Bernie

Yes everynight before they go to bed.

Where abouts on the L&L? I do know that there is a self PO at White Bear Marina for which you get the credit card type thingies from there. Leesan and Midland Chandlers also do a self PO kit which you do use from the PO slot on the outside of the boat, but they can be hard work and need a lot of 'elbow grease' Although we tend to stop at either a boatyard or a self PO station, last year we did meet a couple of liveaboards who do what you are suggesting though they used the normal outlet on their boat via the self PO kit. These kits cost a little under £200 to include all the piping and fittings.

Otherton Boat Haven near Penkridge very often have a few vacant winter moorings, I don't have the phone no to hand but will try to find it for you, although due to lock closures at this time of the year there maybe some difficulty in getting there.

The last time we went to Whaley Bridge which was last summer most of the moorings were taken up by licenced boats on private BW moorings. Many boats were turning away due to lack of space, in the end one of the liveaboards pointed us in the direction of a recently vacated private mooring and we were OK there for a couple of days. A few years ago when Bugsworth reopened for a little while we stayed in there for a few days, there was loads of room, in fact we were the only boat there on the last day.

In the 20 years that we have been boating, all that we have ever done over the winter is open all the taps, lower the shower head to floor level, drained the loo, drained the water tank down to half and turned the water off at the stop cock under the foredeck. If you have a gas water heater then open the drain valve and drain. We have never had any problems by using this method. We visit and use the boat frequently to check that all is OK.

Not that I'm aware of, you are all and don't need

Everyone has it David, but you can only see your own. I and Jon have explained this previously, but can't find the post now. In the past we had a couple of unsavoury posts, so it is there as a safety measure, anyone who uses foul language or insults or repeatedly spams the forums then first a warning is given and these little things show the degree prior to banning the person. You never know who is going to register as a troll so the protection is there for all members.

The shower surrounds in our boat is lined with formica to match the top of the vanity unit, and I must say looks very smart.

Yes Middlewich Narrowboats are still going, though with new owners and several new boats. They have recently changed to all diesel including the cookers and heating, so no gas on board. I don't know the cost of hiring them now, but I don't think it will be cheap anymore since the new owners are a conglomerate from down South. Even the cost of hiring the drydock and bottom blacking has escalated.

Do any other sites that you visit make you log on each time? Just a little thought.

Looks as if it is so Oliver. I have just logged out and get the same thing. Afraid I didn't notice before because I have the little box ticked to aways remember me and I don't need to log in each time since I also have the cookie saved on my PC. I think it's a safeguard, otherwise goodness knows what kind of pics and articles for sale might find their way onto the site.

Yeast is supposed to ferment and ingest the bacteria that cause the odours.

No problems with the switch fitted inside our shower cubicle, it's at the rear near to the taps.

Have a good trip Paul, hope the weather is kinder to you than it was for us this week.

I'll give you old, don't mind the clever bit though Richard.