Geoff

Thanks for the replies, looks like time to break the piggy bank open ! Geoff

Hi All BSS test due in a couple of months so I'll start phoning round shortly for some prices. 4 years ago I paid about £90, and I was just wondering what the "going rate" was now. Geoff

Without wishing to start the CC debate again, the CC Rules are at http://www.waterscape.com/media/documents/1862.pdf Whether its enforced or not is the luck of the draw, but at least be aware before you commit yourself Geoff

Now why couldn't I find that ? Thanks Alan

Hi All My boats due its BSS test in June. Does anybody know. if I have it done a bit early, is the certificate dated from the expiy of my current one (as in car MOT's if done within a month from expiry) or from the actual date of the test. If it is "post dated to the old certificate" how lomg prior to the old certificate expiring can it be done. Cheers Geoff

Agreed ! Panic over 347 mph winds now a mere 10 - 15

Just had a quick look ot Metcheck to see what the weathers going to be for the next few days as I'm off w**k http://www.metcheck.com/V40/UK/FREE/7days....ipcode=solihull Think it may be a good chance to try winding in adverse weather !! Or maybe they've got it wrong ? Geoff

Hi All Knowing that boating and the "Odd Bottle of Wine" mix well, just thought I'd let you know whats about on ebay for the "serous drinker" Enjoy http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/EXTREMELY-RARE-CORKS...A1%7C240%3A1307 Geoff

Many Chandlers sell them if your near to one. I'm sure Midland Chandlers do and they offer a mail order service. ( Last time I used them it was next day delivery and only charged £1 for a small item) Dont forget you may also need a BW Handcuff Key for some of the locks depending where your going. Geoff

Bought one of these little gizmo's from Maplins and it's saved loads of "Left a bit, no, right a bit etc" from SWMBO http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?Module...al&doy=24m7 Geoff

Some of the locks can be a bit tight especially round the Wilmcote area, mainly caused by gates refusing to open fully. Make sure you don't have fenders down as that can mean the difference between sucess or not !. (Yes I know fenders shouldn't be down in locks but it's often seen). Can't comment on the length as my boat is only short but it's mainly the width that can cause problems. Geoff

Bought some from a local glazing firm not long ago, Brand name - Fablon, only about £5 for a sq metre Geoff

Bob I live reasonably close to Wootton Wawen and have a boat moored at Knowle on the Grand Union Canal just North of Lapworth. If you need to know anything specific PM me and I'll try and help. Unfortunately Stratford Basin area is undergoing a facelift at the moment and you may well encounter some building work. When I go to Stratford I usually get a day licence and go on the River Avon - much more peaceful overnight. Note there are very few shops on the Southern part (Stratford - Lapwoth) other than a good little store at Wootton itself so make sure you have enough supplies Good pubs at Wilmcote (Shakespeares Birthplace), Wootton Wawen (right by the hire yard), Lowsonford, Lapworth. Earlswood (Cider House - be careful the cider is lethal !! ) and probably the last one is the Drawbridge at Shirley. After that the area becomes more residential and the area North of Shirley towards Kings Norton has no recommended stopping places Regards Geoff

Can it be picked up on a standard satellite system (I've got the Maplins Camping suitcase one) or do you need to get the proper Freesat /Freeview receiver box ? Cheers Geoff

Give this firm a try Battery factory shop, Unit 20, Rovox Business park, Hay hall road, Tyseley. 0121 683 1113. May not be open every day Geoff

According to an ex Fire Officer, doing a recent work related fire course I was on, the AFFF (foam extinguishers) were (are ?) safe to use on electrical fires due to the way they atomise the water jet. The problem is with the residue afterwards which obviously becomes a liquid and would conduct electricity Geoff

Viv Your direction of travel will be decided by which station you need then. Going clockwise will lead you to Warwick Parkway, Hatton and Lapworth Stations, anti-clockwise will take you past Leamington. Geoff

Short term licenses are available from the Tourist Information Office (also one of the dayboat places nearby but I cant remember which one) adjacent to Bancroft Basin. Geoff

I was down there earlier this year and definitely think its worth going onto the river for a bit more privacy. £5 or thereabouts for a day ticket, (24hr) but not allowed through any River locks. Geoff

Is this what your thinking of http://www.diagonallock.org Geoff

Tony Looking at your itinery, on day 2 I'd suggest you carry on past Acocks Green and overnight at Catherine de Barnes. Good Pub there and your clear of "Bandit Country". You should then get down the Hatton flight on day 3. Geoff

Mike, Simple answer that I tried when my boat was last out of the water, have a look in your pocket for a 2p coin, and drop that in Fits a treat !! Just dont tell the Bank of England Geoff