Jennifer McM

Just finished a phone call to CRT. Apparently, area from Lock 15 (Hunts Lock) to Lock 19 (ShadesHouse Lock) will be closed starting 3rd January. Slap in the middle of the closure is Fradley Junction. Just saying... We'll be going through Lock 15 tomorrow, staying o/n above the lock then through Lock 19 on the 2nd. I'm still not crystal clear about the closure as work on Lock 18 doesn't start until 13th Feb, so hope to have a chat with contractors if we see them, and will report back if this info changes.

Those magnetic hooks/eyes we find are brilliant. They're easy to move/re-position and they don't require any drilling. We've got a heavy duty one on the stern (80k pull weight) which our GS dog has his lead clipped too (stops any panic should he see a cat). There are lighter ones on the roof which presently holds strings of solar LED lights in place. We've utilised quite a few of them.

You'd think so... unless CRT put skegs (or whatever they are called) at the Coventry exit. We're travelling from the Alrewas direction.

Yes, in the summer when we were on the Nene, there were times in deep water where we felt we were travelling fast, but the reeds hardly moved.

Thanks very much for that. Will give them a call, and report back

Thanks Rob, we'll probably give CRT a call on Monday then. We might have to start 1st January early!

Sorry for being stuffy, but shouldn't the speed be more about the wash you're leaving behind, so your boat doesn't disturb habitats and the bank

Thanks Biscuits, so we've to get through Lock 19, even though that lock isn't scheduled to be repaired until February? Surely all of Fradley won't be closed? (Apologies for being thick ) Gypsy genes, think you're right!

I'm guessing if a lock is scheduled for maintenance, would it be a given that the pound above it will be empty? The lock's having new top gates, and repairs to the cill. The lock in question is Keeper's Lock https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notice/12970/lock-16-keepers-lock-fradley-trent-and-mersey-canal We're just planning a trip going through the lock on 1st Jan, and would like to have a day or so moorings at the top of the lock, before Fradley Junction. (Some might remember in another post we'd booked into a marina for 3 months.... people here were correct that we wouldn't hack it; we can't stand being in one place any longer, so we're off... )

First heard about 'Culture Misappropriation' from a Labour MP who complained about a famous Italian chef, making a Carribean dish. The funny thing about the story was that this MP was seen in the House of Commons wearing a tartan scarf after causing the stir. I've no idea where this is going to end! The tin of Roses will have to come off next year's Christmas shopping list.

Brilliant news! Thanks for the photos. C&RT did say it will be 'open' Christmas time! Well done!

Whilst being stuck in deep ice in Leighton Buzzard last March, with our debit and credit card running dangerously close to expiring. On top of that our batteries were coughing and spluttering and needed replacing - we desperately needed the replacement cards which had been sent to our postal address. We walked to the post office, slipping and sliding as we went, asking if a registered letter could be delivered for us there. Assistant said that was OK, and that she'd look out for the letter. Letter was sent but annoyingly the 'Post Restante' was missed off the address on the envelope. The 'Registered' letter arrived safely at the post office, but the assistant who said she'd watch out for the letter, had a day off, and unfortunately, another member of staff sent the letter back to the sorting office. We traipsed in the ice to the sorting office, who had the letter. OH actually had the envelope in his hand! But 'jobsworth' stuck firmly to the rules and wouldn't hand over the letter, despite providing him as much identity as anyone would need, including the registered number. The letter had to be sent back to sender.... (and that took 3 weeks!) Note the letter was opened. We've learnt our lesson! Pic taken at the sorting office! Yes, we did complain, and as anyone who's complained to Post Office, would know they might have been complaining to smoke.

That was my thought, I've discovered this woman is the manageress. Don't want to get anyone into trouble though. There's a younger member of staff, who's really nice and helpful, she heard our conversation and rolled her eyes behind the managers back - a well-known dragon I think.