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I’ve tried both flexible and rigid solar panels. Both have been ‘ok’. I like a traditional looking boat as much as possible so the angled panels don’t really appeal. But I can see why people have them, particularly with the yield benefits from angling. So, do I reinstall some pretty discreet rigid panels close to roof, or invest in some adhesive-to-the-roof flexible jobbies. Any experience of the durability of the stuck down kind as fitted to the electric boats? Roof rust? What happens when you need to paint? I have a vague idea rigid panels will help with heat in the summer. Nonsense? gabble

They are available for purchase from the owners group RN Register - look on the merchandise order form towards the bottom.

Thanks nicnorman, I knew I’d get an answer here, but didn’t think it would be less than 5 minutes after asking the question….

Hi all I’m intending setting up my alternator for external regulation via a Wakespeed ws500. I have the base alternator, it is one of these https://www.woodauto.com/product/815.019.100.090 and I have a dumb brush holder for it so I can completely replace the internal regulator and easily connect to each brush. so far so good… But how do I now determine whether my alternator requires positive (type A) regulation or negative (type B)? Any help gratefully received… gabble

Agree there are some good options in Stone, just sad that the iconic (for me at least) Star Inn had no actual beer and didn’t seem to bothered about it. So keen to get the choice right straight away in Penkridge.

Always a couple of good choices even in the winter when it is quieter, generally 5 or so in the summer. Stonehouse brewery in nearby Oswestry and Salopian in nearby Shrewsbury feature regularly as do some stalwarts from Greene King. gabble

Anyone care to recommend where to eat and drink in Penkridge? It has been a while since we stopped there. Real ale is important, something the Star Inn at Stone failed to understand today (they didn’t have any). gabble

Great to hear, thanks for updating us and for influencing the outcome. Hope to get there myself soon gabble

Well done Haggis - my hero

Attempted to stop at the Barbridge Inn today, but most of the moorings taken by the same continuous moorers that have been there over winter, the couple of “available” spaces already taken by actual passing trade. Not sure if the pub has decided to let some/all of the moorings on a permanent basis - their choice I guess but disappointing if so and limiting to trade especially as for some reason CRT have barricaded the towpath under the bridge so you can’t easily walk from the towpath side either, so a double whammy for minimising passing boater trade to the pub.

Will be great to have it open again, particularly if they can clear the constant-moorers from mooring outside and actually pick up the passing trade over the season and boater-regulars over the winter. We’ll pass by later in the week so will stop and report back if there is a space.

I couldn’t see any mention of the White Lion at Llynclys so thought it worth a mention now we can get to Crickheath on the Monty. It is about 20mins walk along the road from Crickheath winding hole (current limit of navigation) - initially a very quiet lane, then a quiet B road with pavement most of the way. The pub itself is obviously “refurbished” in the sense of inappropriate wallpaper and (un)funny amusing pictures, but still retains a sense of order. You can buy a pint at the bar and drink it with friendly-ish locals, and you can sit and eat really very good sensibly priced food. Good atmosphere. They had HPA and Butty Bach on hand pull, both from Wye Valley and both really good. The new section of the Monty from Gronwyn bridge was longer than I anticipated. For those with many chimneys and things, beware of the last few bridges, and particularly the wedged-not-quite-open swing bridge. gabble

So just to report back. Started in the Lord Combermere. Good menu and good food. Could have done without the sesame seeds on my pie, but food all good. Good range of real ale, I took the Timothy Taylors Landlord which was fine but had a bit of a co2 tang. All in all for somewhere proud to be a free house, it felt a bit generic gastro pub. Friendly and busy enough though. Then called in the Shroppie fly on the way back to the boat. Taylors Landlord again, so I had to have one to compare. Definitely better this time, less of the co2 tang. A couple of other ales on as well. Nice atmosphere. People drinking, chatting and having fun. No food available. Plenty of boats moored at the bottom of the locks and in the shroppie fly pound. gabble

Anyone with up to date knowledge of the current status of the Audlem pubs? Things seem to change almost monthly in Audlem. Looking for good food and real ale… gabble

Tollemache arms is generic food pub 10 minute walk along the road from top of Bunbury locks. Best moorings further along towards the next bridge though. Robinsons beers.