woodjam

Community spirit I will see when I navigate the Wigan flight single handed in a wide beam. How many boaters are community minded when I slow them down. But who knows there might be 100,000 willing volunteers.

Wo I dont take offence I take a gate its a lot lighter.Betty your not a numpty. Mrs T Life is about having fun even on line. My opening question was to stimulate debate on what happens to us free spirits when we are either single handed or Over the age of 70. Getting off the water is not an option for many. Unless they are carted off to care homes. Perhaps another venture for crt. Care home moorings. With zimmer frames made to look like rudders.

So no community spirit on here then .. I Am surprised.

Actually there is a problem but it is that the average age of boaters is getting on for 60, boating has been sold for years as a peaceful, relaxing pastime, drifting along with a glass of wine and talking to the coots, the reality is usually not quite like that but by the time you can afford a boat you are likely to be retired, It can be hard work and I fear for the health and safety of some of the people I see. Poling a narrowboat off the bottom is one thing but a damn great heavy wide boat is something else. Yes a lot of elder boaters. The majority I have met are fit and full of zest for life. Polling a wide beam. Even at the tender age of 53 and several younger passing walkers the fat bird still sat happy as a pig in mud. Perhaps there is an opportunity. I can see some one suggesting a canal lock zimmer frame. Or even a panic button on each obstacle on the canal attended by Smiling angelic emergency lock keepers.

Wow I am impressed quite I diverse array of opinions on this subject. Just to clarify. I am 54 and single handed on a wide beam Fit and enjoying the life I lead. I was concerned that the old people of the water ways have to struggle or give up there life a float.. So if the consensus is the CRT just look after the waterways. Surely manning the locks and assisting people to access the water comes under there jurisdiction. Under duty of care to boaters. Question would you help an elderly boater through a flight of locks or just curse.That they are slowing you down.

After watching Prunella and Richard trying to navigate The K and A A though came to me. With all the new people coming to the canals. What will happen when they are older eg a bit like pru. Going a bit forgetfull. Or just a divorced guy or girl trying to manage the system on there own. With all the lock keepers being made redundant and a handful of volunteers being left to do there jobs.How about the CRT LOOKING INTO THIS POTENTIAL MAJOR PROBLEM. In this age of diversity surely they should help the single boaters or elderly boater to keep there independence. Not remove there passage to independence.. Any ideas or thoughts.how single handed elderly can keep on cruising.

Good luck to Prue. Battling old age. Bashing boats. mmm Forgetting things. forgetting to un tie. sounds very familiar. Did any one get the issue line phone number.

Hi can any one recommend a wood burner fitter. Woodjam is moored in Lancashire. Wide beam if that helps. Alan

I have used car under seal to keep the hull above the water line water proof zebart style stuff. Easy to apply. Roller on and with a long pole you can virtually get every where that needs it.. Do not use on deck as i did it never seams to set but fine so far on the hull.

Lucky you we got stuck near to the bottom. We had to fllod the pond just to get off the bank. we are going up on Friday so hope fully we have a good run up/

Yes if you build your own bussiness risk every thing including you mind. You end up as a nanny,social services and an unpaid tax collector. Plus when hrmc make a mistake you are the one who has to prove that they have c,,ked up wher when and who. waite for an hour whilst they answer the phone. The talk to the call centre who cannot deal with the issue.so waite another 3 days and another person who cant deal with it who will pass you to another person who usually works job share and she is off on maternity leave/ Argh. So when eventually you get to discuss the issue. You are late with there mistaken payment so you have to pay the fine. Then go to apeal to get your money back.But due to the time delay .You have timed out and you have incured a fine plus interest. Imagine the arguements over the propulsion vs heating.