phildickman

Just been drawn to my attention...sorry for the families concerned. http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/news/uk-england-birmingham-15473421

Just back from Llangollen trip. By far the best meal we had was at The Red Lion in Ellesmere (next to the church opposite The Mere). In fact ate there twice, on the way and on the way back. The vegetable Tandoori sizzler is superb ! Also recommend The Bridge Inn at Chirk - down the hill from Bridge 21.

We have a fortnight out from Norbury Boatyard, departing next Friday 25th March, so we'll gain an extra hour of daylight from 27th March. The question is whether to go to Llangollen and back (139 miles, 96 locks, 77 hours) or do the 4 Counties ring (110 miles, 94 locks, 62 hours)...clockwise or anti-clockwise ? Any suggestions much appreciated, in particular Pub recommendations en routes !

Bought this Tiller pin / 9" Egyptian Cat at the most recent Ownerships show at Braunston. It reminds us of an Oscar award or Beer hand pump !! However we are still waiting to use it on our boat Silhouette. Not seen many bigger !!

Hi Modge, We cruised to Stratford last August (on our honeymoon), leaving Calcutt marina very near Napton junction, on a Friday afternoon. Friday night - Long Itchington , Saturday night - Cape at Warwick, Sunday night - Kingswood Junction, Monday night - Wilmcote. Arrived in Bancroft basin at midday on Tuesday and managed to grab the last available pontoon space (No 8), adjacent to the statues. We stayed the maximum 48 hours allowed and had a great time wandering around. No problems with the swarming tourists ! Probably the best value pub in Stratford is the Golden Bee in Sheep street (a Wetherspoons) - very near the basin - which serves good pub fayre and always has 3/4 real ales on. What's the name of your boat ? We'll look out for you ! We are staying in Stratford 5th/6th April for a long Easter weekend. Best wishes Phil

Hey...don't get carried away, it's only 40 weeks to xmas today !!

We're off on our last week's cruise of the year on 14th November from Calcutt Marina, turning right at Braunston for the 1st time and then turning round at the southern end of the Blisworth tunnel. I believe the National Waterways Museum is well worth a visit, does anyone have any other recommendations for pubs or places to visit ? Many thanks in advance.

We are going to Stratford at the end of August (from Calcutt Marina) on a fortnight's honeymoon cruise. Originally, I was hoping to do the Avon ring but as we will only cruise for 4/5 hours per day, this will probably prove too demanding, so we will probably turn round at Evesham. Does anyone know whether it is possible to buy a licence just for the Upper Avon (Stratford to Evesham) and if so how much ?