Martin Megson

Is that a euphemism ?

I used and would recommend Stuart Holmes based at Peterborough boating centre. Tel 01733 566688.

The line is still there and now electrified. It seems fairly true to what was probably there at the time. The buildings in the distance are probably what is now Rose Narropwboat workshops.

Apparently, it's a painting by Barry Freeman of the Oxford canal. Details on the link below. http://steamtrainjigsaw.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/gibsons-and-barry-freeman.html

A great evening with good company, good food and a very interesting and informative talk by Mike Clarke. Thanks to CRT and the L&L Canal Society for organising the event.

According to the manual the flue on my Valor Arden should be 4.5 meters. Needless to say it isn't

I've used Towergate Mardon who paid out quickly on a claim when I damaged my rudder on an underwater obstruction.

Hi I sent an email as requested. Hope there is a space left.

Thanks for the heads up. I was planning to be in Leeds at the weekend so I'll try to get there on Thursday. Just emailed the organiser to see if there is a mooring available.

Just a small wooden wedge pushed onto the gap between the hatch and the runner. But like a door stop.

Some lovely photos of boat folk from the 40's and 50's. Although I had to laugh at the caption for the girl leaning over the bow who they claim is sunbathing. Unlikely to be sunbathing as she is resting on the T-Stud - more likely trying to repair the bow fender which is hanging off. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2213750/Inland-voyage-discovery-Unique-photos-capture-generation-work-Britains-industrial-canals.html

Mine was made by the Edwardian Bedding Co. 6' x 4' and about 7"-8" deep. http://www.edbed.com/html/narrowboat_mattresses.html

I use Odourloss instead of blue or green. Much better and hardly any smell.

Personally I would have taken the lock as you did. They have no claim on the lock and should join the queue. The only time I give priority to another boat is if they are coming in the opposite direction and the lock is in their favour. In that case if I arrived at the lock first I would let them have it rather than waste water.

Mine heats the water plus 3 radiators and a heated towel rail.

Just keep an eye on the weather forecast for the week ahead and make sure you have plenty of food, fuel, water and coal.

Your list looks to cover all the normal running costs and you have clearly done your homework. Obviously there will be unexpected maintenance costs as things wear and I see you've sensibly made a contingency for them. There should be no unexpected costs related to the transfer of ownership. Although you may want to check there is no outstanding finance on the boat for which I expect there will be a charge. Good luck with your purchase and don't worry about asking questions on the forum. I started as a newby 5 years ago and found the forum members to be very helpful.

I had no problem with mine it was updated ok. If you log on to the on-line licensing page you can check the record for your BSS.

. Only just spotted this one of my boat.

I bought one of these from Halfords and get good reception from it. Only about a foot tall and magnetic so just sits on the roof. http://www.halfords.com/technology/car-audio/dab-car-stereos/sonichi-magnetic-roof-mount-dab-antenna

A Canoe

By coincidence I'm moored up below Sileby lock tonight. My first time on the Soar and really enjoying this beautiful tranquil river.