debbifiggy
-
Posts
738 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Events
Gallery
Blogs
Store
Posts posted by debbifiggy
-
-
To be honest I think that if people are new to it they have so much to think and panic about they are not likely to take in, let alone understand, the signs. Those are big scary locks and there would have been massive crowds there too acting as a distraction.
Add to that combination fantastic weather and relaxing with a few beers, larking about with your mates and there is a potential for disaster.
Hope all gets sorted out and the boat put right. Hope the insurance people pay out.
D
-
I have the same stove. I never use the top vent and just turn the bottom one a quarter of a turn after a good riddling to burn comfortably all night and most of the next day if untouched. I only use smokeless coal (pureheat) and also use the metal inserts that create a kind of funnel for the ashes.They are called "coal inserts" and worth the 25 pounds or so that they cost.
We have a 24 year Squirrel. Through practice over the last 12 years we have found that by burning Taybright with the top vent closed and the fire built up and then the bottom vent closed to just a quarter open we can keep the fire in up to 36 hours with no problem. Normally during the winter season we keep the fire in 24/7. The downside is that you will need a new grate every 2 years. Simple and reliable once you get the hang of it.
You should be nice and cosy.
D
-
Here we might have a mystery boat.
This slide was took when I was hotel boating on Victoria & Albert in 1973. The notes say Dickensons "Pioneer" at Cowley. I think it is more likely to be Dickenson's "Progress", a boat built overwide to cater for newsprint rolls. Can anyone verify this or remember this boat decating? Although I took the picture I am at a loss to remember exactly where it was taken and wonder what happened to it. I am sure the collective minds on CWDF may well have an answer or two. Thanks in advance,
edited to try and correct Dicesons to Dickenson's in the title.
I would hazard a guess that the location is somewhere between Packet Boat Lane Bridge and Benbow Waye bridge where the offside houseboats are now located. Just a thought ...
D
-
That's true, I wonder what the cost of a licence was in 72 or even moorings
I don't know but somewhere in the office I have copies of the annual licence fees going back to 1999, the year the other half moved on board. Could be interesting reading. When I'm finally mobile again and I have time I will dig it out and scan if possible. Obviously it will need to be read in the context of inflation, construction inflation (which influences BW prices along with RPI and CPI) and loads of other things including the basic economics of demand and supply and the problems of keeping one of our last bits of industrial heritage in some kind of working order given all the financial constraints.
D
-
Anyone else noticed that 2011/12 BW winter mooring prices are higher, in some instances at least, than BW longterm or permanent moorings? How can they justify commandeering a stretch of unmanaged towpath (free for up to 14 days April-October) to charge above the going rate?
One of my local examples for my 70ft narrowboat: Higher Poynton (Macclesfield Canal): Current Price 1/4/2011 - 31/3/2012, on hard-standing towpath, with mooring rings, opposite Lord Vernon's Wharf at Bridge 15 : £1947 per year.
Higher Poynton, other side (south) of Bridge 15 : grassy towpath - very muddy through much of winter - with rings or cleats (BW says but I've not seen them there): £973 November 2011 - March 2012 (5 months) ... 12-month equivalent pro rata = £2336 per year. Or £392 more than the longterm moorings (see above).
Do they think (1) we won't notice or (2) we're idiots?
Or do you think it's fair, reasonable, justifiable, etc, etc?
I'm waiting for a reply from BW. I'll let you know.
I think you'll find that the prices are based on the short term mooring fee rate. Instead of dividing the annual fee by 12 months per metre per year (prorata) try dividing by 10 (as in the BW mooring terms and conditions available on the website) and I think you'll find the reason for the difference in price.
HTH
Debbi
-
Are there some Kennedys in there, do you know, Debby ?
I really don't know. I haven't seen a lot of the old crowd for a very long while. If I see Penny I can ask her as she's bound to know. So many people have moved away.
Little Jim is still driving buses around Berko though. Not sure if the photo of the horse barge/party boat he used to operate is still up in the pub somewhere. Will have to have a look.
BTW the Riser have a new website http://www.theriser.net/
And if you check out the photo gallery there's a picture of nb Fulbourne in the lock.
D
Edited for new website
-
It could be I have misread the advert as I have never seen anyone cook a meal in a bucket.
I haven't seen or tasted it but try asking the Jannocks .....
D
-
I have often read threads about cooking a complete meal in a bucket on the top of a Back cabin stove. I always thought this was due to their own imitative, but last week I saw an old advertisment for a comercial one.
Details on my boring Blog
A friend of mine experimented with recreating the "Boatman's Pail". Think she had to use a very large Kilner type jar as well as bucket of water on top of stove. Not sure the end combination of veg suet and meat savoury pud bit cooked below (or was it above) apple and suet stodge dessert was that tasty but it was probably very filling which is what you would want after a hard days slog along the canal.
D
-
Incorrect, I'm afraid......
You should include overall length over the greatest extremity, whether it be rudder tip, or fenders, when quoting a length for BW purposes.
My personal advice though......
We have one allegedly 50 foot boat, and one allegedly 40 foot boat, both already licensed when bought. Boats are not always their quoted length, and I have quickly decided to keep the tape measure away from both of ours!
You should also include bike racks off the back end of a cruiser stern, motorbike racks (i've seen on that extends the boat length by over 70 cm) bow sprites (pulpit rails too) and other bits and pieces. With most boats it's the hull that's 50, 55 57 60 or whatever foot but the overall boat length is longer especially when you start including rudders, fenders, buttons and stuff.
To be honest, don't get stressed about it. Probably the only time someone is going to get a tape measure out is the original boat builder (you would hope wouldn't you?) and the BW mooring manager when you've bid on the BW auction system for a slot that should fit your boat but strangely you can't get into it
Obvious boat length differences are quickly spotted on the bank. I do remember someone who tried to licence a 65ft boat as 45 or so foot ....The BW licence terms and conditions do say that you should declare your boat overall length including all the gubbins but ..... I know a lot of people don't, don't know or don't care, whether or not it is factually or morally correct. That's down to the individual and not for me to judge unless it's glaringly obvious that someone is pulling a fast one by 10 foot or more.
D
-
Every time I go to my boat, I am filled with good intentions to get those little jobs done, but I am always thwarted by one of the following.
1 - Meet interesting new people and have a quick chat ... 2 hours later you forgot what you came to do.
2 - Find a tiny drop of water on the engine room floor and spend the next x hours searching for it's source.
3 - Become so relaxed that you just don't care if you have wall lights or not.
4 - Go for a cruise instead of actually doing anything non-essential to the boat.
I have plans!.... I bought all the materials, fixtures and fittings ... they are currently stowed in every nook and cranny on the boat.. All my tools are aboard, precluding any DIY at home, but nothing gets done .... is there any hope?
No, there is no hope. Just enjoy the boat and distractions and may you continue to be happy.
D
-
How to get things done ?
Take the misses with you.
Ok, so what am I doing wrong. I've been asking the man for the last 7 years or more at least for at least a new washbasin in the" bathroom" cubby hole shower thingy and I've wanted a new kitchen for 6 years but apparently I'm not allowed to complain as I've had a new fridge in the last 7 years and a new cooker in the last 4 years. I'm coming up for my 12th winter on board and he's been aboard longer than me. Before you tell me that I am being totally unreasonable our boat is 24 years old and still the original fit out. Both the fridge and the cooker were original. Am I barmy or should I just go cruising again and forget it.
Guess the moral of the story is do not get involved with a professional tradesman LOL. They are far too busy fixing other peoples problems to be fixing theirs at home. Oh, and don't get me started on the subject of housework (sorry boat interior cleaning stuff).
Think I might start having to sort stuff out myself including booking into drydock for a blacking and pinching his multimaster to start prepping for a complete topside repaint before winter hits us.
D
-
Has anyone seen this and the rest of their facebook page. I don't do facebook but was tipped off by a regular to have a look as there are a lot of heritage pics including one from the 20's when it was a Benskin's place.
Any more history would be interesting. I catered for the wake of a previous (previous previous) landlord who died in the noughty's. The rest of the family seem to have left Berko. Kath as well is long cold in her grave may she rest in peace.
What do others think of these photos?
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=95460288066&v=photos
I have been captivated tonight and the broken foot has also led me to scour Youtube for canal views from Marsworth to Apsley. All good stuff especially seeing stuff from 10 years ago. The canal seemed to be so much quieter. Fewer boats about except at official moorings.
OK, I'll get me coat and tin hat.
D x
-
These pictures were taken as we passed the bridge a few days ago, whoever set the fire knew what they were doing as they set the fire right in the middle of the bridge where the key stone would be on a stone bridge.
Regards
Andy
Nice pics Andy. That is exactly why it was potentially so dangerous to pass underneath before the scaffold support was complete. Didn't look like a whole load of damage but structurally it was bad according to the qualified engineers I spoke to. Hey ho whatever! Just glad the navigation is open again for now because the mindless actions of a few vandals really caused a lot of people a lot of problems and ruined a few holidays. I will not comment further on those "boaters" who chose to cut the safety chains closing the navigation for safety reasons until the scaffold was completed.
D
-
Hey Guys Thanks for your reassurance!
GOOD NEWS!!!!
Someone from down the towpath just came & said they had seen her last night near Cropredy Old Mill so we went down & called her with no result.
I went through the bridge & asked at the first boat if he'd seen a stripy cat & to my surprise & delight he said yes, she had climbed into his cratch about an hour ago & gone to sleep on his bed!!!!
She let me carry her back to the boat & was nervous about passing a couple of boats. Obviously she was trespassing on other cats' territories and was scared to come back.
Anyway, we have got to speak to a lot of local boaters & villagers too who were all concerned & sympathetic, we appreciated that a lot.
Thanks to all
Chris & Joy
I am so pleased to hear that you got your darling puss back. You must have been sick with worry as I would have been if Merlin had gone AWOL. Glad there is a happy ending. Purrs etc.
Debbi
-
Again , thanks for the replies and reassurances ESPECIALLY re; the Aquaducts ( Wondering if The Navigation Inn at Wooten Wawen is still a decent pub ). Debbi, the mooring is legit,not BW managed, privately managed, but NOT CHEAP! £2400 a year non residential. But not living in The UK, I do need somewhere secure and someone to keep an eye on the boat, so held to ransome really. It's going to be an expensive business that's for sure.
Glad you got a mooring sorted ok. Price doesn't seem too bad to be in a such a lovely part of the world with a secure mooring. There are plenty of more expensive moorings elsewhere. After all they do say BOAT stands for Bring On Another Thousand
I'd love to do the Southern Stratford again but I might wait until it rains a bit and the water levels are a bit better. But not too much rain either as floods aren't good at Stratford.
D
-
Hi
I want to buy a boat to moor close to The Avon, well Stratford to be precise. Found a decent spot for possibe moorings on The Stratford Canal. My first choice of boat would be a wide beam, but considering flooding risks on The Avon, I have to be sensible and stay on canal moorings in a narrow boat.
I have looked at a 6'10" beam boat that seems to be within price and spec etc . My question; given that Max beam on The Stratford Canal is 7' , is this really feasible ? It is too tight for comfort isn't it ? An inch either side ? That's not comfortable cruising is it ?
I'd love for you all to say, no problem in a 6'10" beam. Would appreciate some feedback please.
Cheers
Ian
Don't want to burst your bubble but is your decent spot for possible mooring already approved by British Waterways? I would suggest not getting the boat until you have secured a legitimate long term mooring. Could save you a lot of time, problems and money.
D
-
Nasty tug person. They are normally kinder to narrowboats.
D
-
It was still on the Duck when this thread was started - now gone. Perhaps it has sold?
Also a facebook Group Clicky
He reckons she's seagoing.
The boat must have been sold as it's on my patch in West London and I've had occasion to pay a visit to where it is moored. I did wonder what the strange bumpy stuff around the gunwhales was and now I know. Not the prettiest thing from the outside and I personally don't like boats painted black but maybe I am old fashioned. Would be interested to see the interior.
D
Edited to correct typo
-
Put a decent rope on it and it would be stolen.
Sue
Unfortunately very true and has happened in London.
D (off work sick today)
-
Thank you debbifiggy - it's good of you to keep us informed.
Minos & Circe.
Just heard
"the canal can be re-opened tomorrow (13/08/11) during the morning, more specifically after 8:00. Our on-call team is in the know and will inspect the site tomorrow morning to satisfy ourselves that indeed it is safe for boats to cross".
So sorry it's not today. Edited to correct earlier optimism.
D
Update again now I'm back at a computer. The bridge reopened to navigation at 4pm Friday afternoon. Hurrah!
-
Can the offending boats be identified?
Will BW actually prosecute for the Bye-law offences?
We've got an idea which boats are responsible but without witnesses I have no proof. Without proof/evidence that will stand up in court, no prosecution. So, if anyone can provide the missing link I will happily put the wheels in motion. The engineers and waterway manager have gone absolutely a&3$h*^ about it this morning.
D
-
I have to say I am extremely disappointed in whoever cut the chains last night (again) which were closing the Paddington Arm either side of the burnt and unstable bridge for safety reasons. The scaffolders haven't finished and there are scaffold poles everywhere causing a real hazard to anyone trying to get underneath.
The canal is closed for your safety and we are trying to get it reopen as fast as possible. Because of last night we've now got to check every part of the structure again before carrying on to check it has not been damaged. This is going to delay reopening because of the selfish and stupid action of two boats.
There are various Bye-law offences and licence terms & conditions breaches in the actions of these boaters but it is the safety aspect that concerns me most. Can you imagine what might have happened if in the dark a key bit of scaffold got knocked or the boat got stuck going under? I can promise you that they would not have been insured as their actions will have voided their policy.
Why can't people wait and follow sensible instructions for their own safety?
D
-
Update.
I have spoken to the engineers etc today. It is still conditional on the scaffolding being completed and the installation approved but we are hoping to re-open the navigation tomorrow.
However, (turns rant mode on) if tonight, like last night, someone is stupid and selfish enough to cut the chains across the navigation which are there for everyone's safety and to then go under an unstable bridge, and heaven help us, possibly collide with the very extensive and still incomplete scaffolding that is holding the very heavy bridge up ... then no-one will be going anywhere for sometime and anyone behaving this stupidly won't be covered on their insurance either. (rant off)
I'll keep you posted. We have also communicated this information extensively via word of mouth, bank staff, lock-keepers, mooring wardens, signs, tweets, etc.
D
-
Yes, I think that's what we'll do too. Have everything crossed that we'll be ok to get through on Mon/Tues. Normally it wouldn't matter but we've got theatre tickets for Tues night and Grandpa to get to Kings Cross on Weds.
Could anyone recommend where's best to stop for easy access into central London if the arm isn't reopened by then?
Any further news would most definitely be appreciated. Thanks for letting us know so far, Debbi.
The eagle eyed amongst you may have noticed a number of updates to the stoppage notice both yesterday and today. Obviously as more news becomes available it will be posted. I think there will be an attempt to make the bridge temporarily safe to navigate beneath but plans may change again so until we know for sure what it happening there is no point in speculating.
Brentford VM is busy but there's still space further up on the towpath between the A4 and the Fox at Hanwell. Brentford main line train service is only 10 mins walk from the Visitor moorings and goes into Waterloo. From there you can Bakerloo it to central London and Theatreland.
There are fastish and frequent mainline trains into Paddington from West Drayton (near the new Tesco's), Hayes and Harlington (Bulls Bridge) (probably not a trip I would do at night, especially at the moment), or why not explore the Slough Arm and go to Iver? Uxbridge is on the Met line as well as the Piccadilly line so Kings Cross not problem even if it takes a while.
For those on the other side of the stoppage the Central Line is very convenient as it's only 10 mins walk from the Black Horse.
HTH
D
Obvious boat length differences are quickly spotted on the bank. I do remember someone who tried to licence a 65ft boat as 45 or so foot ....
DESPERATE NEED OF A TOW- RIVER LEE TO STORT
in General Boating
Posted
Mr. Town's tug Constance is one sweet little tug and could do it, not sure where they are at present. Don't know how much he charges either. Then there's Mick the tug Hillier but he's normally West London based but reasonably priced. Or Wood Hall & Heward on 01895 820203. They've got lots of tugs. Or on the river Lee itself try Alan Wallace and Nato 2. Think Alan's company is called Smartbarge so should be in the phone book. Or try talking to one of the coal boats. They might strap you alongside for a fee. Not sure who is trading on the Stort at present.
HTH
D