bigray

I'd suggest either using Zoom. Teams is probably better but has a cost. With Zoom you can have up to 100 connections into the call (which isn't practical) the trick is the meeting duration is capped at 40 minutes for the free version. That said there is nothing to say you couldn't have 40 minutes, a 10 minute comfort break then another 40 minutes. We had our team meeting the other day with 50 on it but lines were muted unless you were speaking/presenting which probably isn't practical for a banter.

Well in the name of research I’ve selflessly got the Swan in the Rushes early to make sure the beer is up to standard. You can all thank me later!

There seems to be a distinct lack of care for the Duck in this thread! On a serious note it goes to show just how important it is to have alarms fitted! There are two in Python's relatively small cabin. One of them is deliberately placed at a similar height to someone's head if they were sleeping in the cabin.

You think yourself lucky we have to change our every 28 days!

The Casa Café looks like a good bet to me. I suspect those of us staying for New Years eve will have less choice for new years day.

For anyone booking the Travelodge if you sign up to their news letter you get a 5% discount code.

As I was a banter virgin last year I am saying nothing too much about the initiation but I can confirm the physical scars have healed. The mental ones...………... Sounds good to me for this year though an NYE if there are others.

I recently purchased the Impax 2500 from Screwfix (2200w continuous 2500w peak) and have to say it's a good bit of kit. It's been used for 5/6 days at an event running from around 7am to 10pm and never missed a beat.

Try calling Pete/Chris on 07985 125347 they are really helpful and experienced,

Well day 2 was an interesting mix of tidal pushes, strong currents and plenty of fresh. We left Torksey just after 8 and the tidal push really helped however the amount of fresh coming down meant we were soon fighting the flow and the nearer we got to Cromwell the harder we had to push. We met 3 boats going the opposite way but listening to the radio and talking to the Lock Keepers there was only us and a Widebeam heading upstream. The split for Newark Dyke and the Trent was challenging as it wanted to throw us all over the place but once we were past it the journey was smooth and we are now at Kings Marinain Newark ready to head to Stoke Bardolph tomorrow. Safe me to say a great time is being had by all.

As some of you may know The Chesterfield Canal Trust’s historic boat Python is going to be at Braunston Historic Boat festival. That obviously means getting her there. That journey began in earnest today when we locked out of West Stockwith onto the Tidal Trent. Although there was a fair bit of fresh coming down the tide gave us a real helping hand and progress was quick. Due to the high level and flooding some areas of the river were about twice as wide as usual and as the tide died away we pushed the Lister a little harder which has done the world of good as often on the canal she barely goes above tick over (she draws around 3ft and The Chesterfield isn’t the deepest Canal!). Suffice to say we made it to Torksey in good time and met some of the other crew members in the White Swan for a really nice lunch with a good portion size! Tomorrow will see us catching the tide at about 8am heading for Kings Marina in Newark. If you see Python on her travels don’t forget to wave!

Thanks for the input. I went for the cheaper Screwfix option in the end. One of the main reasons being the refurbished EU20 was no longer available! I'll report back when I have used it a few times.

I'm looking at buying one of the smallish quiet suitcase generators more to use with a Caravan than a boat. I'm looking at ones with a peak output of 2000w and rated for about 1500w such as the Honda EU20i. A new Honda EU20i is out of the question due to the cost but I do have the opportunity to buy a reconditioned one from a local company that has a warranty. This is still considerably more expensive than the new equivalent from somewhere like Screwfix or Machine Mart. The question is are they worth the difference. I appreciate you tend to get what you pay for but is the Honda 2-3 times better. The other option I;ve seen is a Kipor which seem to sit between the two does anyone have experience of them. It will probably get used for 2/3 hours per day on about 15 weekends of the year and is for topping up the batteries possibly some power tool use and a small microwave. Does anyone have any thoughts/recommendations? Thanks

If there are any local canal groups/trusts that aren't a million miles away they may be able to assist for a suitable donation.

I wonder if this purely relates to employed by you where the employment involves use of the boat or if for example you are a builder and let one of your employees borrow it for the weekend?

If you are having difficulty getting the right colour or paint then it might be worth speaking to Paintman https://paintman.co.uk/ he supplied the paint for the CCT boat Python and I know spent some time looking into various colours and shades.