Alan B

The Duke at Clifton which is half a mile or so away from the canal at Aynho is recommended. In this year’s Good Beer Guide and regularly serves Turpin’s beers

Should have watched the rugby final between Exeter and Saracens:it was a fantastic game.

I occasionally and irregularly buy one or other of the above magazines in my local WH Smith. Not having seen either publication on the shelves in the last few months, I enquired whether Smiths had stopped selling them. Apparently, these magazines along with half a dozen others are now kept behind the till as they are the most commonly stolen issues if kept on the usual magazine shelves. Two other titles which are obviously equally attractive are “Scooteristl” and “Runner”. Who’d a thought it ??

Pretty certain Droitwich marina would be OK.

In Droitwich the Gardeners Arms is not looked on too favourably. Better to try the Talbot or Hop Pole which is a regular Good Beer Guide entry.

£4.30 for Doom Bar in the Eagle and Sun !

If venturing into Stourbridge itself, then can recommend the Duke William, a Craddocks house.

The barge canal.

Walking along the Droitwich yesterday afternoon, I saw quite a large land slippage about 300 yards west of Bridge 3 on the non-towpath side. It doesn’t affect navigation at the moment but looking at it, trees, shrubs and earth look very unstable and could easily block the waterway. I reported this to CRT about 4pm and had a holding reply before 5. Then this morning, received a further communication saying the local chaps have been advised and will take a look. Quite impressed.

Further down the W & B, The Bridge at Tibberton has recently been refurbished and has a new landlord, previously at the Alma in Worcester. AlthoughI have not yet been in, initial reports are promising.

Our syndicate ( not Carefree ), holds an AGM and amongst general topics, where to base the boat is always discussed. It was decided to remain at our current base for one more year so undoubtedly we will move on in 2019. We are quite happy with the management company operation & their boats are based across a wide selection of marinas.

We have a managed boat share ( albeit not with Carefree ). This year we have two consecutive weeks in May and one at the end of September. There are usually winter weeks available on a first come first served basis. In fact, 2 years ago we spent a very pleasant Christmas on board and as Haggis said, with a fire and/or central heating going, there's no need to fear a bit of chill. Makes the weed hatch inspection fun though.

Well, that's b******d our plans for the Cheshire ring in early May, & probably lots of others too.

Thanks both, much appreciated.

Nick, Do you have the appropriate contact number please to contact the volunteers ? We're due to be travelling the Rochdale some time in May. Cheers.

Just investigated the CRT website and under the navigational advice section for the Rochdale, the following appears :- From Date: 8th February 2018 at 10:00 To Date: until further notice Type: Advice Reason: Information Description: Canal & River Trust has a number of volunteer lock keepers working on the Rochdale Canal Manchester 9 and the Manchester 18, between Lock 65 at Failsworth and Lock 92 at Castlefield. Although booking is no longer required on the flight, it can be hard work and a number of boaters have requested assistance. The volunteers are happy to help when they can. Their help is given voluntarily so assistance is not guaranteed, but if you would like help call 0303 040 4040 at least 48 hours before your planned passage (longer if possible) and we will try to arrange this with the volunteers. The lock keepers have all trained with the Trust and have excellent local knowledge which can really add to your experience of the flight. Please call us if you want to look into this, the more notice the better. While assistance cannot be guaranteed the volunteers are committed to helping where they can. Thanks once again everyone.

Thanks again folks. The 'phone number would be really useful if anyone has it available. Alan

Thanks for replies people. The reason she may well be doing the locks "single handed" is because I've recently had a knee replacement and will still have to be wary of too much strain on it.

My wife and I are hoping to do the ring in early May from Stone. Done a bit of digging around on this forum and the "net" and the Rochdale 9 locks seem to get a mixed press. In particular, what are folks thoughts re a lady of riper years being able to operate them single-handed ? Also, some of the stories out there regarding unsavoury characters are a bit off-putting. And, would clockwise or anti-clockwise make handling them easier ? Thanks.

The Caldon is definitely worth it. Everyone from Aston seems to call at the Plume of Feathers in Barlaston on the way north from the marina which is a good call. On the Caldon, the Foxley Arms is a bit of a quirky pub in Milton. It's situated on a 90 degree bend and a bit further on there's a slightly tricky bridge, then moorings on the right opposite houses..