The canalside has been refurbished and now provides flats, office accommodation and workshops for narrow boats. Woodies has been a part of this revitalisation, offering refreshments and souvenirs to the passing tourists using the canal which can be counted in their thousands. It is estimated that 11,000 pleasure boats use the Shropshire Union each year; in addition many anglers use the waters and walkers follow the tow path.

Dave and Annie run the Emporium and are seen with two of their regular collaborators, Jane and Pete Marshall. The Marshalls run the Day Star Theatre Company which tours the canal network performing at pubs and festivals throughout the summer. Jane was brought up on a dairy farm and went to agricultural college in Bedfordshire where she obtained a HND. She worked on a dairy farm until leaving to set up Day Star. Pete was brought up in the suburbs and worked on farms until he decided what he wanted to do in life. On meeting Jane they established their theatre company and now live in Audlem where they keep chickens, a cow and grow their own vegetables.