noddyboater

It was a bank protection job on the Northern reaches, between bridges 146 and 147. Both had plank grooves, but the main issue was the bloke managing the job had no idea what stop planks are, or how to use them. He's probably great at human resources though, whatever that is.

When working up on the Lancaster a couple of years ago there wasn't enough water to float my tug- or even empty hopper, that had been craned in on site. As I'd been booked for a week I suggested to the gaffer ( one of CRT's main contractors for dredging and bank maintenance work) that we find the nearest bridge hole downstream and raise the level with stop planks. Blank looks all around. Honestly, you couldn't make it up.

I had an unfortunate situation a couple of years ago where I was working on the canal and based half way between the Boat at Basford, and the Lion at Consall forge. Bloody awful job that was! The Boat had just changed hands, the new tennants were confident of it being a success. They were still there last October so must be doing something right.

Hopefully it's better by now, but he didn't appear to be in a rush regarding the refurbishment. I'd guess the insurance hasn't paid up yet. I wouldn't let it put you off a trip though, the other excellent pubs more than make up for it. Re. moorings before Engine lock... I decided to brave a night in Hanley park a few years back, it was fine. Ok, my other half was convinced some local drug dealers were trying to steal our greyhound, but she does exaggerate sometimes. With the recent restoration work they've done recently it's a shame it's not a more popular spot.

It wasn't great last Autumn. We made an effort to get there - in the dark, to be told they were now closed, despite the fact that the locals carried on being served in the marquee area for another hour. It was 8pm on a Saturday evening. There was no seating inside the pub, but apparently if you check on Facebook they do occasionally do basic food, burgers etc. It was closed the following Monday but we did find the landlord happily supporting the other "Lion" at Cheddleton! The pub at Froghall station had very recently reopened, the new owners were enthusiastic but we couldn't help wondering about the choice of decor, considering the customers they're likely to get from the station.

Fair enough. What about the toilet and elsan sluice?

VESTA now reduced to 45k. I know he's keen to sell and open to sensible offers, but could also do without the time wasters and dreamers.

You're right, it was! I towed it half a mile away and tied it outside the pub. It was the only way to get him to fire the Gardner up and actually go boating.

No Polacks were involved in the taking of the vessel. Just cross straps.

I pulled up in front of a friends boat one night, strapped it to mine by torchlight and towed it away into the darkness. His neighbours watched through the window but didn't ask what I was doing!

And don't forget that you don't have to start the engine to steal a boat. You untie it and pull it away on ropes, nobody will question you.

Great picture, I know the bridge well. How I'd love to see a Thorry Transport artic in the same position on our bridge. That company are the main culprits, running power station ash back to their landfill site near Peterborough, constant daily traffic from 5am. How environmentally friendly! Going back to commercial farms and CRT.. They must have some clout as a bridge on the Chesterfield was strengthened quite recently to allow heavier farm traffic. Unfortunately the work narrowed the bridge hole thus restricting the navigable width of a historically wide canal.

Our canalside cottage is on a lane near a listed bridge over the Chesterfield Canal, the road has a 7.5 t limit. Confusingly it's signed at either end 'Alternative route for high vehicles" just before the weight limit signs as it cuts a long loop of the main Retford to Gainsborough road with two low railway bridges. This results in constant use from HGV's, often well over 30t. Many of these can actually fit under the low bridges on the main road but use it as a short cut. When I brought it up with local authorities I was told it was an 'environmental' limit, not structural, and they turned a blind eye as a lot of the traffic was serving the nearby power station! I personally can't wait until the bridge finally gives in and crumbles into the canal.

Yes, I'd lock it when leaving the boat but stupidly thought that the doors being open/broad daylight smoke coming from the chimney etc it might be ok. That mooring in Sheffield basin wasn't great, the first inline as you came into the newly renovated "quays" from the murky bridge holes and towpath.

I kept my old commuting bike on the front deck with the handle bar end tucked up behind the wellie bar on the bulkhead. One evening in Sheffield I heard a noise, then felt the boat rocking. I popped out the stern and walked up to find a young gent with Eastern European accent who was "Taking this bike but leaving mine for you as this better" True to his word there was a rusty old thing leaning on the wall nearby. Some people are so thoughtful.