bill brown

According to Dom it all starts at one second past midnight on Thursday. The regulations will be published on Tuesday, and MPs will vote on them on Wednesday.

Looks like lockdown in England won't come into force till Thursday (they have to make it legally enforceable apparently).

If you prefer a cruiser stern you need to decide on rounded vs squared - the latter normally gives you more usable space.

Haven't moored there (we're at Fettlers opposite) however did take the boat to St Marys for blacking a couple of months ago and was very satisfied with the outcome. Both staff and other boaters I spoke to were friendly and the former were also very helpful and knowledgeable. The maintenance facilities seemed good to me. The Brasserie is a nice place to have a drink and a meal (as is Tastebuds at Fettlers I might add!). Last I heard moorings were fully booked with a waiting list. Whilst I'm quite happy at Fettlers I'd have no objection to mooring at St Marys I think as long as it wasn't at the south end of the marina where you would have boats adjacent on three sides. The possible downside to both marinas are the seven locks onto the Leeds Liverpool.

CanalPlan is your friend https://canalplan.org.uk

Another point to make your life easier... try to get batteries with the connections in the same position as those you already have - if you are happy with the way they are setup that is.

Whatever you buy just make sure they'll fit in your battery box presuming you have one.

Just over 3 years ago my wife and myself were looking for a boat, we live not far from Aintree Boats and made an unannounced visit as we were just passing, I have to say I was impressed with their workshop, it was tidy and well organised and the boats looked as they say "fab", okay maybe a bit caravanny, they are perhaps not as flexible in redesigning interiors as some but that's reflected in their prices I think. As it turned out they had a 18 month waiting list (it was just after the Crick Show) and we wanted a boat soonish. As others have said depreciation of a new boat is something to consider unless your flush with cash. As with cars a nearly new boat can save you thousands if not tens of thousands. Many folks buys new only to realise it's not for them and sell after a year or two. Having said that I've spoken to a few Aintree Boat owners on the cut and they all seem pleased with them.

I've used https://www.funkymonkeyboatnames.co.uk/ in the past for stencils but they also do vinyl.

Maybe make sure it's BSS compliant https://www.boatsafetyscheme.org/boat-examination-and-certification/non-private-boats/part-8-appliances,-flueing-ventilation/flame-supervision-device-(fsd)/

I also have the similar Tern D7i albeit with 7 speed hub gears and built in dynamo, my preferred bike for commuting but 3 to 4 times the cost of the Uno.

Yes the Dahon is a good bike. I have the Espresso which is similar to the Jack, also easily converted to electric.

Have a Brompton but when I travel I have a Tern Uno padlocked on my cruiser stern. 20 inch wheels feel safer on the towpath, still folds quite small though obviously not as elegant as the Brompton. Single gear and a back pedal brake that takes getting use to but is a skill easily acquired, low maintenance and sturdy. Can usually pick them up on Ebay for around £200.