Pie Eater

Mike The Wigan flight is currently closed until the 9th March. Steve

If BW get away with this and start to collect a lot of rental from canalside properties maybe they will reduce their boating licence fees. Steve

My Bridgewater Canal licence ( MSC/Peel Holdings ) was hand delivered last Friday - the licence was delivered yesterday morning ( Monday ). A few hundred licence applications were delivered in bulk last Friday from the 6 Bridgewater boat clubs as a protest against another large rise in fees. Bridgewater Canal licenses run from January to December. Steve

Did anyone watch the NW region section of todays Politics Show? First part about canoeists wanting permission to paddle on rivers. The second section about BW sending bills to homeowners who have extended their gardens to the edge of the Lancaster Canal. Some interesting points from residents and an MP who seems to think BW have had too much money! It can be viewed on the Politics Show website if you missed it. Steve

Ours is a Liverpool Boat and we have found that having a cratch cover and a cover on the stern has made a massive difference. I would not advise altering or covering the vents. Steve

Pav Go to the boat, take possession and then arrange a crane and low loader and move it somewhere else. A fellow boater did this a few years ago without any problems. He lost money but he got his boat which was 90% completed. Steve

I suggest you follow the advice given by Smileypete and if that does not work move on to the advice given by Blackrose. Steve

Are there no boat clubs in your area? As a club member I am allowed to use the club's slipway for a week every second year free of charge and can also use the club power wash without charge. The only expense is for bitumen, brushes, rollers and anodes if needed. I used the slipway last June and did the work as follows:- Day 1 Moved boat on to slipway and power washed immediately, later that day fitted 2 new anodes and applied first coat of bitumen. Day 2 Applied 2nd coat of bitumen and started to touch up paintwork. Day 3 Applied 3rd coat of bitumen and continued to touch up paintwork. Rest of week - touching up paintwork. I must point out that the first week of June last year was a scorcher and helped with the drying. Cost of work - less than £100 Have a look on the AWCC website for a list of boat clubs in your area. Steve

Dredging is taking place in Nantwich at present - it can be seen on the webcam at www.empressholidays.com. Steve

Goldtone Get a spare cassette then you don't need to worry as much. Steve

We opted for PVC which we find easier to wipe down, our neighbouring boat which was done around the same time in the woven cloth is now covered in greenmould. Steve

We sailed from Pomona lock to Ellesmere Port Boat Museum on Coccium (40 ft Narrowboat) a few years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. We started the journey at 8.30am and were delayed for an hour at the first lock as there was a huge local fire and the lockkeepers got snarled up in the traffic. We were travelling alone and naturally went a lot faster than usual resulting in the engine overheating and cutting out which meant a short delay to cool off. At one point we were contacted by MSC by mobile phone to pull in at Partington to let a tanker past which we did without any problems at all. It was a hot & sunny day and we arrived at Ellesmere Port at 7.30pm. With hindsight it is probable better if you travel with another boat just in case of breakdowns and also if you are carrying any pets there not many places that you can stop to let them off. We did not find it hard to complete the necessary paperwork and meet all the safety requirements and would recommend the trip to anyone. Steve

Contact Mike Webb at Peel Holdings and he will send you a list of moorings available on the Bridgewater Canal or contact the AWCC for info on local cruising clubs as they have their own moorings. Local AWCC clubs that I know of in that area are Sale CC, Watch House CC and Worsley CC. Steve

We purchased our 12 volt television from a caravan shop and they are also available from chandlers. With hindsight we should have shopped around more as they are sometimes available cheaper at places like Makro. Steve

I've noticed that Bill Davies has not updated his website since October last year. Does anyone on the forum know him as I have enjoyed reading his blog about the waterways abroad. His website is www.billybubbles.demon.co.uk/ Thanks Steve

Interesting to see what the Yorkshire waterways are like as most of my sailing has been in Lancashire, Cheshire & the Midlands. Steve

I usually slow down and let boats past - and then catch them up at the next lock! Steve

Just purchased a Fire Angel CO-828 digital carbon monoxide poisonous gas alarm from B & Q - £27.98. Steve

Mark Where did you get your Fire Angel alarm from? Steve

Thanks Sue I'll look out for it when I am next in B & Q , maybe I'll get B & Q vouchers off the kids for Christmas. Steve

Can anyone recommend a good battery operated Carbon Monoxide alarm which is stocked at major DIY outlets? Steve

Sell at Boat Jumbles? Steve