Pie Eater

I don't think that many boaters would object to you jumping the queue. Steve

Cinders Have a look at the Association of Waterway Cruising Clubs website for a club in your area. Steve

We normally stop overnight at Piccadily Village and start at 8.00am the following morning. Watch out for the mooring rings on the right hand side of Piccadily Village after you have done the Rochdale nine. Steve

The bridge is now open again. Steve

Thanks for your comments everyone, I may have a look at televisions in Midland Swindlers tomorrow as it is the last of their "Freaky Friday" sales with 20% off. Steve

We have an 8 year old Thomson 12 volt television which we are having problems with the picture. The best way I can describe the fault is that when there is a football match on the pitch is RED and not green. Is it time to get a new one or can it be repaired? Steve

BW expect to give an update after the inspection tomorrow. Steve

The lift bridge has been closed again UFN as a barrier has been damaged and is failing to open. Technicians are due to inspect the bridge on Thursday 27th March 2008. Info from BW. Steve

If you are intending to go down the Ashton Canal into Manchester you can moor on the rings at Piccadilly Gardens, however, if you want to moor at Castlefield you will have to go down the Rochdale Nine locks. Steve

Another bonus for going anti clockwise on the Cheshire Ring from Nantwich is that if you get in front you could spend some time on the Llangollen canal before returning your boat to base. Steve

Lovely spot to pick plus plenty of activity on the staircase locks - will you be fishing or helping at the locks? Steve

Ours is a Liverpool Boat and we have had no problems on the Llangollen, however i do admit to leaving the fenders down on the Middlewich branch and getting stuck for a short while in one of the locks. Steve

John We named our boat after our home town (Wigan). Apparently there was a Roman fort called Coccium in or around where Wigan town centre is now, however we cannot prove as we were not around at that time! Steve

The BW site shows 2 different times for March, check with BW at Wigan to find out which is correct. Steve

Check with Mike Webb 0161-629-8200 and he will tell you if the work is on target. Steve

We also use mer once or twice a year. Steve

I've been up to 4 mph on the wide sections of the Bridgewater! Steve

Early morning starts work for me, I can take my time while most other boaters are still in bed. Steve

Middlewich Big Lock for the first sail of the season. We will be stopping below the lock so it should be an easy run from Lymm as we only have Dutton stop lock and the 3 tunnels to contend with. Steve

You could also find out when the next BW user group meeting is for your area and raise the point there. The meetings are usually held in March and October every year. ( The Leeds & Liverpool and Lancaster Canals User Group meeting is next thursday at the Wigan Office ) This way you may get to speak to the person who can do something about it. Steve

Blimey, 80p per litre must be an all time record. Steve

I agree, it is a good website but not enough boaters know about it. I filled up in February and e mailed the site with the up to date prices and the website was updated a couple of days later. If you fill up with diesel you should e mail rad56mail-diesel@yahoo.co.uk with the new prices and they will update the site. Steve

Bring everything you need to stay warm and dry, then if there is a heatwave you can always take them off. Forecast for tonight is -3 but getting warmer towards the end of the week. Steve

Pave it, no chance as Peel Pirates will build on it! Steve

To book a passage through Pomona Lock onto the River Irwell you need to contact Mike Webb at Peel Holdings ( 0161-629-8266 ) and he will arrange it. This years fee is £20 per lockage - ie if you go down and back up on different days it it £40. However if you go down and back up on the same day it is only £20. The lock keepers normally meet you at Pomona Lock at 8.30am and give you the necessary paperwork and maps showing areas out of bounds etc. I would advise you to book in advance to give Mike time to arrange for the lockies to be on duty. There are mooring areas near the Lowry and also outside the Mark Addy pub. Steve