scrumpylurcher

We enjoyed the company of 3 CRT Staff in early Oct, they travelled from Banbury to Fenny with us and happily shared in all the work. They were from different regions and certainly they and us enjoyed the experience and we all learnt something. Another trip was arranged but the lady concerned was unable to make it. As mentioned Damian Kemp appears to link up staff and boaters and is looking for more boaters for next year. damian.kemp@canalrivertrust.org.uk

I can confirm that Braunston Historic Festival is June 28th and 29th

We always remove the shower mixer unit which I can easily isolate, any water trapped in it seems to be prone to freezing and damaging the unit. We have never used any heat and never drained tanks. Over the last few years we have experienced extreme temperatures without problems apart from shower mixer. I would always isolate the water tank and switch off the water pump. This means 5 mins work sees the boat useable with the exception of the shower, that takes another 5mins.

You cannot be that far from Braunston , have a chat with Jonno at UCC.

I have a friend who is seriously considering moving there from Braunston. He has visited and spoken to them and seems satisfied - time will tell.

Ours was rebuilt by Danny Williamson, he suggested 250hrs. I think a change in the autumn if you are not using the boat and then in the spring makes sense, water is the biggest enemy any engine. Changes through the season, or all the year if it is in use at 250 hr intervals seems sensible, the capacity is quite small compared with some engines. Danny recommended Silkolene Chatsworth but any quality straight 30 grade oil should be ok

u Umm. not for sale and if it was there might be a queue Yes the second unit is in Yogi`s boat and at present he is over the moon with it - from what I gather it was not a particularly cheap job, but time will tell.

Someone else may no better than me but I believe that Redshaws imported 2 of these Indian built engines into the UK 2 or 3 years ago. they rebuilt both of them, one was fitted to Percy which was Tony`s boat which he has since sold. The second unit was fitted to another boat very recently (10 Days or so) this work being done on the dockside at Braunston Boats. I am fairly sure that Tony is near retiring and my opinion is that they are not rushing to import more of these units. I dont wish to comment on their company engine skills, I wouldn't however take my 2L2 to them.

The link takes you to the requirements for traders who may allow public access to their boat. Most of us selling such as craft items fall into the low risk trader category where the requirements are slightly less onerous. If anyone feels they might need a traders lic they should discuss it with CRT who will offer advice, I still feel IMHO that Stary`s position does not.

I think Brian is probably correct, what Stary is doing does not really fall into the trading category. However we all know how CRT/BW like to move goalposts. I would certainly hope that any traders being promoted by WW are in fact legally licenced by CRT. The categories referred to in the posters original topic would all require trading licences.

Braunston is very similar to Whilton, but possibly slightly superior, Crick never used to give out sets of keys before but I now understand it comes under ABNB, they have never allowed unescorted viewing unless you are seriously considering buying a particular boat, ie 2nd or 3rd viewing. My advice has always been to use the Whiltons to gain some knowledge, but if you want serious input and advice look to the Rugby Boats and the ABNB`s of this world

They usually advertise it on the back page of Waterways World, it is not on the latest issue received this week. My guess would be middle or end of Oct.

The Nelson are putting a hard standing near the hedge in the corner where they normally have barbies, the work will affect space in the garden for a short while but shouldn't course too much inconvenience.

Monarch is owned by Sam and her partner, He works for Braunston Marina as does Julian (owner of Vulcan) both boats normally moored at Braunston although Monarch is at Alvecote this weekend

John, I see no reason of any sort for you to feel guilty, everything you have done was for the best reasons. CRT needed, and will continue to need, constructive comments from the users of its services. Reports I have read and heard re your conversations with CRT was that they were constructive, it is they that now choose not to listen to us. You are the one who got up and did something along with others of a similar mind, that is to be commended regardless of the outcome.

I fall into a similar category, my experience with CRT as a volunteer in the Braunston area have been positive, and a vast improvement on our experiance with BW. It galls me that CRT use figures or licence fees as boaters contributions to the canals. They fail to acknowledge nationally the number of volunteer hours put in by volunteers who in many cases are boaters. We have an excellent relationship with CRT Ground Staff and the Volunteer Leaders, I am now seriously concerned as to the new direction that appears to be happening.

There is little more you or the others involved who have been involved could have done John. Many of us, including some CRT staff have tried very hard to assist the changes and to promote CRT as a viable alternative to BW. I find it hard to take on board John Dodwells seeming change of heart, there is obviously a major change taking place which we will need to deal with in the very near future. It seems a shame that our offers of assistance have been rejected. I certainly see no reason for you, John, to feel and guilt over what you have attempted to do

There have been several warning signs evident to me recently that would confirm what John is saying. I would have liked to think it was me being paranoid but it seems not. I am afraid that the canals have become a business and the history is to be removed or forgotten. They also seem to ignore the fact that the movement of boats is what keeps the canal alive. After all the talk of liaison and talking to boaters I would be interested to know who it is that has pulled the plug on these initiatives.

Redshaws lease was not renewed, I understand that they have a unit in Daventry but I am not sure where.

Met several members for the first time during the weekend, Blisworth should be near the top of the list for enjoyable festival weekends. Jan and Alan and their team of volunteers go to so much trouble to make it happen. Better still, all the money raised finds its way back into the canal and its surroundings in Blisworth. We have already booked again but it seems a bit sad, we are always so busy we don't really get a chance to see everything. Roll on 2014.

We shall be there with NB Fat Rascal and Foscote Crafts, make yourselves known if you are passing

The family now owning and operating the Nelson welcome everybody including their dogs. Their menu is not the cheapest and this might deter some people, the quality however seems consistent and good. They need to create trade that will continue through the year which means appealing to others besides boaters, their restaurant is probably aimed towards this.