breesey

I know a lot of time has passed, but did you manage to find a copy @BuckbyLocks? I've been desperately searching for this episode for decades having watched it when it was first broadcast. I particularly remember it featuring the Anderton boat lift in its "unrestored" form.

Heading south towards Stourport on the S&W recently, another boat (heading north) said they'd been told by a lockkeeper to tie up on the Severn overnight because the Stourport staircase locks close at 4pm. A quick Google revealed no mention of lockkeepers or a closing time in Stourport. (Locks on the Severn are currently open 0800-1600). I'm not sure whether the CRT staff at the locks were volunteers - but surely if a boater wants to use the locks in their absence (assuming other rules and regs permit) then they may. Mooring on a canal is surely always safer than a river.

When were the duplicate locks decommissioned? Lots of photos up to late 1940s

I know there are only 8... John was very helpful - he didn't go over the top and only set the next lock each time. Those on shore chatted to him. --R

I thought it might be polite to provide feedback after our stay. No problems whatsoever staying at Bumble Hole, opposite the visitor centre (which closed the moment we arrived and reopened the moment we left). No sign of its recent occupation by unwanted visitors. Only 2 comments to make: * The geese do leave an awful lot of partially digested grass about the place * The Old Swan (Ma Pardoe's) doesn't allow anyone under 16 through the door [that's their prerogative, it's just a shame they have no website that might enlighten you before you visit] - so we had some takeaway beer instead. Our stay outside the Samson & Lion was also a success, with no problems. It's no gastro pub, but the welcome was friendly; the beer was good; and the bar snacks ridiculously good value - the four of us ate for £10! Any idea who the helpful chap at the Delph 9 is? He was pleased to see us proceeded to set the locks for us.

Thanks Dave - Ma Pardoe"s is one of the attractions...Sounds like we'll give it a go at Windmill End - we're not practising for the BCN challenge - just looking for a safe mooring

Thanks everyone. Victor - I certainly mean that neck of woods - it was a precise location I was after. I think I mean neat the Visitors' centre having looked again

We're thinking of mooring at Bumble Hole for a night next week. 1) Is this sensible? 2) When people say they've moored at "Bumble Hole" do they mean the Dudley mainline or the Bumble Hole Loop? Is Harris's Yard usable and does it have overnight visitor moorings? Any advice welcome. 65ft boat. Thanks.