Dekazer

Poor thing, hope he feels better soon! I've been a first aider at work for 8 or 9 years and also feel that it's a vital bit of knowledge. I did my first course at school (a few years ago) and have had a current certificate ever since - I see it as part of my civic duty. My most memorable use was when I passed a road traffic collision, car vs bike. There were a crowd of people milling around, some of whom told me they were 1st aiders, none of whom doing the right things. At least they'd called 999, but the poor casualty wasn't receiving the 1st aid he deserved. Not that I'm anything special, but we should all really know how to cope properly with such incidents. I've used my 1st aid training when boating, cycling, biking, driving and at work, and can't recommend the training highly enough.

To empty the pump out (+ greenie, lovely post xx)

In a bit of a hurry so haven't read the whole thread, but having lived with both: Cassette Pros = free to empty, easy to empty (little to go wrong), unlikely to overflow, can be emptied away from boat (using trolley/car). Cons = Have to empty it frequently (depending on usage), you need a strong stomach to empty, some elsan points are grim, Blue is fairly pricey (although alternatives exist) Pump out Pros = empty far less often (months rather than days between empties). Cons = Can't empty without taking the boat (nb if you have engine trouble, are iced in etc), can make boat lean to one side when full, more 'bits' to go wrong, cost of emptying (£10 ish a go). You will notice I haven't mentioned smell - whether or not you get smells will depend on the way you manage your system rather than on the system itself, iyswim. Overall I suspect the average cassette user spends more on blue than a pump-out owner spends on pump-outs, but it will vary. Be aware, if the marina where you moor has a pump out system at the boat, the issue of having to move the boat to empty the loo is removed, which may be important. There are different quality cassettes - from old-style porta pottis to posho built in systems. Pump outs are built in but still vary hugely in quality. Given the chance to start again with our current boat, I'd get rid of the pump-out and replace with a cassette, although it's unlikely I will for very specific reasons. If I had another NB, I'd pick a cassette over pump-out every time. Hope that helps, Lucy

I'm flying in a bit, so haven't read all the posts (sorry) but it's worth bearing in mind that people's definitions of 'London' vary hugely. If you're happy to live in the suburbs, I'm aware of a 45' narrowboat for sale on a resi mooring on an island in the Thames near Hampton Court. I don't know if it's advertised online anywhere, but if you drop me a private message I can pass on a phone number for more info, Lucy

That smacks a bit of victim blaming, in my opinion. Better to educate (kindly) before the event than chastise afterwards (I am a bit of a glass-half-full type though..!)

Just for those who think all scam victims are stupid and greedy... I went to a conference yesterday about dementia (for my work) and there was an excellent presentation from the Trading Standards Board Scams team. Obviously they were there because people with dementia are at increased risk from scammers, but they emphasised that people of all ages and all vulnerabilities are targetted. One of the things they were keen to emphasise was that scam victims are just that - victims of criminal offences. They are not stupid and greedy, they are often impoverished, trying to claim 'winnings' (or get a bargain) so their family can benefit, or they are very lonely or vulnerable for some reason. JUst 5% of scam victims report it to the police, and scammers are very clever at sharing the details of people who have fallen for them ('suckers' lists), and using a variety of methods to suck someone in. If you or someone you know does fall for a scam, it's important that we all recognise that the person is a victim of crime, not a fool parted from their money. And if you know someone who is falling prey to scammers, contact the Citizens Advice consumer team, who can refer to the Trading Standards who can help solve it. Lucy

Here's another vote for the lovely Oxford canal, and the Thames Ring - we did it in 17 days once, which was a little bit too quick but very enjoyable. As for canal locks, there's one key difference for me. When you boat on the Thames, you quickly become used to Lock Keepers doing all the work. It becomes ingrained that if something goes wrong, you shout to the person operating the lock and they stop the lock. On the canals, you must change your thinking - if something goes wrong in a lock the crew member on the bankside must be ready and waiting to drop the paddles (by hand!) as soon as a problem becomes apparent. That means standing by with a windlass watching, not getting distracted. Everything else on the canals is far easier than the river. You can moor very nearly everywhere (barring bridge- and winding holes) without charge for longish periods. There will only ever be one or two boats in a lock. If you fall in, you are likely to be able to walk to the edge! Night-time boating is a lot less stressful. On the other hand, you will need to consider things that simply don't matter on the river. You will need to slow right down to pass moored boats (go as slow as you think you need to, then slow down a little more), you need to plan ahead to pass an oncoming boat, and overtaking suddenly becomes trickier. You'll have a brilliant time. If you're nervous about a lock (or swing bridge or lift bridge...) go and have a gongoozle in advance first. Make sure you have a BW key to access elsan and water points too! Lucy

Our last pet insurer stopped providing it, so we had to shop around last month. I used the Money Saving Expert comparison tool: http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/insurance/cut-pet-insurance-costsThe page also has a good description of what policies include. Do consider, as your pet gets older, whether it's worth taking out lifetime cover. So long as you renew every year, your pet is covered for long-term conditions, which wouldn't be covered (as 'pre-existing) under new policies..

Nice and busy on the Thames this weekend. We only popped out yesterday to empty the tank but had a lovely cruise and all our lock trips were full

Our cat is at home during the day. He does and can go out, but tends to sleep for most of the day. We leave several portholes open (too small for a person, but give a nice through draft) and leave all curtains closed. Where possible, we leave floor hatches open so he can lie on the cold steel. He likes the bathroom floor. He has multiple bowls of water in different rooms, and does seem to use them all. Last night he had a sachet of food out of the fridge which he enjoyed, judging by the speed with which he ate it We also have a timer cat bowl which, underneath the food/water bowls, has a space for a frozen ice block. In cold weather it keeps food and water cooler than room temperature for many hours. http://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/cat/cat-bowls-and-accessories/automatic-cat-feeders/automatic-2-meal-cat-and-small-dog-feeder Lucy (& Bellamy)

I've been following their progress a bit on Twitter, what a brilliant idea and great trip they're having. Hope the show goes well

Hi Kris, What sort of advice are you looking for? The content of the letter seems pretty straightforward to me. Do you believe that they have got it wrong, and you have actually been moving within the rules? Or, are you unclear about what they require from you? Lucy

I love it (and other AG pieces) - I'd be thrilled if I was boating through there and happened upon it Public art can lift the soul - nothing brightens up a dull street like a lovely piece of art. We found this on a street corner in Chicago the other week and it made us smile like loonies. I sometimes wonder whether, as I get older, I'll get more reactionary and prefer things 'unspoiled', but I hope not

I've shared it on Twitter - hope it helps a little. You're right that it could be any one of us or our friends. I hope that Celine feels supported by the help people have offered, and that it goes some way to restoring some faith in humanity. Lucy xx

I seldom offer the asking price and it's saved me a packet too!

Is there anything in particular you want to know about the Paddington Arm? There are lots of people here who live or have lived on and around that stretch. Do go ahead and ask any questions you have

Wow, John, very best of luck with this next stage of your life From your advert it looks like Gemma Joy is in excellent state for sale, and priced very sensibly to sell, so I hope you find the right buyers swiftly. And best wishes to Stan too, I bet he'll miss you.

No photos from me I'm afraid Alan. That's a lovely photo of Cath!

I'm about 10' out of shot

Someone I know called up and it seems it might be very short indeed (less than 20'). Don't know how wide, might suit a small cabin cruiser.

Hi all, I am aware of a Thames mooring that is available to let. You'd have to call for the specifics, but I believe it's an end-on (likely to have a length limit of 25'-40' but likely to be 10' wide or more) and should be fully residential. Call 020 8977 3333 for details. Lucy

PM sent

A bit more detail in the RNLI's account here http://rnli.org/NewsCentre/Pages/Teddington-RNLI-lifeboat-crew-launch-to-sinking-restaurant-boat.aspx#.VTDwdrApuwQ.twitter

http://www.thisisourtownrichmond.co.uk/sinking-of-the-boat-restaurant-overnight/04170724 No idea what went wrong with the floating pontoon here, but a good job the alarm was raised quickly.. From This Is Our Town Richmond: "At around 1am this morning the Teddington Lifeboat Station was called to The Boat Restaurant in Richmond which was sinking into the River. Other vessels have also been affected. There are no reported casualties. "Andy Butterfield from the Teddington Lifeboat Station told This is Our Town Richmond: “I wasn’t on the lifeboat but understand the pontoon failed to rise with the tide. At least one other boat went down as well. Skiffs saved” "Volunteers at RNLI Teddington were called out at 0110 this morning after it emerged that The Boat restaurant at Richmond Bridge was sinking. No injuries were reported and the lifeboat crew was stood down at 0250. "The Boat restaurant at Richmond Bridge was one of just 11 such vessels that can trace their heritage back to the 15th century. Previously owned by Jesus College, Oxford, The Boat can accommodate up to 70 guests." PS More photos were tweeted by @rnli_teddington