From the same trip as the previous post, this is ‘Chocolate Charlie’ on his narrowboat, Mendip, moored near Preston Brook in the Spring of 1977. Charlie Atkins aquired his nickname from the cargo he carried for much of his working life – chocolate crumb from Ellesmere Port to the Cadbury’s factory at Bourneville, Birmingham.
This is another strong face which has endured a lifetime on the cut – it is deeply lined and reminds me of the poet, W H Auden:
Comrades, who when the sirens roar
From office, shop and factory pour,
‘Neath evening sky;
By cops directed to the fug
Of talkie-houses for a drug,
Or down canals to find a hug
Until you die.
W H Auden – A communist to others – 1932.
(I feel sure Charlie would have come up with something more cheerful).
In his final years Charlie also became a minor celebrity – the revival of the English canals sparked an interest in the dying breed of men who worked the system. He is also remembered in song:
northumbrian : light 
It’s great that people like Charlie became immortal that way. I would work for Cadbury’s too… specially since our supermarket closed where they sold Cadbury’s :o)
It is – immortalised in song is possibly the best way to be remembered.
This might be helpful 🙂
http://www.cadburygiftsdirect.co.uk/
Such a great face! Actually, I love the lines from Auden.
Wonderful isn’t it, a face that sailed rather than launched a thousand ships.
I was ok with the Auden verse until the finality of the last line.
Great portrait, all life lived in those lines….
Thanks Sue – indeed, a life well-lived.
🙂
What a face. There’s a story in each and every one of those wrinkles.
Isn’t there just and probably every one with a wink and a smile.
Older faces have so much character, they are interesting! So many times, these days, we turn away because they aren’t dewy, young and perfect. How much we miss, by not stopping to look. I love this post!
Many thanks – there is much to be said for growing old gracefully and not raging against the inevitable.
Oh, a wonderful and sweet job Chocolate Charlie had!
Sounds perfect doesn’t it but I do wonder what ‘chocolate crumb’ actually tasted like – I could probably develop a habit 🙂
Wonderful photo and a beautiful window into a life which has passed through, working hard.
Many thanks Seonaid – he was a very friendly and willing subject.
Brilliant shot and story. I wonder if chocolate crumb is the stuff that wholefood shops sell as cocoa nibs these days. I eat them in an attempt to assuage chocolate lust, which they do actually – though totally unsweet. Good on porridge!
Many thanks Tish – that sounds likely and interesting – I will be trying some 🙂
They can be a bit crunchy, so watch out for any dodgy molars.
A man of character. The contribution he’s made by working hard every day of his life is priceless. Beautiful Photograph.
Many thanks Elisa.
I remember the poem, Robin. That’s a great character study.
I was at the canal basin in Loughborough yesterday, just briefly. Left to my own devices I would have wandered a little further. 🙂
Thanks Jo – I have not done that stretch of the Grand Union, one day hopefully.
I’m deeply moved by this post and the song…
Wonderful…
Many thanks Malin, much appreciated.
Lovely. Informative and affectionate. Reminds me of why I so enjoy my visits to your blog. Regards Thom.
Many thanks Thom, much appreciated – sorry for the slow reply – we are out on the canals again where Internet connectivity is patchy at best.