PaulG

Was reading a book in the back of the boat while moored in central Brum a few years ago. The wife got off to do some shopping, and a few minutes later I felt the boat move. I looked up front, expecting to find that SWMBO had forgotten her purse or something, but not a bit of it. Several people were busy making themselves comfortable to pose for a photo in my well deck. They legged it quickly when I invited them to vacate the area in short, jerky movements. SWMBO later told me that she had seen the group standing there looking at the boat. They'd obviously waited until she was out of sight and then hopped onboard. Bloody cheek.

What a difference a day makes... it's p*ssing down. Ever fancied a job as a "rain maker"? Quite right. Big sandbank on the left near the place where the big Dutch barge is moored.

I have, and still use it occasionally. If you put some beer in it to cool down while you go sailing, your car battery will be as flat as a witch's t*t by the time you get back. Don't ask me how I know this...

I need to replace my cratch and cratch cover. Seems to me it could be a good idea for the same supplier to do both. Any recommendations for a company / person who covers the Tewkesbury area?

Thanks for the input, people. I'll have a think about it. I've been using a jump lead on occasion, and it works OK, but was thinking of a more convenient method. Mr. Cuthound, I think I'll pass on your screwdriver method if you don't mind.

My engine can be a bit of a s*d to start in the winter. I'm thinking of adding a switch so that I can temporarily connect the domestic bank in parallel with the starter battery. Assuming that I use adequate cable size and a decent isolation switch, does anyone see any problems with this? (Apart from forgetting to put the switch back and flattening the starter battery, of course!)

Looks like some new VMs have been installed in the area between Avon Lock and Healings Mill. http://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/joy-as-8216-prisoner-of-war-camp-8217-eyesore-is-removed/story-30208586-detail/story.html

On this day in 1898, the American armoured cruiser "Maine" exploded and sank in Havana Harbour, Cuba. The Spanish were suspected of planting a mine, and within the year they were at war with the USA.

Even more spectacular when it's a train... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-tUQTw_Vtk

"Bismark" was launched on this day in 1939.

Gas mask for protection from the chlorine gas that can result from the use of salt on a fire...

Hell's teeth, that's fugly...

Fell in just below the bottom lock on the Tardebigge flight a few years ago and broke my shoulder. Not the most dignified way to arrive at A&E - soaking wet and plastered in mud and weed...

Unless you have a gas-free boat, you are lacking a gas alarm, IMO...

Cracking bit of video uploaded by Chris Witts: "Following several years of being laid up the Allied Mills grain barges at Tewkesbury began working again from 1993 until 1998. At the end of the film are photographs and news of them in the early 21st century." https://youtu.be/VNrUEOLgQkg

Naahhh.... Nobody ever gets injured in petrol fires on boats. Intrinsically safe fuel: http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/8203-two-men-taken-to-hospital-after-fire-broke-out-on-boat-at-sawley-bridge-marina/story-29590290-detail/story.html

There is a better write-up here: "We are delighted that, thanks to this funding, we are finally able to secure a positive future for Northwich." http://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/spectacle-set-for-docks-as-crane-moves-in-to-replace-boat/story-30088443-detail/story.html If this report is to be believed, there are now funds available to restore "Northwich" - keep fingers crossed!

According to the "Gloucestershire Live" (Website for the "Echo" and "Citizen"), this 70ft Narrow Boat only weighs 2 tonnes . http://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/watch-2-tonne-boat-lifted-out-of-water-for-first-time-in-its-109-year-life/story-30089420-detail/story.html I think that Daniel Chipperfield - ("Chief City Reporter" - gosh!) might just be wise to check his facts before publishing them on the Interweb...

CanalplanAC is your friend... http://canalplan.eu/

As do people who have "paid their whack" and object to having their integrity questioned...

I don't think it is beyond the ingenuity of man to include 30-day licence details in the online system. The River Severn Navigation Guide states that: "Please note that you will not be allowed passage through the River Severn locks without a valid, CRT River Licence for your craft" https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/refresh/media/thumbnail/27339-new-river-severn-navigation-guide-april-2016.pdf

If it makes you feel any better, I just tried putting my own boat number into their online checker, and it came up as "not recognised" and asked for a sighting report. Their system could be busy during the summer when we hit CRT waters again ...