PaulG

The Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service hold photographs for the derelict navigation taken between 1952-1956. There may be some pictures of the two water gates in this collection: http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/rd/1d40d28d-cae9-4207-b14a-7d2c2415147e#4-2-4 Contact details here http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/a/A13532331

That's the one: http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2015/09/09/fatal-bridge-where-boy-12-fell-to-his-death-in-line-for-safety-work/

I think that the panel type heater as per Kev's post above is probably safer than a fan heater. I use plug-in thermostats both for frost protection and room temperature control when I'm on the boat. You can get combined timer / thermostats - buy decent quality ones. Some offer a 3 -year warranty, which gives a little more confidence.

This particular flash lock was only needed to give sufficient water for craft to enter Pershore lock, about a mile upstream. Pershore lock was made deeper so that the flash lock was no longer necessary.

There is the argument that signs don't actually contribute much to safety. For example, the lad that was killed when he tried to cycle over one of the footbridges over the staircase locks in Stourport, in spite of signs that advised cyclists not to attempt do so. This resulted in scaffolding temporary handrails being installed PDQ at similar footbridges on the Staff & Worcs.

I agree. That is definitely not Pisgah.

I've swapped out all my fluorescents for LED. I would have though that the number of light you have specified are more than adequate. I have eight downlighters covering a similar area.

Hi Tam - I uploaded that photo to Wikimapia a long time ago. Unfortunately I can't seem to find the original now. I may have it on a backup I made of an old computer before I binned it - I'll take a look when I have a chance. Edited to say that I found a Frith photo with slightly better detail. You might be able to get a bigger copy from them: The title says it is the lock, but is actually the watergate. I think the gate itself is open and you can see the rymers to the right. http://www.francisfrith.com/uk/pershore/pershore-the-lock-c1960_p45042

This is Pershore water gate, with a barge that is likely to be "Pisgah" just entering. You can still see a few remnants of brickwork on the site today. I remember "Pisgah" operating when I was younger. She was in trade between Avonmouth and Partridge's Mill at Pershore until it was destroyed in a fire around 1974. Last thing I heard was that "Pisgah" was operating as a pleasure craft somewhere in France.

I disagree as well! In order for an accident of the specific type that I referred to, (i.e. lock jumping) people must be present. These people must also be prepared to take part in behaviour that is clearly dangerous, and could result in injury or even death. Most people do not take part in this kind of behaviour for obvious reasons. Certain groups of society that are more likely to take part in this dangerous behaviour; for example,children, adults under the influence of drink or drugs, young people trying to look "macho", or to impress the opposite sex. So it is clear that the risk is higher at locks that are located in areas where these types of people might congregate. Isolated rural locks are less likely to be places where the dangerous behaviour takes place as very few people live nearby; therefore the risk is lower. And you are right - your aeroplane analogy is bad.

I did not make that suggestion at all. For the sake of accuracy, in post #99 I said "Some rural locks are in the middle of nowhere, and are therefore low risk." Different thing altogether.

Surely not....

Dave - I really think that we are at cross purposes here. I have never said that the notices at WB are unnecessary or unjustified. If I gave that impression then it was unintentional. They were evidently placed for perfectly valid reasons.. What I said was there is apparent inconsistency in the approach of CRT in that signage was installed at one site, while it was not at another where similar activities were carried out with fatal results.

I was thinking of posting something about caps (the fitting and wearing thereof). But in the interests of peace and harmony, I won't.

I think we actually agree about most things... However, I was not using the "it hasn't happened before, so it won't" argument. But of course In any risk assessment you must assess the level of risk. The fact that many people are known to have jumped the canal at WB without serious injury is indicative of low risk. This is not the same as no risk. An event that results in death or serious injury is indicative of the highest level of risk. I didn't intend to get into a discussion of the H&S aspects of the two sites. I accept that there may be perfectly valid reasons for different approaches. However, as an outsider that is not privy to CRT's assessments of the two sites,it does look inconsistent to me.

If only, Tony, if only... (edited to say that, for the avoidance of doubt, this post is intended to be read as "tongue-in-cheek".)

Thanks Frank. It sounds as if we have similar systems, the only difference being that mine has a pressure cap rather than a blanking cap. To be honest, I've not put much effort into working out where the coolant goes. Topping it up is part of my start up routine in the morning, along with checking the oil level and so on. I might try running it unpressurised as you do.