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I always think in these situations that there are twqo sides to the story. Unfortunately we are only seeing one side on this forum. What I have seen elsewhere gives a slightly different slant. I can't believe that a person's property can be apparently "stolen" without a local MP or Councillor being up in arms about it. There are clearly a number of events that led up to the "eviction", and it is easy to colour your interpretation of those events based on which side of the fence you are on. Sorry I am an old cynic, but I have given up supporting causes where only one side of the argumant is being presented. It may seem harsh in the circumstances, but keep an open mind.

Fog light pointing upwards on the front is by far the best. se cabin lights to give a bit of illumination to the sides, and use a torch if you are getting a bit disorientated.

Standard time is 45 minutes, I've never been through in less than 40 or more than 50. Try and go in last if southbound, first if northbound. This is because the air is drawn through by fans at the southern end. Tunnel tips: Watch out for white painted bits, there are some bits of the roof that stick out where the alignment is readjusted. A torch is useful on the helm to spot them, and to read the arrows telling you how far you have gone. Put lots of cabin lights on as it helps you to see the sides from the steering position. Have a waterproof handy; It is reasonably dry if there hasn't been a lot of rain, but it can be very drippy.

Not sure about this John. When we came through it (twice) in September, there were even less in use than earlier in the year. I think BW policy is to reduce the flight to effectively single locks. Having said that, by having crew (singular) going ahead to set the locks, with me closing up behind, we got through at a reasonable pace. For example going North, we were in the first northbound convoy through Harecastle, having had to wait for the southbound convoy first, and finished the day by Church Minshull.

We did the four counties last July in slightly over a week. For a trip report, see http://www.minsups.co.uk/isis/4c_set.htm It was a fairly active week, but we did have time for some more leisurely days, and also had about a day on the Macclesfield. It was before the start of the scholl holidays, so perhaps not as busy as it could have been. In fact we were suprised how quiet it was and we didn't really experience any hlodups. We went anticlockwise: don't know if that makes much difference. We were actually on the ring though, whereas you will have to allow time for the extra bit from Middlewich to Preston Brook.

Just read the FAQ's on their website. You have to admire their marketing script writer. However, I get the feeling it is aimed at the American market. And we all know what the collective intellectual capacity is of the inhabitants of that country. So they will probably sell thousands!!!!!

I use "childproof" catches on our drawers which stop the drawers from banging open, whilst still being easy to open. Available from Mothercare or no doubt other places at half the price.

There is a boat I know that has passed 2 BSS exams with solid cored 2.5T&E, which is why I wondered. Have now checked the book: New electrical installations must use multi-stranded conductors, since solid conductors can easily break where there is high vibration or repeated flexing of a cable. If solid conductor wiring is already fitted this is acceptable, as long as it's securely supported and shows no sign of wear and tear. It's a good idea to include a check on the condition of all of your boat's wiring during routine maintenance and inspection.

Quick question Gary: you say solid conductors are not allowed (i.e. standard domestic 2.5 T&E). Is this actually the case? I thought it was advisory under BSS, but not a failure point. Is it different under RCD?

Latest is that it should be back up on the website by tyhe middle of next week. I believe there is a version you can buy supplied on CD. Get updates then from the website.

He is currently having server problems. The site will be returning to full use, but no timescale as yet.

Daniel: Gardens are a special area, and in the view of the "professional" electricians, you shouldn't even turn on a torch out there. The irony of the Part P regs is that you can plug in anything you want to a socket, without contravening the regs. As a result we are going to see a large increase in daisy-chained extension leads, overloaded sockets, garden lights plugged into non-rcd protected sockets etc. Deaths caused by badly installed fixed wiring are very low; many more are caused by extension leads and other unfixed installations. As a result, the imposition of Part P is likely to increase deaths in homes (not to mention D&SI caused by people tripping over cables - does that count as caused by a faulty electricla installation? Sorry sparkies, this is just a means of creating jobs for the boys and a way of putting prices up. The following is taken from another forum, so I am not guaranteeing the facts stated, but I am sure the evidence can be found if anyone wants to look: You're right to be concerned - there is evidence that shows that if you make it too onerous for people to use professionals, or prevent them DIYing, then a transfer of problems from fixed wiring to extension leads is exactly what happens. A comparison of Australia and New Zealand shows this. These two countries are a reasonable example, as they use the same connectors, same voltages, same earthing methods and have the same basic regulations. In Australia all fixed wiring has to be done by a registered installer, while in New Zealand most DIY acts are allowed, but newly installed circuits must be inspected by a qualified sparks prior to connection. In 8 out of 10 of the 10 years to 2003, New Zealand has had the lower overall fatality rate from electricity in the home, although accidents from fixed installations are slightly fewer in Australia. So regulation has worked in one way, Australia's FIXED wiring is indeed safer, but on average between 3 and 4 times more people are dying each year from flexible cables and portable appliances, than in NZ, thus completely outweighing the benefits. In the UK already between 5 and 10 times more deaths occur from extension leads and flexes than from fixed wiring, and I expect a similar transfer of accidents off one list onto another could occur here.

Part P does allow for limited fixed wiring by householders, e.g. adding a single spur as John mentions. Also allowed are changing light fittings and similar limited amendments. However you can only do this on your own property. The potential problem will arise when you come to sell the property. At present, estate agents usually make reference to what is installed but say it is up to the purchaser to ensure that it meets requirements. What is likely to happen in future is that you will have to be able to prove that any electrical (or gas) work has been properly signed off by a qualified tradesman. If not, you may be required to show a certificate of conformity to prove that the electrical and gas installations are safe. This is a shift of responsibility which will cost you money. At present, when you buy a house you check the safety of the installation, either yourself if competent or by a surveyor (not likely to be the onew who checks if the house is about to fall down). The former doesn't cost you anything at present. However if you have to get a certificate of conformity before you sell the house, it doesn't matter how competent you are, it will cost you £5-600! And current domestic gas regs have some surprising bits that can render your house "not to current standards". E.g. high level kitchen cupboards adjacent to a hob (like most kitchens in the country), or the balanced flue vent of a boiler being within one metre of the property boundary - tricky if you have a semi or terraced house with the combi mounted on a party wall. Prepare to dig deep!

Steve: As soon as I saw the first two posts I knew that there would be comments about what we need, don't need and why should we etc. It is unfortunate that Part P has become law. I believe the figure for deaths due to incompetent domestic electrical work is 1.7 deaths per year. I don't think Part P will do much to alter that. My cynical mind tells me it is all to do with the IEE and NICEIC trying to ensure they get more work for their members, who can then charge the earth for it. How they police it is another matter. It shouldn't matter who installs the gas or electrical work on your boat, it should be down to knowing if you are competent or not. No legislation will stop the fools messing with things they don't understand. It is up to the BSS inspector to check the installation for safety, and the common sense of the owner to use it properly. If in doubt get a gas safety check done. As far as I am aware there is nothing in the forthcoming new BSS regs that will affect who can install the work. I don't even think the current BSS makes any reference to what colour wires you use. (and even if it did, it would probably be advisory!). But Part P is a worrying development of a government that is determined to wrap everyone up in cotton wool. What next: you need a certified builder to put a fence post in? How long before we have to get a "professional" in to change a light bulb?

I think the offical Calor "Hire" charge is £19.50. You have to sign a contract and you cna return it for a refund, decreasing over about 3 or 4 years. And an observation: don't get conned by the "patio gas" thing if you buy a patio heater, it is just the same as propane, but uses a different connection. Change the regulator for a standard one (about £9), then use your spare orange calor or get cheapy gas.

Where is it leaking? I recently had to replace a domestic HW tank which had pinhole leaks. Apparently since 2000 the standard has required thicker metal. Certainly with this one there was no alternative that to replace it. Maybe with yours the copper has just got a bit too thin.

I think his problem is that he had the dream but didn't do his market research. Hotel boats are in competition like any other business, and the established ones, with less capital to recover, will be able to charge less. Hence Martin Reed is not able to charge the rate he would like to.

But have a look at the website (www.reedboats.co.uk/crew.html) and have a look at some of the terms & conditions! E.g. turn up a couple of days early for training - unpaid. Provide all your own waterproofs etc. Paid minimum wage for 40 hours a week, but would probably work at least 70. Share a 7' x 8' cabin with two 2'6" bunks - you will either need to be very good friends or not like sleeping with your partner. It is not surprising that finding crew is difficult , particularly outside of the student holiday season. How many hotel pairs make money? Perhaps he should have stuck to vicaring!