Magpie Val

Won't upload from my website - but there are some nice ones of Ripple there http://valaddictionphotos.blogspot.com/

Oh dear. Found the video footage of the damage dismaying - I feel for the evacuated families. As Denis suggests, it will take a lot of effort to clear up. Surely BW should have taken warning from the earlier incident at Llangynidr?

Why is this a men only topic? Women pee as well you know! I read once that 60% of men don't wash their hands after having a pee. Since then I always think twice before helping myself to bowls of free peanuts on the bar of my local

Or the joke about the Aussie homosexual - he got stuck in Sydney

I'd have a canal where the lock gates would open at the click of my remote control. I'd have priority over all the other boaters of course, it being my canal All would be perfectly maintained with good water, plenty of room for wildlife, maybe the odd dolphin . There would probably be a couple of lifts like the Anderton only more impressive to go up and down on. Plenty of excellent traditional real ale pubs, plenty of proper loos and showers, also recycling facilities. Lots of designer outlet centres... And of course no drink-steer restrictions

Aha, now it all becomes clear why Slough Travelodge this weekend was so appealing There's a little icon just above the white box where you type in the replies with a little landscape picture on it. If you hover the pointer over it, it will say "insert image". It will then ask you for the url of the image (it must be on a website somewhere, then, I guess) and then it does it all for you. You watch, now. Magpie Patrick will now post the image of me crossing the gates of one of the locks at Soulbury whilst sticking my tongue out.

Thanks Bottle! I'm very happy with Magpie Patrick, we've had lots more good times since Fradley Junction and I expect there's plenty more to come

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. Saul is a probable one as Magpie Patrick gets in for free, Wallingford Bunkfest I've been to before - shame I can't make it for the mini-fest, I'll be singing at a choir fest near Alton. Always fancied Trowbridge Village Pump but have had something else on each year - will see for 2008. Ripple is to long at 62ft to get to York/Ripon apparently. I also doubt her seafaring abilities to get to Broadstairs!! I've heard that it's a great festival though.

Hi there Magpie Patrick and I are interested in taking Ripple to some folk festivals next year, either canalside or not far away from a canal. We have already pencilled in Middlewich Folk and Boat Festival and Cropredy 2008. Can anyone recommend any other ones? Cheers Val

And I've uploaded a picture of myself so it's easy to spot me. Say hello if you spot us whether in pub or on the cut! Thanks for all the info everyone

Who are these teambuilding twerps? Can they not go orienteering or whitewater rafting instead, wher they don't get in other's way? If they were earning an honest living eg by carrying coal I'd say yes, give way to them, but as they provide jollies for middle management and seem rather rude with it I'd tell them where to get off!

Yes, I remember Queenie from Middlewich Folk and Boat Festival - a very patient and good natured horse, except with Morris dancers, and who can blame her? Best wishes for a speedy recovery.