Ianws

If all boaters are expected to know this theory and have enough experience to confidently execute it then how on earth are new people going to be integrated into boating. Without enthusiastic new boaters the canals would be more at risk than they already are. As a newbie a boat heading what appears to be straight at you is pretty intimidating, particularly as you can't be certain what their intentions/next steps are. I perfectly understand stepping off on the towpath with a line, if that's what you feel safe with.

I had a conversation with my brother and his friend who had come to help work some locks today. One had heard about the C&RT funding issue. Both said canals were a great resource for the community, walkers, bikers etc. and talked about the heritage. I menoned, unlike charities like Natoonal Trust and English Heritage most people don't pay to access it. The problem with C&RT fundraisers canalside is at least two-fold. 1. You don't need to pay. 2. Cancer, heart, dogs charities etc are much more high profile and more likely to have a personal pull for any spare cash you might have and want to donate regularly. How many people have such an affinity with the canal heritage, landscape and amenities they want to set up a direct debit to support C&RT, before other causes. I guess most boaters already feel they pay enough already and wouldn't want to contribute more. Its not easy (possible) to fill that gap through community fundraising.

I think its been mentioned in the Independent and my wife said she had heard about it on bbc radio 4 on the morning Today news programme.

Even the most trusted and respected members can get their initial diagnosis and suggestions wrong if they haven't been given full or correct information.

I wasn't commenting on whose behaviour was increasing the risk. Just that some people think there might sometimes be an increased risk.

I'm sure earlier in this topic (before it went off to focus on cycling) there were quite a few comments that wearing safety gear while boating could make people more complacent and increase the risk of an accident.

I know

Were Dawncfafts still being built then? He may have been told it's a 2000 model but that doesn't mean it is.

That's why they asked for advice.

The OP already knows its not right and is asking for genuine guidance not condemnation or a laugh.

That's really not good and very dodgy.

There are a few different brush on paints out there. I used Stovax Thermolac.

In the 80s I was doing an Ecology degree at Lancaster. At the time we were told all Blackpool's effluent was piped out to sea rather than treated. It was more directly hazardous than nucleides lurking in the bay sediment from Sellafield outlets.

It would cost a lot more than the share of the development to renovate the while canal and keep it open. I live locally and it would be great but I can't see it happening .

I wouldn't try to argue with someone from Manchester or Wigan that they aren't Northeners. It might not go well.

Yes. It's certainly not Midlands or South. Though I suppose it depends on your perspective. For people in Wigan and neighbouring districts, it's definitely up North.

The flight has only recently reopened after ongoing repairs. But, having said that, why hang around in Wigan. It's an odd layout of a town. I don't think Poole's pies exist anymore, which would have been worth a punt back in the day.

Working the locks while wearing nothing would certainly entertain the gongoozlers.

That's grim.

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notices/25844-navigation-closure-greenberfield-lock-flight-leeds-and-liverpool-canal Leeds & Liverpool Canal Location: Navigation Closure: Greenberfield Lock Flight, Leeds & Liverpool Canal Starts At: Lock 42, Bottom Lock Ends At: Lock 44, Top Lock Wednesday 26 July 2023 15:45 until further notice

So, after getting lots of grief you are looking for someone to help you through the minefield. Makes sense, but only if someone is prepared and able to do it.

I'm not sure how other cafe boats do it but catering businesses usually require a separate sink just for handwashing, and a good supply of hot water throughout the service, to meet eho requirements.

Here you go https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notices/25727-navigation-closure-bridge-32-crabtree-swing-bridge-to-bridge-31-new-lane-swing-bridge-burscough-leeds-and-liverpool-canal

It was an news article update on a very long running situation that has been followed on this forum.