Jennifer McM

Thanks for all the tips! Especially the one about taking an umbrella to a trapeze act! Mind boggles! Ta Da........ Wish I could say it was a 'first attempt', it was probably 13th time lucky! Still beauty is in the eye of the beholder they say, and I am very pleased! Really pleased people here pointed me in the right direction!

Thanks for that tip! Including the bare foot one! Wouldn't recommend what I did to the 'melt' the ends... I held each strand over a gas flame on the hob, with a piece of wet kitchen towel at the ready to damp the melted end down and amalgamate the fibres. Result - a burnt thumb! Melting it outside using your system, is a much safer way. Thanks!

I had a go splicing a loop, it works! Not very pretty, but it's worked" Called in to see Tradline today, what a lovely couple that runs it! I told them about this post and how people have recommended them, they are delighted! Bought a 'kit' which has a brochure to teach, a Swedish Fid, a length of rope, and some twine to finish off the rope ends. Was also given for free a length of three coloured rope to practice. Fantastic.... now I'm going to become an 'expert'! Thanks everyone!

Thanks Dave! Think John and Gillie had a chat about it, and Gillie did offer, but John didn't like to take up her offer because of her splint (hope the wrist is better?). Plus we didn't have a spare rope at the time, we do now though, John's had a dig around in the engine 'ole and found a couple of spares. We were going to see the knot man (sorry forgot his name) by the 'Cape of Good Hope', he was open on Saturday, but I think we stayed by the fire all day cos of our colds. We moved on Sunday, and obviously his shop was closed. Gillie did talk about the man in Braunston. Thank you everyone for your kind advice - I'm going to have a go! Might even post a pic! We'll certainly drop into Tradline! The youtube looks just the job - thanks for sharing. Thank you very much Bizzard for your offer! Really didn't think we could do this, but your comments have give me confidence!

We are on our way to Braunston, where we believe there is a workshop that will re-splice ropes. Our bow rope has become frayed near to the 'loop' end. It would be easy enough for some expert to cut the frayed bit off, and make another loop. Does anyone know where this workshop is? Or, Would it be more economical to buy a new one from a chandler? Recycling and supporting canal businesses is appealing. Thanks for any help!

Thank you Mike!

I'm pretty certain that's what she said, I told her we were near Calcutt and asked if she was in the area. She gave me tel no of her colleague that's now doing it (this could be where wires got crossed), but he didn't answer. We were nearlly out of coal and logs, so we popped into wigrams. Thank you perley and Ssscrudy

Thanks Top Cat, will search on FB!

I'm having difficulty finding fuel boats, I've email one to find their location and haven't had a reply, yesterday I contacted JulesFuels and found they aren't doing it anymore, but I was given a telephone number for her colleague, which didn't 'pick up'. I agree with you Billy about keeping the trade on the cut. We've only been CCing for 2 months and have a lot to learn yet

Yesterday, at Wigrams Turn Marina diesel pump price was 59.627

No problem Paul, we're moored next to the Two Boats (pub), going towards Stockton locks today.

Thanks everyone - incident now lodged with Warwickshire Police! They didn't comment except to say it sounds dodgy, and took description of man, who was about 45-50, and Asian.

As the title suggests, I'm just trying to get an angle on whether I should be concerned. In the past couple of months of living afloat we've never been bothered after battening down the hatches for the night. I wouldn't dream of disturbing other boats either, unless of course a serious problem had occurred and we needed desperate help. Last night, about 9pm, there were loud knocking/banging on the side of our boat, obviously our dog kicked off. John was in the shower, so me and our gsd went up on deck to see what was so urgent. A man stood on the towpath, he apologised for disturbing me, and gave me, what I thought, a lame excuse. He said his wedding anniversary was next month and he wanted to hire our boat for a romantic weekend. I know when someone is stroking my vanity, and I've got to add our boat is nothing special, it's just like a thousand other boats. This was disturbing, and my instincts are triggered. I'm pretty certain this man was looking for another boat and mistook ours for it. It can happen, but why not be open about it? Have also to add that the man was not from the UK, he wasn't European either, therefore I doubt that canal heritage was a likely attraction. Wondering if others have been disturbed by something similar? Would you be concerned? Eeee it was a funny yesterday all round!

Slippery Characters?