Skimming stones across the stilled waters of a restless mind

Christmas Episodes

198
Dec. 24, 2025

The Remarkable Tale of Bertrum Crane (A story for Christmas)

It's Christmas on the canal, and the time when we traditionally gather around by firelight and tell stories of wonder and magic. So, tonight, there is an extra specially warm welcome aboard the Erica as we turn the lights down low and listen by firelight to a rather remarkable (and I think wonderful) tale of canal-side Christmases past and the magic hidden along the towpath. Grab a mug of your favourite drink, settle into your cosiest chair and join us into the heart of a canal...
197
Dec. 14, 2025

An Advent on the Canal

As advent candles burn into their second half, and berries blaze along the towpath, why not join us tonight aboard the Erica to hear about what it feels like to experience this advent on the cut. Journal entry: 8th December, Monday “A ragged river of rooks Stream across A watery sky On purposeful wings. They rise and circle Around the One Oak. The fire of their Jubilant chatter Warms the day.” With special thanks to our lock-wheel...
150
Dec. 23, 2023

The Christmas Eves of Childhood

You are invited to join us for a very special episode as we celebrate Christmas Eve onboard the Erica and remember the Christmas Eves of our childhood. Journal entry: 21st December, Thursday, Winter Solstice “The year’s turning And the longest night. There’s a rough wind And angry skies. The polestar oak Finally felled. The ducks don’t seem To notice." Episode Information: Christmas lights in the well deck Can I take this opportunity to wish you a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and...
108
Dec. 24, 2022

The Christmas Heron

It’s Christmas Eve and the perfect time for a canal-side story. Have you ever heard of the Christmas Heron? No? Well, there’s probably a very good reason for that, but I will tell it to you anyway. So, curl up in your special armchair by the stove and I will tell you all about the Christmas Heron. Journal entry: 24th December, Saturday (Christmas Eve). “Christmas Eve dawns with a silvered light. The canal is mirror calm. A choir of rook song. A lone swan flying south. The cormorant, ...
60
Dec. 24, 2021

A Fireside Christmas Eve

Curl up with us for this very special Christmas Eve edition of the podcast. Whether you are feeling on your own or just in need of a bit of a breathing space, why not join me tonight for this special Jólabókaflóð inspired edition of Nighttime on Still Water’s? Although the weather may be closer to Greg Lake’s “veil of tears for the virgin birth”, there will always the possibility for “eyes filled with tinsel and fire.” Journal entry: “24th December, Friday. Christmas Eve Yesterday Four ...