Laurence Hogg

Looking at the detail in the pictures this boat is either a rebuild of a Mk1 Bantock (wooden lower strake) or a early mk2, its not the later type built as the bow is too fine. The pic showing the knee shows that the knee lower section seems welded on as acut is visible, also along the length of the boat is a narrow rivetted on strake, possibly replacing a wooden lower starke? Do other knees show signs of alteration? The original knees in a Mk1 are stepped out to accomodate the width of the plank. Identification is a needle in a haystack, but not impossible. I have identified several boats in this condition by progressivly sand ing away the bow upper strake, wetting the sanded area and standing back, if you are lucky some remains of the number or name show up, sometimes only as specs of paint but when viewed standing away they form characters, tedious but worth a try.

This statement was recieved from Tony Harvey BW General Manager West Midlands this morning: Stourbridge Canal breach update Media statement – Friday 19 September 2008 British Waterways Engineers have now completed a full investigation of the Stourbridge breach site. Early indications suggest that the surges in water levels caused by the River Stour flooding in the area of the Stourbridge Town Arm terminus, and due to the extreme weather conditions experienced up to and over the weekend of 6-7 September 2008, resulted in the breach taking place. Plans are coming together for a proposal to re-instate the canal at the earliest opportunity. Whilst the construction aspects of this have been identified and are relatively straightforward, access and site dynamics are still being assessed, therefore the full costs of re-instatement are not yet available. Until we have clear costs it is not possible to advise when the work might be undertaken. The lock flight above Wordsley Junction is fully reinstated giving navigational options to all in the Stourbridge Town Arm, however, the navigation between Wordsley Junction and Stourton locks remains closed. South of the breach, a dam is now in place close to Middle Bridge. Re-watering this section will be through extraction from the River Stour, for which the necessary licence has already been obtained from the Environment Agency. This will also bring back into commission Black Country Narrowboats and the one cruising craft grounded south of the breach. Re-watering will start on Monday 22 September and is hoped to be completed during that week. Assessment is still being undertaken into the integrity of the embankment and condition of the towpath to the north of the breach (south of Wordsley Junction). If, everything is identified as being in an acceptable condition, a dam will be installed just north of the breach itself. This section will then be re-watered and will allow the only remaining craft isolated by the breach to float. This work, if feasible, could take 3-4 weeks, although every effort will be made to do this earlier if possible. A number of incidents of anti-social behaviour in the area have taken place, especially towards boats that have been left stranded by the breach. British Waterways is in consultation with the local police regarding this unacceptable behaviour, to ensure that all reasonable measures are taken to minimise the risk to person or property. British Waterways would like offer a note of thanks to its customers for their continued patience and co-operation, during this challenging time. Customers requiring further information should contact British Waterways West Midlands on: 01827 252000. If you would like more information please contact Annabel Smith, Communications Executive on Tel: 01827 252 036 or Mob: 07823 531418 or contact: Nicky Lister, Marketing and Communications Manager on Tel: 01827 252059 or Mob: 07710 175118 Notes to Editors 1. British Waterways cares for and maintains the nation's 2,200 mile network of canals and inland waterways, working in partnership with private companies, local authorities, voluntary groups and other government agencies to protect and enhance the waterways and benefit the communities through which they run. 2. For more information about all aspects of UK waterways, visit www.waterscape.com

If you look back in the BW byelaws I do believe that anything over 7ft 6" was considered wide, 7ft 6" allowed for "Hampton" boats which were around 80ft long and 7ft 6" wide (although some were built wider), This is why the gauging stops on the BCN 473ft level are so wide.

If you are going to comment on a very serious issue resolved which could have cost a lot of boaters more money then make it sensible. Exactly what is an "oversised 6ft 6"" boat?? Shropshire Union had "Trench" boats at 6ft 8" but I know of no 6ft 6" types.

Dear All, Below is a statement received from BW today following comments made to them with evidence of boats being built to over 7ft in the past.: We understand there have been some comments and discussion regarding the definition of broad beam boats in the context BWAF's report to BW on improvements to the licensing system. The purpose of consulting on proposals is to tease out relevant issues, big or small. We are happy to accept the amendment and set the width boundary at 2.3m as suggested, and thank those responsible for drawing it to our attention. Grand Union boats were all 7ft 1/2", first post war narrowboats purpose built to 6ft 10" were the "Admiral class" built in 1957 to negoiate bulging lock walls in the North West. Regards, Laurence Hogg

Apache is at Reading marine on the hard. If what I have heard is true the yard there imay be a creditor and there are two lenders arguing over who should have the boat. If the info is correct combined lenders invested £390000 and yard is owed. Does anyone still want to make an offer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Having spoken with Begbies Traynor this morning they advised thay had knowledge of the boat. However due to it being the guarentee for two mortgages taken out it was not of interest as it represented no value. they seemed to nothing of the sale or to be interested in it. All a little odd, I would have thought that a boat of that value would be part of the managed assets, when put to them, they simply reiterated "no financial interest". They can be contacted om 0113 2237 5560 ask for Ian royal.

As a creditor of Challenger I and others are very worried about news which is being heard about "Apache". If what I have heard is true apparently this boat has been sold for £16000 at auction. This is a virtually new 70ft Norton Canes built boat, with a fitted back cabin and Gardner 2LW. The sale price is unrealistic and any day of the week this boat would have fetched £65-70K. I have been given a buyers name and a boatyard involved, the combination of the two has a Challenger connection. Does anyone know of this deal?? Administators have not been in contact with any creditors as far as I know, which seems a little odd.

Grand Union motor cabins are 8ft 1" and the butty is 8ft 9". The GU motor cabin could easily lose 3" from the bedhole and 4" at the range stand, so 7ft 6" will be OK for a GU type fit out.

Plans and drawings, We have a Yarwoods Boatman cabin drawings set. My range of plans and drawings contain many which were redrawn from bad originals, also some commisioned and drawn from actual craft. It is a mis conception that the "B" series grand Union drawings available from Gloucester are of the actual boats built. they are the designs submitted to Yarwoods, Harland & Wolff etc. these companies re drew and produced their own construction drawings and hence the variations in Northwich / Woolwich Boats etc Copyright exists on all my plans which I had redrawn or copied, also they contain more information in some cases than did the original. Regards, Laurence Hogg www.laurencehoggproductions.co.uk

You could embarass BW publicly with this. try a direct approach on Robin Evans CEO - remember he was quoted as saying "The heritage is safe in our hands". Frankly after some of the fiascoes in the BCN area I struggle to believe that. robin.evans@britishwaterways.co.uk and copy it to all the magazines and "narrowboatworld" online.

Hi, You need to get this inspected by English Heritage. Apply for a "spot listing" to be made. If you ring English Heritage they will guide you through the process, it is not difficult and anyone can do it. If a "spot listing" examination is to be made no one can do anything until the conclusion is reached, hope that helps. Contact Deborah Porter on 0117 975 0704, she will offer advice. Regards, Laurence Hogg www.LAURENCEHOGGPRODUCTIONS.co.uk