LEO

Hi, I got a good one form UBC - a rectangular sheet of flexible steel (v.thin) this was rolled into a tube, part inserted in the flue, allowed to unravel and then the chimney fitted over this. Worked a treat. Take care not to block the flue too much though. Leo. PS. Perhaps Phylis could become the new STIG now his identity has been revealed?.

Hi Alan, Having read your original post and from my experiences it does sounds as if the pump is struggling, unable to get a good supply of water and pehaps the blockage is at the joint between tank and pipework. I had to resort to blowing down the pipe to clear this. I was amazed at the 'crud' the filter stopped, especially after re-filling following a winter drain down. (Ally Tank/15mm pipe). Best of luck. Leo.

Hi, Might be worth checking that any inline filters between the pump and the tank are not blocked with 'crud'. Leo

Hi, Tring station is close to the canal and about 1.25 miles from Bulbourne, if that is any help. Leo.

Hi, Looks a great restoration project, no-one has mentioned the engine and it's need for the leaded stuff. Something with a bit of charater when it's finished. I run a 1971 car - great, wonderfully uncomplicated - it even has a manual choke! Ford Sierras as company cars - luxury! try the BMC Marina - the worst designed/finished car around - the company gave me 5 to risk life and limb in. Happy memeories of Milk rounds in a Bedford van - excellent vehicles. Leo.

KK, Sounds fun - count me in. Grand Junction now very good, had a good Sunday Lunch there last weekend. Mooring warden should be ok (he/they have problems counting to 14 normally), can offer 'breasting up' at Cowroast for a boat less than 50ft if anyone has problems, before of after event. WC emptying facilities at Cowroast or Marsworth, Pumpout at Cowroast (closed Sundays). If visiting (especially by boat) try and make it up the Wendover Arm, well worth a visit. Hope the weather is good. Leo.

Hi, A real shame,but it was ruined years ago when it,like many other pubs, concentrated on selling food and allowing children in. Who wants to buy a pint of say, cider, for £3 when you can buy nearly 4 pints of the same product at Sainsbury's for £2.80. Greedy pub chain owners and the high rents they charge are the final nail. Had some happy times in there. Leo

Hi, Intrepid raft racers train for 'raft racing' on the Tring Summit. Crew of 4 (men & Women) on a twin hulled job, held together by ally poles. Has steering, goes well. Drums about 5 gall. capacity with fashioned bow. they are kept at The Grand Junction Arms (now under new management), Normally train?race an a Sunday am. The scullers from Berko School also make interesting watching, again on the GU summit. They all appear to be licensed and are grateful when you show consideration when they pass you. Not sure of the fisherpersons' thoughts though. Leo

Hi, This happens at Cowroast quite frequently (the pumping from the deep aquifers also helps) and it is amazing what can be fished out - someone beat me to a brass windlass a couple of years ago. It was fairly clear this morning, between the lock and the marina entrance. Leo.

Hi, Long term annual theme - it was the same each year during the 90's when I was in there. Leo.

Hi P, My boat, 'Albion Mills' with it's previous owner Sid White, was the first boat up a newly opened section of the Chesterfield Canal a few years back. I have some good pics of it on some of the lock flights - someday I will master loading pics on the site. Have fun Leo.

Another wet one? Leo.

Hi, Grove at Leighton B. as far as I am aware, below the lock. Leo

Ice at moorings on canal at Cowroast, but lock/winding hole ice free at the moment. Cannot speak highly enough of the Kabola/eco fan - runs continuously with no problems on tickover to keep boat warm without the need to switch the circulation pump on. Leo

Hi, A friend had a Fox boat - 'March Hare', all metal,with the usual distinctive front, built in 1973, it was reviewed in WW around that time. Great engine cooling system - a 22mm pipe running round the inside of the boat very innovative. Have seen it around the system a couple of times since. Leo

A very understanding wife! or is that you operating the equipment?. Leo

Hi, Having run a similar engine for a number of years and looked at the pics of your engine I think it could have reached the stage where it desperately needs some in 'depth TLC', works which are beyond the scope of someone with only basic fitting skills. Raw water cooled engines have a very limited life span and it sounds as if your engine needs a thorough 'flush through' to begin with. I don't like the raw water inlet pipe looks too small and plumbed in incorrectly. You could be throwing good money after bad, I would recommend seeking specialist advice and consider a reconditioned engine - correctly 'plumbed' in. Leo.

Hi, I have a similar pump to KooKoo's and it did need priming each time when I bought the boat, but I tightened all the nuts and got the joints properly sealed, now it does take some 'action' with the handle to draw the diesel up from the tank before some reistance is felt and then she 'pumps like a good 'un'. As an aside we had these pumps to pump water in a house when I was young, it became defective and my brother and I 'overhauled' it - the pump incorporated a leather washer which the dog ate - took us a few days following the dog round - but we got the washer back - nice and supple if I remember right. Leo.

Hi, I'm thinking of getting a ladder fitted close to the boat on the linear mooring I rent from BW. I fell in a couple of weeks ago, during the last cold/frosty snap. Water was cold!, but it proved virtually impossible to get out (canal both sides has steel/concrete piling). Fortunately my neighbour came with a ladder, otherwise............ Water was about 4ft deep and crystal clear. Second 'ducking' in 35 years, hope things don't come in threes. Leo