice of the black country

Wednesday

8 hours

Stourton junction to Aldersley Junction
9.00am to 5.00pm. The picturesque “Staffy”

Thursday

5 hours

Aldesley Junction to Black Country Museum
8.00am to 1.00pm. Visit to Museum in the afternoon

Friday

3 hours

Black Country Museum to Sherborne Wharf
9.00am to 12noon. Return on the Old line

Route 2.

BCN – Shropshire Union Canal – BCN.

Incorporating a visit to the Black Country Museum.

52 Locks

Monday

8 hours

Sherborne Wharf to Aldersley Junction
10.00am to 6.00pm
BCN new line, through Wolverhampton

Tuesday

7 hours

Aldersley Junction to Norbury Junction
9.30am – 4.30pm. A slice of the black country

Wednesday

7 hours

Norbury Junction to Aldersley Junction
9.30am to 4.30pm. Return on the “Shroppie”

Thursday

5 hours

Aldersley Junction to Black Country Museum
8.00am to 1.00pm. Visit to Museum in the afternoon

Friday

3 hours

Black Country Museum to Sherborne Wharf
9.00am to 12noon. Return on the Old line

Route 3.

BCN – Staffordshire / Worcestershire Canal – BCN.

Incorporating a visit to the Black Country Museum.

82 Locks

Monday

8 hours

Sherborne Wharf to Aldersley Junction
10.00am to 6.00pm
BCN new line, through Wolverhampton

Tuesday

9 hours

Aldersley Junction to Great Haywood
9.00am to 6.00pm. The picturesque “Staffy”

Wednesday

9 hours

Great Haywood to Aldersley Junction
9.00am to 6.00pm. Return on the “Staffy”

Thursday

5 hours

Aldersley Junction to Black Country Museum
8.00am to 1.00pm. Visit to Museum in the afternoon

Friday

3 hours

Black Country Museum to Sherborne Wharf
9.00am to 12noon. Return on the Old line

Route 4.

Worcester / Birmingham Canal – Stratford canal.

Incorporating a visit to Cadburys World.

72 Locks

Monday

1 1/2 hours
2 hours

Sherborne Wharf to Bournville
10.30am to 12.00noon. Visit to Cadburys World
Bournville to Shirley draw bridge
4.00pm to 6.00pm. Cruise onto the Stratford canal

Tuesday

7 hours

Shirley to Kingswood
9.30am to 4.30pm. Down through to Lapworth

Wednesday

5 hours
3 hours

Kingswood to Wooten Wawen
9.00am to 2.00pm. Then return along the Stratford
Wooten Wawen to Lowsonford
2.00pm to 5.00pm. Stratford canal

Thursday

8 hours

Lowsonford to Warings Green
9.00am to 5.00pm. Stratford canal

Friday

5 hours

Warings Green to Sherborne Wharf
8.00am to 1.00pm. Cruise back into Birmingham

Route 5.

Worcester / Birmingham Canal – Stratford Canal – Grand Union Canal – BCN.

Incorporating a trip to Cadburys World, a night in Birmingham, and a trip to the Black Country Museum.

65 Locks

Monday

1 1/2 hours
2 hours

Sherborne Wharf to Bournville
10.30am to 12.00noon. Visit to Cadburys World
Bournville to Shirley draw bridge
4.00pm to 6.00pm. Cruise onto the Stratford canal

Tuesday

10 hours

Shirley to Catherine de Barnes
8.00am to 6.00pm. Stratford canal onto the Grand Union

Wednesday

8 hours

Catherine de Barnes to Sherborne Wharf
9.00am to 5.00pm. Cruise back into Birmingham

Thursday

3 hours

Sherborne Wharf to Black Country Museum
9.00am to 12.00noon. Visit to Museum in the afternoon

Friday

3 hours

Black Country Museum to Sherborne Wharf
9.00am to 12noon. Return on the Old line



Click here for the Terms and Conditions of The Golden Cross Click here for frequently asked questions about The Golden Cross Click here for possible routes aboard The Golden Cross Home

Terms and Conditions of The Golden Cross
1		The responsibility for operating the boat lies with John & Kathryn Hackett, no other person will operate the boat at any time unless they hold relevant qualifications.
2		For any booking contact must first be made with the “Golden Cross” on 07838 377489. Once this provisional booking is made we will send you a booking form which should be completed and returned within 14 days to “The Golden Cross”, Birmingham City Mission, 75 Watery Lane Middleway, Birmingham B9 4HN. Please make any cheques for your donation payable to ‘ Birmingham City Mission”. On receipt of your booking form and donation you will be sent a confirmation with joining instructions.
3		Cancellations must first be made by telephone and confirmed in writing within seven days. Wherever possible an alternative date will be arranged.
4		Bookings are made in the expectation that the boat will be usable at the time of departure. Where this is not so, due to any circumstances beyond our control, an alternative date will be arranged. The operators can accept no further liability.
5		The boat and crew are limited to eight hours operation each day, during daylight hours.
6		We do not levy a security deposit, however, it is the group leader, parent or individual's responsibility to inform the crew of any damage caused. Any damage may be charged for, at the discretion of the operators.
7		Animals are not allowed on board, unless it is a guide dog and by prior agreement with the operators.
8		The boat is fully insured to carry passengers, but we suggest you take out personal insurance to cover the loss of baggage, money or personal belongings and personal injury. The operators will provide a safe environment, but are not responsible for guests' belongings.
9		You will appreciate that the crew (2 people) will be operating the boat whilst cruising; therefore meals will be provided for guests at mutually convenient times. If you would like to “eat out” please advise the crew so that they may make the necessary arrangements.
10		The boat crew have no responsibility to supervise guests. Leaders or parents must ensure that an adult supervises children under the age of 16 at all times (safety is paramount). Wherever necessary the crew must be informed of the group leader so that they may liase.
11		No smoking or naked lights are allowed on board at any time.
12		The boat is centrally heated and has TV/CD/PS2 equipment on board. No other electrical appliances apart from hair dryers, portable games consoles, electric razors or medical equipment (agreed beforehand) may be taken or used aboard.
13		Bedding, pillows or towels are not provided for during the cruise. Sleeping bags are most suitable for use, and a soft bag with your clothes and belongings for the few days is all that are needed.
14		The operators may refuse to commence a trip, or ask guests to disembark during a trip if they consider that supervision is inadequate, or that they feel behaviour is likely to cause risk or injury to guests or damage to the boat, or if the behaviour of any guest causes offence to the public or fellow guests, or is liable to damage the reputation of the “Golden Cross” or “Birmingham City Mission”.
15		The captain of the “Golden Cross” is responsible for the ultimate safety of his passengers; therefore his authority or decisions are to be taken as final.
Home

Frequently Asked Questions
What is included? Your short break holiday includes full board accommodation with tea, coffee and soft drinks. Please bring your own bedding, pillows and towels, sleeping bags are best. Dietary requirements? Please make sure you indicate on the booking form any special dietary requirements you may have. What happens when I get to my departure point? On arrival the crew will greet you and arrange parking for your vehicle. A small charge will be levied for parking. Arrival by 10am will ensure a prompt departure. Prior to leaving, a health & safety briefing will take place with the crew. Where can we go? Birmingham itself has many places of interest to visit including the Sea Life Centre, Museums and Art Galleries, Symphony Hall and Theatres, the Bull Ring Shopping Centre to name but a few. Close by are Cadbury World and the Black Country Museum. It may be that you just wish to cruise through the local countryside. Cruising destinations will be limited by the duration of the holiday and the leisurely pace at which narrow boats travel. We will endeavour to meet your requests. What are the sleeping arrangements? The crew quarters are at the stern of the boat, access through to the steering position is during day time only. Midships there is a double dinette with a small single bunk above. This area will sleep two adults and a child. Forward of the galley there is a double dinette. Separated by a screen is another double dinette, these two areas sleep four and would suit a family or small group. There is a guest bathroom with shower and toilet facilities (see gallery for photographs). Can I book the boat for my own party or arrange a special holiday, which could mean a different variation to the cruise itinerary? Yes, you may book the boat for your whole party (no less than five people), and by agreement with the operators, and subject to availability of the boat and crew. Variations to the cruise itinerary may be agreed. We are a group of three; do we need to share the boat with another group? Yes. Your crew will make sure as much as possible that by the time you finish your cruise you will have made new friends. Do I have to do anything? No, just relax if you want. However, participation in running the boat will be encouraged. Some groups may wish to be more active than others. What if I can't swim? Safety is paramount on our boat, but lifejackets will be provided for anyone who needs them. A risk assessment will be sent to you with your booking confirmation for you to read and sign. Please bring it with you on the trip. What time will we disembark on the last day? It is envisaged that subject to conditions you will leave the boat between twelve noon and one pm. Home

Possible Routes Aboard The Golden Cross
We are aware that a narrowboat holiday can be as relaxing or exhausting as its passengers want it to be. We are giving some suggestions here but holidays are obviously open to discussion – it's your time to enjoy. We are moored in Birmingham, close to Symphony Hall, Sea life Centre, National Indoor Arena and museums and art galleries, the Balti triangle and the Bull Ring. Families with small children may wish to alternate a trip by narrowboat to Cadbury World with a day moored in Birmingham to explore the city centre. A trip by canal to the Black Country Museum may be linked with a day to Dudley Zoo and Castle. We can alternate canal days to the countryside and moor up to allow time for hiking or travel by bus or train to Worcester, Stratford or Warwick. For the more energetic amongst you we can offer the following suggested routes with locks aplenty.
GOLDEN CROSS 5-DAY CRUISING OPTIONS
Route 1. Birmingham Canal Navigation (BCN)- Staffordshire / Worcestershire Canal- BCN Incorporating a visit to Merry Hill shopping centre and the Black Country Museum. 72 Locks
Monday	5 hours	Sherborne Wharf to Merry Hill shopping centre 11.00am - 4.00pm BCN, Netherton Tunnel, Cinema & shops
Tuesday	7 hours	Merry Hill to Stourton junction 9.30am – 4.30pm. A slice of the black country
Wednesday	8 hours	Stourton junction to Aldersley Junction 9.00am to 5.00pm. The picturesque “Staffy”
Thursday	5 hours	Aldesley Junction to Black Country Museum 8.00am to 1.00pm. Visit to Museum in the afternoon
Friday	3 hours	Black Country Museum to Sherborne Wharf 9.00am to 12noon. Return on the Old line
Route 2. BCN – Shropshire Union Canal – BCN. Incorporating a visit to the Black Country Museum. 52 Locks
Monday	8 hours	Sherborne Wharf to Aldersley Junction 10.00am to 6.00pm BCN new line, through Wolverhampton
Tuesday	7 hours	Aldersley Junction to Norbury Junction 9.30am – 4.30pm. A slice of the black country
Wednesday	7 hours	Norbury Junction to Aldersley Junction 9.30am to 4.30pm. Return on the “Shroppie”
Thursday	5 hours	Aldersley Junction to Black Country Museum 8.00am to 1.00pm. Visit to Museum in the afternoon
Friday	3 hours	Black Country Museum to Sherborne Wharf 9.00am to 12noon. Return on the Old line
Route 3. BCN – Staffordshire / Worcestershire Canal – BCN. Incorporating a visit to the Black Country Museum. 82 Locks
Monday	8 hours	Sherborne Wharf to Aldersley Junction 10.00am to 6.00pm BCN new line, through Wolverhampton
Tuesday	9 hours	Aldersley Junction to Great Haywood 9.00am to 6.00pm. The picturesque “Staffy”
Wednesday	9 hours	Great Haywood to Aldersley Junction 9.00am to 6.00pm. Return on the “Staffy”
Thursday	5 hours	Aldersley Junction to Black Country Museum 8.00am to 1.00pm. Visit to Museum in the afternoon
Friday	3 hours	Black Country Museum to Sherborne Wharf 9.00am to 12noon. Return on the Old line
Route 4. Worcester / Birmingham Canal – Stratford canal. Incorporating a visit to Cadburys World. 72 Locks
Monday	1 1/2 hours 2 hours	Sherborne Wharf to Bournville 10.30am to 12.00noon. Visit to Cadburys World Bournville to Shirley draw bridge 4.00pm to 6.00pm. Cruise onto the Stratford canal
Tuesday	7 hours	Shirley to Kingswood 9.30am to 4.30pm. Down through to Lapworth
Wednesday	5 hours 3 hours	Kingswood to Wooten Wawen 9.00am to 2.00pm. Then return along the Stratford Wooten Wawen to Lowsonford 2.00pm to 5.00pm. Stratford canal
Thursday	8 hours	Lowsonford to Warings Green 9.00am to 5.00pm. Stratford canal
Friday	5 hours	Warings Green to Sherborne Wharf 8.00am to 1.00pm. Cruise back into Birmingham
Route 5. Worcester / Birmingham Canal – Stratford Canal – Grand Union Canal – BCN. Incorporating a trip to Cadburys World, a night in Birmingham, and a trip to the Black Country Museum. 65 Locks
Monday	1 1/2 hours 2 hours	Sherborne Wharf to Bournville 10.30am to 12.00noon. Visit to Cadburys World Bournville to Shirley draw bridge 4.00pm to 6.00pm. Cruise onto the Stratford canal
Tuesday	10 hours	Shirley to Catherine de Barnes 8.00am to 6.00pm. Stratford canal onto the Grand Union
Wednesday	8 hours	Catherine de Barnes to Sherborne Wharf 9.00am to 5.00pm. Cruise back into Birmingham
Thursday	3 hours	Sherborne Wharf to Black Country Museum 9.00am to 12.00noon. Visit to Museum in the afternoon
Friday	3 hours	Black Country Museum to Sherborne Wharf 9.00am to 12noon. Return on the Old line