Big John

Well they must be using decoy ducks then.When I looked the ducks didn't seem to move when they were refreshed Maybe some one ought to feed them?

Gary, The images were excellent- worth entering in the gallery & competition. The idea of putting the boat on the webcam was inspired and fascinating. Thanks. Finally well done for bring the boat to safety.

Do you have any pictures and/or drawings of this, Richard? It sounds very much like the sort of thing I want - except I would probably need to have it 6' wide so that I could sleep diagonally, as I am 6'5"! Who fitted it for you? Did you buy it as a fold-up bed, or adapt something? The only other solution I have come across, since we want a central corridor through the boat, is a 3 section cross bed, with top and bottom fitted and middle folding up by day. Has anyone else tried this and liked or loathed it? In addition, we want a good sprung mattress to care for our backs.

The same applies to the Alde gas heater with radiators, although it warms up quicker I think. The other time it is a problem is in the morning, when you wake. Has anyone fitted a programmer to a thermostat? On the subject of Aldes, is it worth linking one that is set up to heat 3 radiators to the secondary coil of a calorifier, to maintain water temperature?

Thanks for those, Richard. Very Impressive. What was the idea of the split door in the bathrom?

Narrowboat World - see Breaking News

I find it very strange that neither Waterscape nor the BW website has the press release in their news sections. Opaque or what? I'm sure you would have posted it Richard

According to Narrowboatworld today, the proposed new licence structure has been confirmed by British Waterways: 1.1. The principles underlying BW’s approach to pricing of boat licences are confirmed— namely, cost causation and efficient fixed cost recovery. 1.2. There will be two levels of licence fee, lower and higher, with differentials as at present for boat length within each. The higher level will be 2.47 times the lower rate. These rates will be the same as for the current ‘private’ and ‘business’ categories and adjusted annually by British Waterways' agreed formula for licence fee increases. 1.3. The lower rate will be payable by people licensing the boat for sole or family use. 1.4. The higher rate will be payable by people licensing the boat for multiple users. Multi-use is defined as boats used for hire and reward and any boats in multiple ownership for which the rights to use are managed through a business or legal agreement. 1.5. The licence holder must be the boat’s owner or 'lawful keeper' and this person will be responsible for declaring whether the boat is to be licensed for sole/family use or for multiple users. 1.6. A boat can have only one lawful keeper who is responsible for ensuring compliance with licence terms and conditions (this is in line with DVLA rules for car registration). 1.7 Whether a boat has a home mooring or not will not be a factor in determining the licence fee.

So do I. I've just found the online version Towpath Talk which is a great way to read it from Cornwall - not many distributors down here.

I've heard that boat-top items (e.g. plank/ boat hook/ pole / hose) are disappearing from towpath-side moored boats on the Staffs & Worcs, presumably by passing boaters. I thought such things were safe. Does anyone padlock such things to the roof when they leave the boat. If so, how?

I don't accept that the handler should take a centre line ashore in a narrow lock, going up hill. With practice it's possible to let the boat drift into the lock coming to rest gently against the cill, having stepped off the stern at the bottom of the lock. If tickover is really low, I should think she can go in under gentle power, but careful control of the paddles (keeping an eye out for potential "help") can keep control of her.

You can't count OR you can't spell OR you can't read a map Aldersley Junction is on the Staffs & Worcs Canal; to get onto the Shroppie you go through one of the deepest locks on the system - so that makes two locks. Of course you could have meant Autherley Junction on the Shroppie, so once you're through the "deep" stop lock there is just the 1.

We call that "leg lag". Is that just our term, or has anyone else heard it?

Hi Paul Are they going to put the pieces out this week? If not, can you let us know when please? TIA John

Would there be any way that Google Earth could be used for canals as well as roads? Flying over the canals would be great - given the detail increases with time.

Always say "thanks" when they lift, shift or slide; or say "nice day" or "any luck?" - usually gets some sort of positive response if they hear - if only a nod.

Can it? If so, would it be possible to use an electric motor as propulsion, using the genny as its power supply?

You could have been thinking about Merlin Narrowboats' Boat Planner? Basic - but gives you a few ideas at least

Am I alone in thinking that there seem to be an increasing number of major stoppages on the system? Is it because there are less lengthsmen on the ground? If so, people in high places ought to be thinking how to reverse the trend.