Big John

Will you be going direct to Thrupp from Council, Sue? If so, can I beg a lift? (We can discuss at NABO's AGM on Saturday at 10.30 at Wolverhampton Boat Club- plug plug! We're moored ready!)

Your poll is flawed Bones. Partners may not be members of CWDF, so each member can only choose one meal. I have voted for one curry - and Fi wants a stew, please. (Not sure if I could have voted for both, but there certainly wasn't a way to choose 2 curries, if that was what we wanted.)

So sorry to hear the news. I've added you to my Prayer List, David.

Please add two stars for us - mild curry would be good, but casserole acceptable. And definitely two pints!

I hope they will allow boaters who choose to, to stop overnight (guess it has to be 2 nights or multiples of 2) on the way, if they wish to. IMHO Br 9 to Liverpool Docks must not be seen as just a means to an end, but a canal in its own right. Only that way will the locals feel that they have a canal with boats on it to appreciate.

at what cost, please?

That would be brilliant, Graham. I think we'll take you up on that offer. (Thanks for the offer, Wrigglefingers, but I think this is now the preferred option. See you at Thrupp.) Now we just have to work out how to get to Banbury Station on the Sunday. No buses :-( Looks like a taxi. Anyway, make us a definite for the banter, please, Bones

We may well be able to come, if we can make another appointment that day in Oxford. Would have to get back to Great Bourton or Wolverhampton afterwards. Anyone offering a lift?

"I don't bee-leeeeve it!" 3.13 seems to be typical of BW's attitude to consultations: "Let's get a policy constructed, but before our consultees have had their say, let's see if we can construct our own!" Doh! I can tell you that NABO's reaction to this is likely to be highly critical. (goes away to check with NABO Council that he's right!).

That sounds good value. I would be interested in the boat painting. That would not only mean repainting but maintenance painting - rubbing down/touching up - hints on caring for part used paint tins, brushes, etc

Thanks for everyone's help with this. We use the various websites mentioned, but of course none of them automatically choose the best place on the canal to start from. It's a case of trial and error. Maybe someone could set up a webpage with best canal-based starting points for rail journeys? I bet CWF could provide the data One final question. Is the mooring at Bridge 161 a good one, with room for two 57' boats? (particularly tomorrow night!) edited to ask supplementary: Elton Moss Bridge looks closer to the station. Is it and are there moorings there?

Yea! We remember seeing you. Nice boat. Thanks for the advice. We'll be discussing the plans with Gypsy Rover, with whom we're travelling. I favour Sandbach - is the best place to moor south of bridge 161?

Well, I've had a look around and it looks like there are some brilliant planners out there, with local knowledge that I could use! So here's my problem: Sunday night moored at Lymm. Two days cruising to safe mooring - where our boat can be left with a chaperone boat (crew aboard). Wednesday public transport to Banbury by say 1330 Friday morning return by public transport, leaving around 0845. Walking limited please, for reasons of health. All suggestions gratefully received.

But where Banns are concerned, the Vicar would usually accept the home address in the home parish(es) without requiring or checking the 7 days residence.

I think that is no longer the case - since 2008 individuals with a connection to the parish, e.g through baptism, can be married by Banns: "Where a marriage is to take place in the parish church of the parish where one of the parties resides, the banns must be called in that church and in the parish church of the parish where the other party to the marriage resides. If the marriage is to take place in the church of a parish where neither party resides, but in a church which is the “usual place of worship” of one of the parties (i.e. one of the parties is on the church electoral roll of that church), or in a church with which one of the parties can show a qualifying connection under the Church of England Marriage Measure 2008, banns must be called in that church, as well as in each of the parishes where the parties reside."

Have you thought about getting someone to move it by water for you? There are adverts in the canal magazines for boat movers

Which is strange, isn't it? Because any normal company's AGM would be open to all shareholders. Who are BW's shareholders? The taxpayers - every one of us. BW are reminding people on Waterscape to enjoy their waterways, 'With the colder months approaching, many people will be tempted to go into hibernation and stay indoors. However, British Waterways is encouraging people to get out and explore the sights and sounds of the waterways by foot, bike or boat during September and October.' Are the people referred to shareholders? They must be, since it is clear BW consider the waterways to be the nation's property to visit freely (except for boaters who have to pay a surcharge). If any CWF members are going, could they ask the question why the AGM is not free to all?

Have you tried the Bite Zapper. I know a couple of people who swear by it. (not at it!)

In the BW survey, Question 6 is the one asking 'Including this year, how many years have you boated on the UK's Inland Waterways?' 'Please enter a positive number.' - between 1 and 100 Question 7 is the one asking 'Approximate number of miles cruised so far in 2009' Can you remember exactly what you typed in? No decimal points or commas! 'Please enter a whole number between 1 and 5000'

Is the BW Office open at the weekend?