Jennifer McM

Of course time is money, and we're paying quite a bit to be here (it's not the cheapest marina), plus we did ask if receiving stuff was part of the 'deal' before we booked, and they said 'yes'. We've been here since first thing on Saturday, and not another boat has entered for services (mind the weather's not been good granted). In fact looking around over half the moorings are empty. We're now planning to cut our stay here 2/3rds shorter. Good customer service doesn't really cost a lot, but can repay in dividends. I must say though, except for one person, other staff are delightful here, and the facilities are brilliant.

Blimey..... when 'Oh Wise One' can we please ask would this become a reality... next Chrissy?

You've cheered me up.... Now what to do to get to the shops... pay for a taxi, hire a car, or go for a long hike to catch one of the few buses a day? Seeing that it's a rainy day... I'm going to stay home and be bl***y miserable Might even have a go at the satisfying game of 'spitting out dummies' ???

We phoned a couple of marinas when choosing one to stay for 2/3 months over winter, and one of the criteria was receiving post/courier packages. (Well it is Christmas!) In the past, we've moored in just one marina in over 2/3 years that refused to accept a package on our behalf. The marina where we're moored for Dec (was thinking of staying here for Jan/Feb - but there's now a ?), said they'd receive packages on our behalf. Except now we're here, we've been told they only accept packages less than A5 size. Problem is; when buying something (like a TV digital antenna) how do we know the size of the box? The marina's receptionist said it was something to do with being 'resident / not resident'! Anyway, we're miffed - the marina's reception refused to accept two packages for us yesterday. It cost us £20 this morning for a taxi to and from the sorting office to collect them. Still.... when OH returned he was accosted by a gentleman in a turban and asked if he wanted to be in a movie! (Don't get that asked too many times in a lifetime). That's where OH is now, think he's having a coffee at the waterside, while getting paid £50 as an extra in a Bollywood film. Always a silver lining

Coincidentally we moored next to a single handed lady boater during the summer, on two occasions. Both lady boaters had joined the closed FB group, and from what I gleaned from them, the support the group give each other is brilliant. If any member is within the vicinity of another member of the group, they meet up with the aim of friendship and supporting each other. Thought the concept was brilliant.

Drat... wrong Bug but right area.

Grand Union, around Bugsworth? If I'm right, I might have to lie down! By heck it was a cold night last night, I should've taken a pic this morning of the pontoons covered in 'white stuff', and the dawn mist rising over the water - it was very pretty though.

Take your point.

Here's an update. I logged into our CRT online account, maybe I'm super thick, but I couldn't see anywhere to update our moorings. So I gave CRT a call (it does irritate when the number is automatically answered with some blurb which you have to listen to, then you're told to hold for an assistant). Got through to a very nice assistant, she confirmed they do need to know our whereabouts. She took my name and the boat's name and number, but she couldn't continue with my call as she needed to speak to the holder of the license, my OH. Eventually, I found OH outside. The assistant wanted OH to confirm his name, date of birth, postal address, email address, and telephone number.... he stumbled a bit on the telephone number (senior moment), but she held out until he got it right. Obviously the correct name, dob, postal and email address wasn't enough to confirm who he was. OH told her where and how long we're in the marina. She asked us to let CRT know when we venture out of the marina in the Spring. She also asked OH if he would confirm that in future I'm authorised to speak to them on behalf of our boat! Anyway... all's present and correct. Thank you, everyone, for all your advice! Much appreciated