Captain Haddock

Aye John The business ceased trading in December 1979 (The Winter of Discontent) and started again in 1980. New models were introduced 24, 27 and 22 wide beam but the moulding shop was destroyed in a fire in 1982. This destroyed most of the moulds and the business never recovered. Some moulds were re-built and when the business finally ceased, these were sold and marketed under other names. Also some designs were copied and made into hybrids. Believe Viking was one of them. Unless someone knows different.

Hello Mrs Panda Cholmondeston I've heard it pronounced like " Chumston & another local place Cholmonderly -- " Chumbly. (Talkin pubs canalside or short stumble) At the end of the end of the Middlewhich branch is a "T" junction dead ahead is the Jolly Tar (Beer unkown Rums good) Turning left (headin for Hurleston / Ellesmere) just around the bend is The Barbridge Inn ( Beer unknown, good grub & Rums good) Turnin right headin for Chester / Ellesmere port, there was a pub at Calverly its closed down now. ( Rum was not good.) Shady Oak is next was a brilliant pub. to cut a long story short, The Landlord last year had the canal dug out to make a small marina / mooring to accommodate the number of boaters that visited the pub excellent beer good grub & very fine rum. BWB didn't like the way it went about filled in the pit & gave him a bill for 30,000 pound. The next day he absconded to gods knows where. The pub has been taken over by a couple of ..... how can I put it..... 2 men souf o Watford, they like their clientelle to sip expensive wine. Needless to say you won't get a rum in their never mind real ale. You won't see a boat their. If you do take pic & post it. Next is the Trooper at Christleton beers good foods good rums good. then you enter Chester plenty of pubs, Recommend if you stay the night in Chester go down the Northgate staircase & tie up OPPOSITE "Telfords Wharf" (its a pub). On toward Ellesmere Port there aren't any pubs canalside. you pass Croughton linear moorings after a few bridges down there is the Bunbury arms about a 1 minute walk. Excellent beers try the Cains better still try the Rum. Its a shame I'm stuck here in the middle of the North Sea for the next 2 weeks my boat is moored at Croughton. I would av chucked a barrel or 2 across. (rum that is). As for shops no idea not my department But there is a big Sainsbutty near the Trooper. Have Fun

Maverick You're spot on thats exactly how the canals were in the 50's & 60's, totally neglected. Too much money required to maintain em, motorways were goin to be the modern form of transportation. If it weren't for the huge army of volunteers that started the restorations the government & BW would still be sittin on their backsides. They only got off em in the last 25 years or so because theres money to be made. by hook or by crook. Wonder how it would be if the restoration army can bill the BWB for the work they did, they certainly deserve a share in their profits. thats my little rant off me chest, time fir rum & batten down.

Magnet ---- triple finger postin ... no more rum for you me lad ( ps smilies not workin) shiverin timbers.

Hi Purely for your interest have a look at the 1904 Wolsely ( can`t spell today ...)on the first page of our website ; http;//craftmasterpaints.co.uk Cheers Phil Hi Phil Rums up for that, Who'd have thought Spheight paint on a car. Excellent job I give the chap 9/10. Not sure if the colour is right for the period if so 10/10 By the way how long is you're waiting list now. My boat was last painted by Andy Ru...... without mentioning any names an excellent job he does too. Watch out for the competition he's gettin quite a good name for himself. All the very best to yer Phil & good health. (to all those new to boating reading this thread Phil Speight is a legendary in the art of painting narrow boats).

It is when the shows over.

Magnet That is very true. But not all. Thats why I said friendly boats. They display official stickers letting you know you're welcome to tie up alongside em.

Check the ventilation / air flow around your fridge. The condensor requires air circultion to carry away the heat it has removed from inside the fridge.