petro

Just for the record, we were done by Finchy (confirmed by Police) in January this year at V Farm. He entered three boats then and stole cash and clothes. He nicked 4 cans of very old out of date beer from me but damaged the front doors quite badly. This time round he o rsomeone got in through the side hatch, nicked nothing and just busted the bolts. Various lessons learnt for the future! but in reality it must be virtually impossible to maintain security either there or at any marina in a remote location. That is the real reason that we and so many others prefer to moor in such a delightful location even now in winter.

Hi Again folks Apparently five boats broken into in phase 2 close to area by bottom lock. Nothing nicked; but nothing of real value left on board anyway. But whoever ?? busted in by forcing the side hatch. Fixed new bolts so all secure. Think I need to add a steel bar. Police do not want to know and are not visiting the marina as it is not classed as a burglary becuase no one was on board the boats affected. So it appears that it is perfectly ok to cause criminal damage. Wonderful huh So if it was Finchy, don't do me again mate go and pick on someone else !

Hi Folks Just heard that my boat has been broken into at Ventnor Farm; apparently 5 boats done yesterday evening/night. Is the famous FINCH back then ?? anyone seen him lately ? Does anybody know what he looks like ?? Be warned if you moor in the area. Will post more info as it becomes available

Thanks everybody for info Freedom at last ! Think I will wait awhile for the traffic to disappear Thanks again

Morning all Does anyone know if Calcutt locks really will reopen today ? Nothing showing on Waterscape and not worth phoning BW really as engineer is on leave at the moment. Thanks for any info

Just visited my boat at Ventnor farm and found that I have been 'Finched'. Seems it happened on the 20th Jan. Not really fussed about the food and drink he nicked but am very annoyed about my damaged front doors. The jemmy marks and split timber will take some careful repairing. Of three boats he burgled two were accessed by forcing the side hatches. So be warned ! Hopefully the 3 year old cans of Pedigree he also pinched has caused him some grief. Reading other posts, and asking around, he has caused thousands of pounds of damage over the years and the police have been involved on numerous occasions. Surely if this is the same bloke then he must be traceable even if living rough somewhere. The police are thoroughly sympathetic but I doubt will do very much more as he does not pinch anything of great value. But, it is nevertheless quite upsetting that more is not done to bring his activities to an end. Also how does he get around ? Bike, car, boat ? to lug a bag of groceries and booze taken from three boats from Ventnor Farm to the nearest convenient road is a long trek and if he is as old as suggested he is certainly organised. Oh well thats got that lot off my chest but I am sure Mr Finch's name will pop up again soon. Peter

Have a word with Peter Nicholls at Braunston. Not cheap but does some super work.

Hi all Saw a nice looking TV at Crick on the Roadpro stand; brand was DQT. Seemed a bit pricey but has anyone any views or comments before I raid the piggy bank ? Any info gratefully received. Cheers

Just seen this post and offer a comment or two. The ratchet version produced by Alex Alston doe not really work on any spindles apart from the Napton flight. Sell you mine for twenty quid ! The piece of kit developed by Mel certainly works and is cleverly designed. But it is a huge lump with some intricate engineering. I am sure that if he was able to supply these made at least in part from aluminium he would sell them like hot cakes. If you are interested they have them for sale at Ventnor farm marina. I guess the answer is simple really - get the wife to work the paddles. Ciao P

Have just seen artilce in Towpath Telegraph page 8 advising that latest directive from HM Rev quotes VAT rate for red is 5% and not 17.5(now 15%). Can anyone really clarify what we are supposed to be paying ? Have TT made an error ? Cannot see any other posts about this so maybe I have missed something. Petro

Hi all This topic seems to go on and on but just to tell you that I paid 74p at Calcutt yesterday and they appear to ber the cheapest in the Braunston area. Petro

just for info Kings Bromley, Wigrams Turn and Ventnor farm are all owned by the same company. Waiting to hear what my mooring fees will be under this new set up. Sounds like Saul junction is in this scheme as well. New owners are Castle marinas ?? Petro

Thought it might be useful to those running on fumes to post current diesel prices around the Braunston area. Best price at Calcutt - 63p over 100 litres, 66p below. Napton - 74p Braunston marina 80p I guess that calcutt are making a reasonable profit so the others must be really coining it in ! Petro

Bit worrying this news; I was reliably told that there are over 2000 marina berths in the Napton area. If these people have bought Wigrams and now Ventnor farm, then they must own best part of 1500 berths. Only leaves Calcutt and they are pricey. Seems like I had best be moving on !! Happy mooring Petro

Thanks Kamper I felt quite strongly about much of the invective being splashed around and wanted to put the records straight as far as possibel. I think your points have great validity and your last para is undoubtably true. Glad also to read that the issue of share ownership is being quickly clarified. Petro