RichardH

I recall seeing her in October on the Shroppie and thinking how good she looked. Hope you enjoy.

I find the whole deposit scenario with Calor irritating. They charge you £xx deposit when you first take a bottle and if you dutifully take it back with your deposit contract a few years later they give you diddly squat back - is it any wonder people chuck them in the hedgerow?

A good observation - I reckon out of the 50 boats moored at the marina last year at least 10 never turned a prop. People complain that hire is expensive but unless you use a boat it is far cheaper to hire (so long as you can put up with anti-hirer syndrome!)

Not hired but we know the company well. Their boats are maintained to a very high standard, their knowledge of the canals is second to none and you certainly won't spend time queuing at locks.

Would it not make more sense to choose the route before the hire base?

Moving Isabel to Droitwich at Easter to start work for a newly established hire company. And after that not a lot boating-wise as Grace is going out on a long termer. We are however going to France near the Midi so may go exploring

This is such sad news. I have never heard a bad word about the way Steve did business which in the up and down nature of this industry is a great achievement.

I have done the C&H and the Hudds Broad in a 60 footer. It was more of a challenge than a relaxing experience and very tight in some locks. But on balance, worth it as the canals are wonderful.

The reality is that damage to hire boats is either a broken cup or scratched bow OR a flooding/rudder damage. There isn't a lot in between other than the popular blocked toilet routine. So - if you are confident, negotiate, offer a deposit in lieu of damage waiver. If not pay the £50 and don't worry for the rest of your holiday (unless of course the small print has exceptions, in which case ask exactly what damage you are waivering) Chasing guests for damage incurred is very difficult and some hire companies will treat the combined waivers over the year as the winter maintenance pot.

Are people aware that Ian finally sold out to the company which bought Central Waterways Supplies last year? Shame for us as it was very handy having the emporium just down the road.

We run a single handing course - course is delivered by Charlie who is a liveaboard boater with many 100's of hours single handing experience. Based Barnoldswick but you can do it on your own boat when you buy one.

Indeed. Used to live 5 mins walk from here and they were never ever occupied. I once enquired with the local office (as it was then) and they said they were a target for vandalism so discouraged mooring. Would have been an ideal liveaboard location though as water is just across at the lock.

My sentiments exactly Nick. The wall of silence is most bizarre.

Has anyone any knowledge of the situation in Nottingham. Not surprisingly the directors are not taking calls. The original receivers are no longer the receivers and to the best of our knowledge the yard is locked up with our boat and others in it. I thought about driving down but feel it would be a fruitless experience. Thanks

Great to hear

Nice looking boat. Probably held one of the records for length of time on brokerage due to the bananas asking price for a long while. As I understand, she was one of 2 boats Doug hired out from Lower Park as Day Boats the other not surprisingly being called Punch. Seem to recall a build date of 1989 or thereabouts so one of the later craft. If you call Wayne at LPM he may still have some of the original paperwork.

Were they on their stunning boat Firefly. By odd coincidence been having some banter with the new owner of gorgeous Strumble tonight who is enjoying the attention the boat receives.

I understand that the receivers mentioned earlier in this post are no longer the receivers. Does anyone know what is going on. The temptation is to jump in my car and drive to Nottingham but there isn't much point if I just arrive to find a locked yard.

Ironically, they were recommended to us by people with positive experiences. The forum is usually a good barometer and until now I don't recall reading many bad reviews.

How did NBS lift the boats out?