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I am quite chuffed as I apparently did over 10000 steps yesterday and today. That included lots of locks and walking between them. And going to the pub, of course. Not bad for an 83 year old who had open heart surgery last year. Life in the old dog yet 😃.

I wonder why people bother volunteering with CRT, with all the corporate bulls**t that must come with it. The life jacket, blue jumper and 'do not cross the line' nonsense that people have mentioned. Just go down to a lock with a windlass, flask, deck chair, and volunteer to do locks for people. CRT couldn't stop you.

As Liam has a coal and gas delivery business to run on a chopped in half canal he may not have had time to be on here recently.

I wasn't complaining about the presence of volunteers ... I really don't mind them helping ... generally enjoy the chat. I mind having instructions shouted at me, and being told what to do and when. Happily this is a rarity these days, which is good because it does bring out the worst in me. Rog

The Lewis R Jenkins is still afloat! As this thread was 2006 I doubt the original poster is still registered on here, but if so, feel free to get in touch- I have the original documents of the build etc that relatives may find interesting Commented in case anyone searches for the boat name as this is the only result!

I don't believe that an engine fire is a requirement in any of the boating sectors.

Not sure your meds are strong enough Andrew ... never have been 🤣 Rog

I saw an advert asking for tree fellers the other day. I can do it but including my imaginary friend there are only two of us.

The frost apparently helps break down the fruit so it releases its juice easier, there might be a suggestion that it helps concentrate the sugars in some way as well. All of this is why it is suggested to bung them in the freezer first. Personally I think this is all bunkum, pick them when ripe and pour on the gin, shake occasionally and leave them until you remember about them then rack the gin off, 2 months as a minimum. oh i never prick them either, im far roo lazy and the gin i produce is lush We did have a lot of frosts last winter, problem is mostly after Christmas by which time most sloes would have been eaten by the various beasties that eat sloes

Well done! @Leo SS-copay Thanks for coming back with the good news. Bod

I dont want to denigrate anyone, no one is perfect, I admit to being well overweight myself, now, and I would feel better if I walked three miles every day, however, if one is 37, there may be aches and pains which can be easily alieviated by exercise, Walking is well known as an aid to a slimmer fitter body. Longevity is related to genes, body build, lifestyle, and various chance event factors. Obviously there are illnesses, disabilities, and so on, but its well known that most people can effect changes to their body, with diet and exercise.

There was one really scruffy boat moored in the centre letting the side down but I couldn't remonstrate with the owner as it appeared empty. There's always one ... thankfully this time it wasn't us 😊 Rog

the canals around the centre of Birmingham are looking particular clean and tidy, thanks to the CRT volunteers who do almost daily clean ups, and the work the BCN Society does clearing trolleys and trees, What Birmingham lacks is boats! yes, go to Brum there’s lots of mooring space 👍

I've asked the IWA Sustainable Boating Group members if anyone has any knowledge of this.

Just back from a long leisurely weekend (Thurs to Mon) and didn't see that many moving to be fair. A few going up Napton on Friday, self included, and maybe four Willow Wren boats heading towards Braunston on Saturday. Didn't even meet anyone at a bridge hole until Monday on the way back to the marina (oddly just after i'd mentioned to J we'd not met anyone, fate well and truly tempted). Saw my first hare of the year, and a nice chap picking dandelion heads whilst walking his white ferret

There'd be no problem of course if the small lock hadn't been closed for almost a year. I'm wondering if they've quietly decided to abandon it like the Weaver ones. Customer forum on Thursday ironically at Diglis, I will ask the obvious questions if someone else doesn't get them in first...

We have just come down Hurleston with the help of 3 volunteers. Apparently today is the first day " on duty ", having completed their training. Apparently the locks have been busy this morning but we had a straight run down.

This boat was built at R W Davis yard by one the employed welders. Can’t remember his name now. anyway he built it in his spare time over several years. The Shell is exactly the same in all respects as a Northwich trader but doesn’t have the open hand rails. I’ve been aboard and it’s an absolutely top notch fit out. Phil Trotter the yard owner and original builder of the Northwich tug style boats must’ve have been happy with it to allow the Davis name on this vessel

Not too sure why this IWA group would have an interest. As chair of NABO, I will have another attempt at acquiring some up to date info.

Got a result from the IWA, see attached letters from IWA and Bridgewater Canal Company. The key point is here -- "I can confirm it is the intention of...". Which does sound like good news, but I have to point out that a possibly uncosted intention is not the same as a costed/funded commitment, fine words butter no parsnips etc. etc. ... 😉 IWA.pdf

Look at this

In Braunston area I paid £55/h inc VAT last year for repairs including replacement of wooden framing in the engine bay, replacement of damaged wood panels and recoating to match existing colours. I did need to wait several weeks for their wood worker to become available though. ETA: The yard in question also mentioned that they would not take on larger jobs of more than a day or two because of existing commitments on their books at the time.

They were the rates at Newark (a while ago) We are now in North Wales and the rates are similar

No it was a small green tug 😉 Rog PS not even selling ice cream 😒

It's the same in Middlewich. The locks on the T&M are in a different region to the Branch locks. The volunteers are not allowed to cross the line. However I've just looked at the regions map and it seems this is no longer the case, they are all in the North West region. I wonder if the volunteers know.

That was the gist of a radio report yesterday. Fine in the centre, dreadful in the outskirts.

I don’t think that would be unreasonable at all. Either have a word with the lockies or phone customer services and explain the situation. Mind you last time we got stuck at Gloucester due to high river levels I went back up towards saul for a few days…less seagulls to wake you up!

I had already had that conversation with another boater when we had a discussion about whether it was morning or afternoon. We agreed it didn't matter as neither of us knew what day it was 😃 Great thing canal time.

https://narrowboats.apolloduck.co.uk/boat/narrow-boats-semi-traditional-for-sale/793161 Spotted this while browsing Apollo duck. Worth a look for the OP?

He said Bridgewater licence holders had received a letter and then he confirmed he was a licence holder, so why are there any doubts. I may be being naive but 2 and 2 have always been four to me.