frahkn

My point is that I don't think (perhaps because I'll be 70 this year) that it's entirely "normal" for an individual to outwardly express their sexuality, of whatever flavour, in the street. Of course it is no one else's business but it will attract some attention, better 'not to scare the horses' as Nick put it.

When I walk the streets it's not as an 'overtly heterosexual' man. Passers by would not know my sexuality, why should they be aware of a gay man's? I have passed Telemachus in the middle of Atherstone locks, I was quite unaware of Nicknorman's sexuality (or his pension status) at the time.

I do not know the circumstances but tow boats are now in Aston Marina following an accident where a man died after falling into Aston lock.

There used to be a second pub at Barlaston, is this no longer the case?

My 70' Orion tug weighs 23 tons and is fine with a Beta 43. Have never had power issues even on rivers.

We have never used the water heater in the 10 years that we have owned the boat so, for us, this is not correct. Also the space would be useful (it was in a cupboard). Jak, It is free so there is only so much to loose, it could be that the guy who took it out for me would install it for you. I'm not willing to put up with the hassle (for the record, Bob would have arranged and paid for the courier).

Yes, I completely understand, no criticism was intended by my remark. If Bob is not interested that is entirely up to him. I'm just looking for someone else to take it off my hands. I'll need to stop for diesel in a week or so; maybe someone at the marina will want it - the bloke who took it out wanted it but I said "no" not realising the up-coming problem with Bob.

He is the expert, if he doesn't think it's worth the petrol he may well be correct. They seem to be worth a few quid on e-bay but I won't deal with all the faff.

The heater is now out and I want to get rid of it. It is probably 20 years old (it was on the boat when I bought it 10 years ago) but it worked perfectly when I had my BSS in April. Thought I had unloaded it on Paloma Bob but this fell through as he is unable to collect and I won't ship. If anyone wants it just let me know. The boat is currently on the Shroppy heading for Nantwich.

There is no threat on the towpath. Constant repetition of these worries just puts boaters off for no reason. Of course, if you are referring to Cropredy, I can't comment with the same reliability!

As I said, a few posts ago, there is no reason for walkers to be concerned in this area. I don't worry and I'll be 70 later this year - of course I don't look like a cop, nor a potential customer for the occasional "traders" along the stretch.

When we are off the boat (about 6 months of the year) we walk the dog along that stretch most days, I've never experienced any difficulty on the towpath. I'm always impressed with boats (particularly hire boats) willing to use that route - there are more of them than you would expect given the general scruffiness of the surroundings.

Well I'll start you off, my 70' Orion is one of only 10 still existing. It won't be for sale tomorrow but that doesn't matter as you don't have the funds now. However I will be 70 this year and unfortunately may not live forever. Perhaps you funding improvement and my demise will coincide! Interestingly (or not), I grew up in Ormskirk, a few miles from the L&L at Burscough.

I'm not at all good at recognising boat types and after nearly 50 years boating, I'm not expecting to improve much now. I'm always impressed when others say "an Orion, isn't it" as they pass mine - I cannot do the same alas.

I understand that Stone boats (just above Yard lock) do allow you to remain aboard in their docks.

Yep, not the journalist but the boat builder. Although he told me that he was moving out of boat building because the market for new boats was predominantly for 57' semi trads. and he found these boring to do.

The boat had its BSS yesterday. The examiner was Steve Heywood and he was a pleasure to have on the boat. Took about 2 hours to do the inspection in a thorough but reasonable manner. Got a pass (which helped) but he also gave some useful advice. I would certainly recommend him to anyone needing a BSS in Staffordshire or thereabouts.

How typical are you? I am also a grey bearded o.a.p - though I have never worn a cap of any sort since the 5th form. I pay for everything less than £200 with £20 notes. The remaining £10s and £5s are useful for taxis/tips (I don't drive), while almost anyone will take the coins, there seems to be a street collection service. I don't have an i-phone, I manage with an old Blackberry which has no internet access and is usually switched off. I know how to switch it on, it has a few pre recorded numbers, including RCR. I don't understand the problem people have with cash, it's hugely convenient, or at least was till last night

Certainly, there is the Wellington, next door, but I was meeting some people. If I'd gone into the Wellington I probably would have stayed and missed my rendezvous. I can't think of anywhere closer to the Good Intent than the Joint Stock (except possibly the Square Peg, you will never find me in a 'spoons pub), anyway it was in the wrong direction. It's a bit hard on the bar staff though, they look like they are not trusted with cash and also it's a big deal to buy them a drink.

Many of you may think my experience yesterday evening was routine. Thought it was truly weird - so weird that I'm mentioning it here. Walking through central Birmingham I came across a pub - The Good Intent - which claimed to be the "first non-profit pub". I realise that there are lots of virtually non-profit pubs but this is the first that I am aware of which aims for that status deliberately. Shaken by this concept I went into the next one (the Joint Stock) only to find that they no longer accept cash in return for their wares! I had to resort to a card to pay for a pint.

I refer you to "Sexual aggression in Mallard ducks" a Phd thesis by (I think) Dr Helen Williams. Just reading the methodology is an eye-opener.

Exactly, its down to experience, when I bought the boat (it was ten years old) it had two water pumps - one on the cold water and one on the hot - both Shurflo. I had to change four in the first twelve months, then I changed to Jabsco, today (nearly five years later) I still have the spare Jabsco that I bought at the same time.

I have a marina mooring where I pay for twelve months although the boat is always out for about six of those months. This is a bit annoying but I don't feel it can be called "unfair" - it's what I agreed to in the contract. I haven't thought about it much but I don't immediately see how I'm getting a "raw deal" compared to CCers. They don't pay £3,200 for a mooring but then again, they don't have a mooring.

Works both ways - I recently went for my annual (it's been 3 years) diabetes 2 check. My feet were slightly swollen (as they usually are, I'm 69, overweight and have type two diabetes, what do you expect!). This would normally pass without comment but a trainee was present at the examination so my feet presented an opportunity to show her how to organise a referral to the podiatry service. So this week I turn up at the podiatry clinic, spend 5 minutes there (mostly taking my shoe and socks on and putting them back). Feet are fine. A total waste of NHS and my time.