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Nah! Every three weeks we stop and get a little man to empty the poo tank for us. No need to get near it. Compare that to every week having to lug cassettes to the elsan point and physically pouring it all down a hole and then having to wash it down with a hose! I actually lied. In our marina, I use the pump out myself and never get any smell or contact with the stuff inside. S'pose emptying cassettes keeps you fitter and you know if you get Covid 'cause you cant smell the effluent going down the elsan hole!

This debate has been going on since Before we got our first boat in 1966. Then it was likely that the Southern part of the Oxford would be closed as was the K and A Avon Stratford and many other waterways. We joined the IWA and various canal restoration societies to campaign for the preservation and retention of the system. It worked to a great extent that you now have the existing system. BWB under Sir Frank Price became a property company selling off or developing any good bit of real estate. Nobody was interested in the long term maintenance of the system but we made enough noise to keep it going. Now We no longer have a direct interest in British canals having spent 18 years on the continent and are boat less. What I see as an observer is miles of live aboard moorings, moorings in lock pounds, marinas full of expensive narrow boats which never seem to move (thank goodness) and I wonder what pleasure people get from all the queuing at locks and looking for a mooring and then being only able to stop for 2 days. Having said that it’s not surprising t as there is lots to enjoy on the canals and having a boat. What does the future hold I guess much of the same with the system being run like the fire brigade, responding to problems rather than Planning to eliminate them . There will be more diversity officers and well being managers as it’s a good image on tv but unfortunately more use of outside contractors.

If I'm honest, I was being very generous to myself at a third. I've never done a statistical analysis of my DIY performance- I think there are some things you're better off not knowing ?

You did not mention in your post whether you have ever hired a boat, if not can I suggest you do before contemplating spending lots of money. It really is "Marmite" you either love it or hate it, there is no in between and it is an expensive hobby. A realistic figure to run a narrowboat for a year after you purchase it would be between £4000-£5000. Do the research before spending the money.

Yes it was and it was followed up by the trust, the keeper doesn't work at Keadby anymore

It doesnt match any of the published Covid19 symptoms.

Last year I was going down the staircase locks at Stourport basin out onto the River Severn. I was a bit nervous having never been on the Severn before and was worried about the boat being sucked out of the lock onto the river before I'd had chance to climb down the ladder and get on board. As i was pondering the issue, a really nice chap who was a volo (not at Stourport) was walking past and asked if I'd like some help. He helped me down the locks even though it started to rain and he didn't have a coat. He ended up getting soaked and being late to meet his wife, what a top bloke, I couldn't thank him enough.

Stealing / Theft by finding. 1Basic definition of theft. (1)A person is guilty of theft if he dishonestly appropriates property belonging to another with the intention of permanently depriving the other of it; and “thief” and “steal” shall be construed accordingly. (2)It is immaterial whether the appropriation is made with a view to gain, or is made for the thief’s own benefit. (3)The five following sections of this Act shall have effect as regards the interpretation and operation of this section (and, except as otherwise provided by this Act, shall apply only for purposes of this section). https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1968/60

Thanks all, we're doing the deed later today so will turn the boat around for it to save injury! Thanks

I've been saying this for months. The towpaths changed at the start of lockdown and they're showing no signs of returning to the status quo ante. MP.

Mega miserable maggot drowners!

My windows are Caldwells and I would have them again.

Shows what happens when I don't read to the end of the post!

A word of caution before you "go for it". If you're going over the existing paneling I think you need to be aware that hanging a load more weight onto whatever method was used to fit the original lining onto the interior of the cabin sides and roof might end up pulling the whole lot down. Adding new battens, insulation and a new layer of ply is basically doubling the weight on the original fixings so I'd test a section first.

I seem to be towing something more often than not, 250 miles to do tomorrow with trailer attached, off to clear the boat ready for painting. MIL is still driving at 91..............but not with me as a passenger

However, the guy has died. Regardless of antisocialness of the guy, he obviously had an issue he needed help with, and that wasnt supported by the chaplains or others Having a boat trashed and stolen from after death is shameful.

I thought ALL airlines used that term?

I have waited until the following boat has passed, but it does mean a bit of a jog to catch up the boat again. And it gets a bit awkward if, as the following boat passes through the bridge, another comes into sight!

I too have had that very rare experience but I'd rather wait that couple of minutes, and help a newbie learn at the same time, than the more frequent hours or even days because someone drained a pound. We all have to learn best practice from others - few go out in the early days with more than the scantiest skill set - and, in reality, it is not only selfish but counter to enlightened self interest, not willingly to help others to learn in a constructive way, rather than just being grumpy (or worse) directly to them. The opportunity to teach and educate, especially youngsters, is one of the greatest delights of canal cruising. Also, if faced with a lock surrounded by a group of eg teenagers, involving them and talking with them is the best antidote to any sense of fearing them.

On buckby locks, napton locks and claydon some of the locks are so badly balanced the gates walk themselves open. Really annoying when you carefully come out of one gate on buckby shut the gate, go up to the next lock only to see both gates open themselves, and no there is no point in going back down, coz they will do it again unless you let out water. Ive hated buckby ever since I first used it in 1980, and its got worse.

I have a golden rule. My boat, in my lock, please go away. I will work the lock, my way. TD'