Joe Fuller

I think its called a 'vortex'. if you google 'vortex cannon' there are people making custom smoke ring creators. I'd imagine not only the physical dimensions of the pipe to be of influence, but also the cleaness of the final edge of the exhaust, and any other local gemoetry at the outlet. Also the ambient air pressure could play its part. Anyone up for designing an 'suitable for all engines' smoke ring blowing exhaust fitting kit?! Joe

That's news to me! Why don't you give him a shout and find out: 01785 817506 Regards, Joe F.

Fastest boat I saw under its own power recently was a Black Prince hire boat on a mid-morning mission to get back to base (allready a few hours late, with fine increasing). This was in Stoke on Trent, where mineing subsidance has made for a very deep channel. THe morse control was hard at '5 O-clock' with a continual plume of black smoke from the engine. The boat must have been doing 6MPH or so. Think they had either overdone the drinks the night before, or were trying to cut the corner fine to save time (or possibly both!). I was convinced it was going to roll as I saw the wash increase and the water dissapear rapidly from the port side. Thankfully the soft mud slowed them down, but it still looked a bit close. Good Sport! My thoughts, standing start drag races..... Lets have some 1/4 mile times folks! Joe

Hello, Just thought I would ask if anyone has had a look at the re-developed Loughborough wharfe area or has any comments to make on it? I am planning to take some pictures sometime soon for people to have a look at, but from my observations the following now exists: A small basin which can accomodate several boats between two Jetty structures, each about 30' length. There is a new development of student flats, surropunding the area which has seating and several levels of surfacing. There are some shops/outlets that are yet to be comissioned. There is a water point, shower, toilet and Elsan disposal (all partly completed when I opened them up with my BW key earlier this week!) The area is quite modern and stylish with combinations of bricked, decked and some sandstone (sandstone effect?!) material. My main interest is what is the maximum length that can be turned in the widest part of the basin? I plan to get some string out and measure it so I can let people know as there is no inmformation stated yet. I think it will be around 60 feet, but the main junction is not far away so it should still be quite usable for anyone. The moorings are 24 hour visitor type and are only about 5 minutes walk to the town centre. In my opinion the area is very pleasant and reasonably well thought out. There was an official opening a few weeks ago, but I have yet to see anyone take advantage of the moorings provided (no ideas why :S). The area feels secure and I would certainly be comfortable with leaving a boat there and visiting town for an afternoon with no worries. Hopefully adding some pictures in the next few weeks, if someone doesnt beat me! Joe

A great contribution from one of the many characters who worked on and still take a great interest in our canals. Joe is a fantastic guy and a pleasure to meet if you are ever fortunate enough. Thanks be to him for playing his part in making the canals of this country what they are. And he certainly is able to produce a very high quality set of trad fenders also! Joe F.