Ronniesonic

If you can afford to donate then it can only help. I am just glad no lives were lost. £5 given. There is one mahoozive hole in one of our beautiful canals. I do not like that, regardless of what P&L sheet it comes under to fix!

as it's Monday & positivity is normally for Sunny Friday evening's only, I wonder this......... If C&RT have got less money, how can this proactivity be financed? Does this mean that BW, with their extra funds just shaffed Maintenace etc? Isn't the Senior Management the same under C&RT? I am not trying to be negative, just pleased but slightly worried this is just a 'launch honeymoon thingamebob' attempt to show willing. I also am becoming impressed with Sally Ash. Nothing but good comments from peeps who have met her 1st hand. I hope the positive start continues. BTW, It's just stopped raining in Coventry @ 15.12.

And as if by magic the official 'initial' story from today's Coventry Evening Telegraph; AMBITIOUS plans have been put forward to transform derelict land in Coventry which has become a magnet for crime. A proposal for a huge marina off Aldermans Green Road has been submitted to the city council. The land used to be the site of a power station but has become overgrown, attracting vandals and drug users. The scheme would provide 225 berths for canalboats as well as 24 new homes, 35 industrial units and a large conservation area. Architects Lapworth have drawn up the plans on behalf of the landowner Bulkington-based TIS Worldwide. The 11.9 hectare site was formerly a power station, which was opened in 1928 and demolished in 1979. The land has since been used for tipping until it was landscaped in the late 1990s. In a planning statement the architect said the marina, which would be linked to the Oxford Canal, will help tackle the “horrific security issues”. “The site has suffered greatly from crime and disorder for many years,” the report reads. “The site owners and the architects have met with local residents from the early stages and have discussed the proposals with them in some detail. There have also been meetings with the ward members, police, power authorities and the head of the local residents’ association and British Waterways to help inform the design. The feedback from the local community has been full support for the proposals which they see as a route to help solve the problems of crime and disorder on the site and the canal towpath.”Initial responses to the council from people living near the site have been supportive. One respondent said: “Good stuff. The area has become run down and unloved. We are 100 per cent behind the idea.” Another said: “We feel that the proposed marina would be good for the area and offer regeneration to the land in question, which would bring in much-needed jobs and wealth and an overall improvement to the area and the local community.” Lonnie Downes, chairman of Longford Can (Community Action for our Neighbourhoods) said: “They have been consulting with us for about 18 months. We suggested a few tweaks and they have incorporated these into the plan. Residents are supportive of the plan. We have had a lot of crime at the site, including drugs, as well as problems with motorbikes and quad bikes. There is a lot of green and blue on the plans which has been welcomed by the local community.” As well as the marina, the area would include a bistro/restaurant, a retail unit for special boat supplies, a boat yard for repairs and maintenance and a site office. The parkland area would be developed with further planting and more bird boxes. If you are still awake, I thought this wouls support my ramblings from this morning. I THINK THIS IS A GOER! How much the berths will cost?.... This is the key, as others have eluded to. If they can undercut the local competition if might help to re-adjust 'maket forces' & make the others come into the real world? I understand you will even have continual water during the winter months....... not like some local Marinas....

Morning all- A new proposed 225 berth Marina with FULL associated facilities, houses, units, lock, footbridge etc in Coventry. To give an idea of exactly where it is please use Google maps or Earth to have a butcher's. The Development is sited on the very large old 'tip'/power station land behind the 'Greyhound' from the start of the North Oxford down to the now defunct Elepahnt & Castle (now being developed into a moozive house!) This land is currently, at it's peak 8mtrs above canal level & is used by dog walkers, off road bikers & drug users etc. The development of this area will also incorporate Houses (not many), industrial & retail units (not many) plus a nature reserve. Usual drill! I have no association with the developers. Just thought everyone should know, especially those who boat / live in the midlands. Having read the full details etc I think it is an excellent idea to regenerate wasted land (IMHO). The interesting bit is the 'lock' requirement. The application has just entered public consultation stage & letters issued to local residents etc.. Also 'gas' testing holes have been drilled etc as the older locals twll aotries of what industrial waster was dumped on this site. However, many tress & shrubs seem ok on this land. I will be interested to see as this progresses. I do not know if this Developer is the same that proposed earlier this year to have a 'similar' plan for the old Hawkesbury golf Course? As the crow fly's, 400mtrs from the latest plan. Thinking ahead, if all goes to plan, the stop lock at sutton stop should be interesting in the height of summer! Have a good week all. eidted- should have said 'full monty' in the title.........

Nigel, with the greatest respect, I thought this thread would go away as it get's my goat. All this legal mumbo jumbo & poncing around the subject is crazy. Basically, you & others like you 'blatantly' take the piss too much..... end of. That is the crux of it, regardless of whether BW did not follow 'procedures' correctly. You may be very intelligent but that does not make you 'smart'. Please note the words 'blatantly' & 'too much'. Rocket science it ain't!

Hi FORTUNATA- I fairly new on here & just finished catching up with this thread. Enjoyable, I think. Have you been able to find any employment even if just part-time & not your ideal? Last time I was unemployed I worked for nothing, took a chance & through my efforts my 'not paying' me boss (he could not afford to take anyone on at the time but needed some help) helped get me a job through another Business. I cleaned toilets, painted, attended meetings, made tea, filed accounts, assisting in basic marketing, basically got stuck in. His Business is now doing well, as am I. I wish you success & hope any effort you make, above the 'norm', eventually gets rewarded. Genuine post, so I hope you are not winding us all up & are a secret millionaire teasing us.

Hello Laurence- Firstly may I compliment your determination. Secondly, I have enjoyed your publications. However, I have to take you to task on the above. BW did not require additional funding. In my earlier post I made reference to having read their Accounts. This coupled with the other REPEATED mistakes is damning evidence that the Senior Management Team are not fit for purpose. As for the latest renumeration package details, Tolkein could not make it up. It's tier 2 Football territory. Ironic really, remembering that they also get paid when they fail. BW & the vast sums they had at their disposal have NOT improved the Canals immensly. Without being flippant, this is akin to having a derilect house with no windows, subsequently having one window fitted, with the appraisal being, 'immensely improved'. Why should we accept mediocre? BW may have done good things but their crime is all of the things they did not do. I personally cannot understand how this regime was allowed to continue, let alone be heading C&RT? I sincerely hope I eat humble pie on this but I have zero evidence to make me have a more positive outlook. If I can be flippant to finish, I made a Football reference earlier. Therefore an appropriate, topical, terrace chant about C&RT could be; ''Are you G4S in disguise......... are you G4S in disguise''

my concerns are one of fiscal prudence & Management. Having analyzed previous BW accounts I am astounded. In fact, shocked to the core would be an understatement. The excessive renumeration packages being the least of my concerns within the numbers. I sincerely hope C&RT are successful. However, it appears to me that it is essentially the BW Team, albeit with a smaller guaranteed revenue stream. Therefore, knowing of their blatant repeat mistakes, catastrophic investments, non priorty of preventative maintenance, to list just a few, that they were so obviously not fit for purpose it beggars belief? I salute the volunteers, workers on the ground, boaters, walkers, cyclists, fishermen & the direct debit donors. Imagine what could be achieved with a leadership that remotely knew what it was doing......... In conclusion, I currently have zero faith on C&RT's capabilities to fulfill it's obligations, based on the evidence available.

Hi All- Fairly new here but love my boat & the Canals. When does cleaning your boat too much allow you entry into the 'shiny' brigade? I wonder........... I quite like cleaning, it's therapy, nearly. I also fold towels & clothes to a design... A little OCD. So when does it become too much? Should those in Marinas that clean their boats without even moving it employ a yoof to help the austerity measures some of us face? When out & about, should you clean the 'cut side' of your boat whilst perched on the gunnies doing an impression of Stallone in Cliffhanger? Is this foolhardy or ok? Will the H&S Police round me up if I do it? It's a Monday, so light hearted please & no offence meant. Me personally, I hate brass!!! The only childhood chore that sends shivers down my spine is remembering my mum make me clean the Brass letter box at our house every day, including weekends. I also had a double paper round & a veg round in an old pram. I had zero cred, ginger hair, glasses & middle name of Ronald too. I could run quick though Where was Esther with her Childline then eh!?

fair shout Chris. Did consider this, varying between 10-20ft addition. Twofold as to why not. Additional Cost & existing short swims. Having one awkward girl to deal with is enough. Only time will tell, but as stated, no plan to ever sell & we are frugal about space reqd to function & be fairly comfy. 30ft was ok actually, but a smidgen more will be like having a palace. I / we can wash by hand, cook on a hob, carry a cassette & coal & do not mind Council TV. 5 channels is too many anyway. CD player a must though. We love simple, practical boating, but each to their own. The less to go wrong the better. Appreciate your knowledge & guidance moving forward. KR

Athy- Pondered for ages the keep vs sell scenario. I decided to keep Donna & the boat I always regretted selling my Chopper bike when I was a kid for some fandangled trendier '5 speed' racer. We love our boat, thus the challenge, excitement & heart in mouth probability is a calculated risk. We intend to keep until clogs pop. As they say, you only live once. She will be renamed (out of the water at the wench's request- I do not do hocus pocus superstition)'S'argamassa'. The place where we first went on Holiday together in Ibiza. Back in a time when I could still take my top off without Greenpeace chucking me back in the sea when I fell asleep on the beach. I will update on progress. Shall I start a bog or CC thread to put the cat amoungst the pigeons? Not yet, still got a pile so naughty step may prove uncomfortable

Thanks Alan- Bang on what I was looking for. Appreciate the temps. I guess we will have to keep her back doors open... so to speak. I will approach Salamander to discuss terms. The back cabin had a stove previously in her life with a 'hole' already in place, albeit covered up. I wonder what the overall price will be inclusive of collar & the other gubbins. I will report back cheers Athy. You are correct. I love the Boatman stove. Have done business with Eddie of Northern Fabrications before. A Boatman confirmed for the bow end.

Good Morning all- I have been a member for a while but have just digested info, banter, comedy etc & the other day popped me cherry & did my first post in the 'new to boating' section at the top, page 41). Now then, assuming you will have read my little introduction post I now need a little advice. All comments welcome & micky taking more than welcome. Thick skin here in Sunny (I kid you not!) Coventry. Our boat is being extended from 30 to 40ft. Revised dimensions to give you a flavour. From stern, all centre corridor until end of galley; Counter (2ft 7'') Trad under engine area & back cabin are to become one 'mostly a day use when cruising area'. (3ft 5'' + 4ft 2'')removing bulkhead. 'Bog & wash' rejig to close corridor & make room (4ft). Galley 'L' shape (6ft 3'') 'L' Shape dinette for munching / kipping (6ft 3'') Open plan area with 'Boatman' stove & god forbid even a little telly (7ft 4'') well & Bow (6ft). General; 12v, 2 Leisure & 1 Engine batts ,single Alternator, 1500BMC full recon. =40ft Question; I want a little stove in the back cabin. Thinking Faversham / Salamnader 'pipsqueak' / another? As you can see from above, the engine & back cabin area is only 7ft 7 inches. It will have 4ft side 'make up' benches for occasional guests. So what likkle stove do you suggest for 'on top of' the engine area to the side? My final question is whether to stay with cassette or not?......... My current stereo does not take CD's & I am considering 'pumping out' music via a CD player. What do you think? She aint no 'Lionel Monkey' winner but we love her so so much & spending saved cash on her. Rather this than waste on poxy foreign holidays or giving to the kids to waste etc. They can wait until I dont wake up again. Looking forward to joining in with the forums Kevin Ronnie & Donna

Hello to all We are relatively new to boating having purchased a sexy little 1984 30 footer (NB) just over 2 years ago. I joined the forum a while back having digested all the info & continue to do so. We love the canals & have become obsessed. I love seeing my decreasing circle of friends 'glaze over' as I waffle on about all things boaty. Love the forum & I intend to contibute from now on as exciting times beckon............ I will briefly explain. We were to be liveaboards (age 44 & 42). However, our 2 children have grown up to be useless thus far (the truth hurts). Therefore we have an obligation to bring them into line... I trust you get the picture.... So, 30 foot will soon be 40 foot with a rejig of existing interior & a repaint. My halfway house by way of not decending into a deep dark place & venting my extreme frustrations on the pesky offspring. Looking forward to banter, education, disagreements & LOL moments Kevin Ronnie & Donna