The Avon

Travelling the 'inland waterways' which Betjeman wrote about:
Where those who cared so deeply are remembered by it's structures.
Where Romans crossed with fords
and where the Welsh were heavily defeated.
Where crumbling mills were once alive with the smell of freshly milled flour.
Where people came to picnic
and cream teas were served.
Where ancient bridges cross,
heron's, kingfishers and otters live
and swans and geese and ducks raise their young.
Where once proud railway crossings stand; minus their spans
and those with the funds had grand houses built.
Where fishermen fish
and trusts protect.
Where boats sail
and painters paint.
Where photographers photograph
and poets write
and where the late Queen Mother came by boat
and officially reopened this particular 'inland waterway'