Jon

All, It will have been noticed by some of you that I haven't been on here recently. Unfortunately with work, volunteer work, planning my wedding, moving house and generally having a social life, I don't have anything like the time I used to have to work on this site. This has left the rest of the site crew in a very difficult position because they haven't been able to contact me or rely on me to make decisions that really should be made by the person that runs this site. There is a massive amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to keep this place running, and at present I feel that I am holding back the development of the site as I simply can't keep up with it. When this site started in 2001 it was meant as a bit of fun and I can't believe that 9 years later the site is still going strong and has grown to have as many members as it does. I am hugely proud of this achievement and I would like the site to continue to grow, develop and get better and better. It is clear that I no longer have the time to maintain the efforts required and as a result, I have decided to step down from the site host role with immediate effect. I have asked Daniel (DHutch) to take over from me in this role, and I have handed full ownership, control and responsibility for the site over to him on the proviso that the site continues to offer a safe, fun and free environment for the community to discuss waterway related issues. I wish Daniel the best of luck in this role. I would like to thank all those who have supported me and the site over the years either as members of the site crew or just as members who have continued to post and contribute. I have really enjoyed my work on here and hope that you all continue to enjoy using the site for years to come. I will still be around and pop in from time to time, but in the meantime, farewell! Many thanks, Jon

Zoe - any more news? Jon

Try now, link should work in above post. Jon

Hmm, works for me - wait one....

I have put together a poster that can be printed, put in boat windows, shop windows etc and is attached below. Many thanks, Jon Download poster

Thanks, just for the sake of clarity, do we know which force that crime number is for? (Would assume West Mids but don't want to guess). Also, does anyone have any local knowledge of any other boats going by the same name in the area as the sighting? Is it possible it could be a well intentioned false positive sighting? Possibly, but I seem to remember that the man who took Holly was on his own? I think that we all need to give the owners a break, and likewise tempers need to calm down from bothsides. Clearly it is a difficult time for the owners, but bickering between members on here doesn't help anyone. Tom & Caroles daughter, what's your name? it feels very impersonal just referring to you as just ' Tom & Carole's daugther'. Jon Also, would people make use of a poster to download that can be pinned in pubs/shops/boat windows?

While I can understand why some people have been suspicious, I think the benefit of the doubt should be given. We now have most information we have asked for, and it will be up to the Police to get involved if anything is not right. In the mean time, lets concentrate on trying to find the boat (the best way that we can help). Yep, must be the same boat, and I've added the new photographs to the announcement. I've merged the new topic and the existing one together. It will be much easier to have all the incidents in the same place so please keep posting here. Tom/Carole, the only information we need now is a Police incident number please. Many thanks, Jon

Right, I've posted an announcement at the top of all forums regarding this boat. I will try to keep it up to date as possible. The Police are unlikely to be able to do more until the boat is located, so lets keep eyes and ears open. Tom/Carole, Please could you supply the following information to assist us in locating this boat: - The description of the hirers (this worked wonders last time, it's a way of firming up identification of the boat incase it has been changed or altered) - The Police crime or incident number, and the force investigating its theft (therefore people who can't contact you can contact the Police directly). If you would like me to put together a poster with pictures etc then please let me know. Many thanks, Jon Belcher Site Host

I am closing this thread to prevent confusion - it has been continued here Thanks, Jon

Thank you those who reported the offending post above (now removed). The member has now been removed from the site on a permanent basis. Many thanks, Jon

___

After some confusion and queries, I am bringing this back to the top to make sure that all members are aware of our policies. Many thanks, Jon

Now completed, hopefully should stop the constant spam problem of late. Many thanks, Jon