My beloved second home in Italy is now closed for winter, but of course that doesn’t stop a stream of communication between all my Italian friends and me, while I’m home in England.

I missed the Christmas market and the ceremony to open the fantastic floating nativity scene with its life-size mechanical figures on boats on the canal. I also missed the usual walks in the hills from the local walking group, but they’ve sent me many photos instead.

A piece of news I wasn’t happy to receive was about the possible closure of the Museum of Internal Navigation. Readers may remember my involvement over many years with this unique museum which tells the long story of the local canal and its barges over the centuries, when it was originally used to carry the volcanic stone which paves Venice. The last bargeman, Riccardo Cappellozza, was a great friend, and he put together all the artifacts and records so that the history wasn’t lost. When he died, we were lucky enough to find Maurizio Ulliana to take his place. Maurizio is a boat expert as well as something of a hero for having once rowed his gondola all the way from Oxford to London! He teaches young people all kinds of crafts as well as museum studies, and often takes school parties by barge through the famous lock opened by Mussolini to Catajo Castle, one of the biggest and most splendid castles of Northern Italy.

Battaglia Terme has a new council and a new mayor, and for some inexplicable reason they have made a decision to close this wonderful museum. Its supporters are bewildered. The museum costs very little to run as they are fortunate to have the services of numerous volunteers including Maurizio himself. There are even some international contacts with their own local museums who are trying to give support, but so far without success.

I cannot believe that this little gem of a museum, so lovingly created and maintained by local people, is due to close. I’m trying to do my bit (letters to the ambassador, etc.) but feel helpless, waiting for a miracle to happen. If any kind readers have good ideas, do please get in touch with me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..