Graham Davis

Curled up comfortably in a corner would describe the normal behaviour of our cat.

Does Lyons Boatyard on the North Stratford still have a crane?

I seem to remember talking to the owner of a nice looking tug moored near Kinver (??) that was painted with T & S Elements colours, who said he had had to ask there permission to use their name and colours, as they were still trading in the haulage business (just not on the canals). Sure I've got a photo somewhere.

Have a greenie!! Ditto us, too.

Coo. You learn something new every day! Method will be changed next time we are out.

I haven't a clue why, just know they do. We have a magnetic phone holder on the dash of the car and both of our mobiles will stick to it when the battery area is over it.

First paragraph, fourth sentence: "the 2nd day hirers (with 7 crew)"

If the battery is uppermost then a magnet will stick to it.

http://www.canalworld.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=40362 A more balanced view!!

Oh look, we've reached the knock the hirer's season again!

Sue, I sit firmly on the fence a lot of the time, and don't often post on here, however the "stuff" so far mentioned by this Mr Underwood has been totally negative. If he has been in touch with so many people why didn't he say that before my query. He previously implied that volunteers couldn't be found in the winter, but I know plenty of groups that are active all year round. Now he seems to be retracting his comment; a typical journalistic trick. Whilst we all may have some doubts about how the new Charity is going to cope and manage things, it is no good just criticising it. These negatives need to be covered by some ideas on how it is thought it should be done. All we seem to be getting from Mr Underwood is "It won't work", but what is needed is an explanation of why and how he/they think it should be done.

Just because you've been cruising around the system for that time doesn't mean you know all about them. How many of the various Canal Societies have you spoken to, because it appears from your writings that you know little of the hard work they put in ALL YEAR ROUND? And to be honest, being a "political journalist" doesn't inspire me with any confidence about your ability to "instruct" us on how the new Charity might do.

It appears that Morrison's have implemented a national policy not to allow any fuel to be put into any cans.

You sure you got those in the right order?

Like the look of that. They are a very good company to deal with.

Really? Wasn't like that when we were there last year.

As the details of the Harp's misdemeanors have been published in the Court Papers and are therefore in the Public Domain they can't really stop it being published here.

Do they?

Agreed, Laurence. The group that own In and Ad Hoc hold an annual meeting each year where they invariably have a canal history talk, although, unfortunately, not all of them turn up! Perhaps those that you met are some of the latter!!

Do you suggest that on top of the possible hours tuition they get about the boat they should also have a lesson on the history of the canals as well?

I know the boat well and I shall pass your comments on to the owners of Ad Hoc. (They also own In Hoc!!) I would also suggest that they were not well versed with the ways of the Northern BCN, so give them a chance.

Might help: http://www.canalworld.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=39912&pid=723741&st=0entry723741