Big John

As long as you don't arrive at the weekend

If you are replying, there are two rows of icons above the reply window - the second row has a b i u aA smiley then a +. That's the one you want - the one with the green plus - the 'insert link'. Select the text you want to have the clicky link, click on the 'Insert Link' icon and fill in your web link. Click the OK and it's done.

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Are there any other areas that have waterway based projects? Now if BW had their voluntary sector hat on, there would be lots of projects like this one and they would be emailing all their licence holders to invite them to vote. Way to go?

Perhaps you ought to get a man to measure your foot. My foot is a foot, and I'm 6'5", size 12 (depending on the particular shoe). Perhaps your use of your foot as a measuring instrument would explain a lot? What do you use as a standard inch?

Crosland 2071 Fram PH3917

Does that mean that hirers and families are BW's priorities, while other boaters will have to get used to stoppages?

We use cheap Binatone radios, which we carry with us in our belts (thanks TeeEll) from the time we cast off, until we have tried to set up the satellite after mooring. That way we're both on call whether on the boat or off. Didn't think we'd use them, but they have proved invaluable.

Good to see you looking so well, Tony. Was going to come and talk, but before I could get some soes on you were off. It definitely wasn't our handcuff key you found, because both ours are kept safely in the belts you made. Thanks, they work a treat, and get lots of covetous comments. Bon Voyage

And if you like BW's Simon Salem's pronouncements you won't be disappointed. Lots of positive spin, as usual. Why don't BW do interviews that say, actually the waterways structures are one the verge of major collapse if we don't get better funding from national and local government? Came through a lock today with only one top (gate) paddle working, out of three (in total). No "BW Aware" Signs to acknowledge the faulty ones.

BW have posted their work-in-progress Winter Stoppages Excel file. Click here for it, or you can download a pdf file. It's only a draft, but at least you can start planning.

emailed them before you did. NaNaNeNaNa Seems like they might get a deluge. Let's hope we get a swift response. Who decided September was good enough? Duh!

But we said we had cake and you didn't take up our offer

Look out for our Cornish friends, Geoff & Gill on Petroc - I'm sure they like cream cakes.

Andy, If I didn't know better, I'd say you are too good to be true. Keep up the good work. :lol:

Out of date information - there is a NEW elsan beside the manhole cover in the open air. Eldonian Village now has an elsan facilty - as informed by friendly Denise at BW WIgan. If you want to read our positive experience or ask us any questions have a look at our Blog. electricity and water are now connected, BW say Just leave your bagged rubbish on the wall end of the pontoon overnight. BW have said that next year they probably won't use Eldonian as an essential o/night stop

When you have done it, can I suggest you let BW have a copy? When they offer a 60 foot mooring on their mooring auction/tender site, if a 35 foot boat owner wins it, they don't reuse the spare 25 feet. That's a waste of potential income, as well as inefficient use of moorings.

Glasson Galgate Garstang and Gargrave

Shall we say "Most Boaters"? Fiona went to the one at Billsborough and I went to the one at Ellesmere Port, travveling quite a distance - and we are continuous cruisers. So cruising is no excuse. Admittedly as a member of NABO Council I made an extra effort, but I think one of would have gone to one of the "consultations" anyway. At the first there were 9 boaters, and a few more at the second including one cycling boater - no anglers. Vince Moran admitted they had failed miserably to publicise the meetings widely! I must speak up for BW on one point - at least one of the issues I raised has been addressed since the meeting, so it wasn't a complete waste of time. What did anger me was the press release before the second event where Robin Evans said that those attending were broadly in favour of the new 2020 vision - that was not the case at the meetings either of us attended - before and after the PR. Mr Moran admitted they had no idea how the changes to charity/third sector might be achieved. There was significant warning against going down that route, but most people said they would wait to give an opinion until there was more flesh on the proposals.

When I say I get mail c/o a mate, that doesn't explain how I get it! We use a friend's address as our mailing address, but then that has to be sent on to us. Thanks to email we can be advised what has arrived and decide on the urgency of receiving it. When we need some of it we choose between another friend (and various have been been extremely helpful, even driving to our current mooring when necessary) or a Post Office - Post Restante, or a boatyard. So far it's worked well. Only once did a package not arrive at the PO (PR) and not get returned after the statutory 2 weeks. You always need to ring the PO in advance to check they will receive mail Post Restante - some refuse.

Thanks for the plug, Dalesman It was truly memorable (ISTR)

The pound below Anchor Lock was drained yesterday morning by someone leaving [a] ground paddle(s) open the previous evening. Mind you the lockie at the Gargrave flight was doing his best to save water. We could have (would have!) filled and gone through a lock in the time it took for the next pair to come up the next lock down, if he hadn't told us to wait. Not sure his net saving was real or theoretical, by the time boats have come up and down over a day. I was a little put out by his superior attitude - I felt like I was being treated like a hirer. The problem then is that hirers, in their rush to make up time easily forget to drop paddles - especially with so many different types to think of. Not excusing it though.

Should you really be including Avonmouth to Bridgewater Bar as a Navigable river?

That is not what the signage says. Andy, have the water points further along got tap symbols on? That would help notify boaters what they are. Maybe one of BW's A4 laminated signs could be displayed at the Council facility directing people to the BW tap cabinets?

Great to hear you're doing well, Tony. Which way are you coming over the Pennines? We're currently going eastward on the L&L, with the Rochdale in mind for the return, then the Macclesfield etc. Enjoy the cruise.