Sheila in Sanity

A group of volunteers from our marina (Mercia) have adopted a length of towpath, about a mile, between the marina and Willington village. We have regular litter picks on that length in addition to various improvement projects in association with C&RT. Since the litter picks started the condition of the towpath with respect to litter has significantly improved. This supports the argument that litter attracts litter. In general I prefer Maffi's approach but it certainly seems to help here that people are seeing the volunteers at work and commenting on the work being done. And our group is mainly boaters. To give C&RT their due, they are promoting the idea of local groups adopting lengths of the Trent and Mersey and tidying them up. It strikes me as a very good way of using volunteers as I quite see that C&RT haven't the money to get the work done commercially.

Personally I prefer the Four Counties clockwise just because the by-washes on the Shroppie can be quite fierce and are easier to manage going down the flight. As far as recommending pubs is concerned it's always risky because things change so quickly. Someone else can do the recommendations for beer but we have eaten well at: The Italian restaurant canalside at Wheelock The Toby Carvery at Etruria Marina The pub by the Post Office in Great Heywood, I think it's the Clifford Arms Hope this helps.

All good stuff. The thing I particularly like about The Giving Machine (I don't know Easy Giving I presume that's the same) is that I am making the trader give a bit of their advertising budget to my favourite charity.

For those who shop online it's worth looking at The Giving Machine. If you register with The Giving Machine and specify a charity that you wish to support then every time you make a purchase through that site a donation is made to your specified charity. They have already recruited a fair range of internet traders. The important thing to remember is that you must go first to The Giving Machine site then click their link to get to the traders site. If your favourite charity is not on their list it is easy to add it. I added C&RT with no problem. It may only be pence at a time but pennies add up. I initially suffered a bit of junk e-mail advertising but it was only a question setting my preferences correctly. ETA to remove duplicate signature

I agree they are nice moorings but assuming you have a deadline for getting back to Etruria to hand the boat back you would be gambling on getting through the tunnel early enough. Much safer to get through the tunnel the day before and have your last night south of the tunnel. All the best Sheila

You would need to be through the tunnel so I would suggest that your choice is: The south end of Harecastle tunnel: bit dreary but about the right distance Westport Lake: much pleasanter but I'm not aware of any shops or pubs within convenient walking distance Back at Etruria on the towpath before the last canal bridge: means you'd have no last morning cruise but if you want a final meal out the pub at the marina is pretty good Enjoy your trip Sheila

I once phoned the VAT hot line on behalf of my employers to clarify an issue with trade with Ireland. We followed the clear instructions we received and did not pay VAT on the trade. At the next VAT inspection the Inspector told us that was completely wrong and we should have paid tax. We not only had to pay the arrears but a fine as well. The inspector told us that we couldn't possibly have received the advice that we reported. Unless you have the facilities to record your call I would always either email or use snail mail so you have proof of the advice you receive.

That may be true but it depends what sort of policy she has. Unless she has a "new for old" deal she will still be looking for second hand replacements for many of her possessions. Wouldn't it give more personal feeling to her boat if members can help her with replacements rather than buying stuff from strangers on ebay or wherever?

It's not clear if you are looking for one person to do both things. Mike Carter is a good BSS examiner in your neck of the woods. 07831 184495 http://www.marinesurveysltd.co.uk/index.html No commercial connection, just a satisfied customer.

We visited Debdale once for pump out and diesel and will not be going back. Late opening, very off hand service and our paintwork scratched by a damaged waling bar just where we had to moor for service. This is our experience, although I know others speak well of it. Sheila