Derek R.
-
Posts
4,951 -
Joined
-
Last visited
-
Days Won
1
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Events
Gallery
Blogs
Store
Posts posted by Derek R.
-
-
What is a jolly?
An outing, on which you enjoy yourself. Sometimes associated with outings at the tax payers expense in which case it becomes a derogatory term. 'Jolly boat' was a small boat kept aboard ship that was often used to take off to the pub if not tied to a quay. They all came back pretty 'jolly'.
Dangerous to swim in the Soar? You could drown swimming the Channel just as easily as in the Soar, but more chance of being impaled on a shipping trolley in the latter. Some kids see others jumping in where the swimmers may know it is deep and safe. Said kids then have a go elsewhere in shallow rubbish strewn waters thinking all is well. They cannot see what is underneath the surface. Perhaps they just want to get their names in the paper.
Derek
-
Surprised they didn't call it 'Etilletas'
-
Clearly I do not have this puzzle and I was working from memory. I must try to remember that I am getting too old to rely on my memory. I am sure this was the same trip though.
I'll do it tomorrow, take a picture, and PM it to you - see if it's the same one.
Derek
-
Damn you! I just spent two hours reading Blossom when I should have been writing my book.
It's fantastic.
(Blossom's website, that is, not my book. Which isn't even written yet)
Waddya wanna write a book for? There's loads in the library and they're free . . .
-
(snip)
DARLEY and ALPERTON (Roger Hipkiss and Keith Brown) were following close behind freshly painted in 'British Waterways' yellow and blue and were photographed passing through Batchworth by somebody else who published their picture as a jigsaw puzzle !
Oooh - I've got such a jig-saw puzzle. It's certainly Darley and Alperton looking smart in blue & yellow (yellow as the background, blue border), photographed by a Doug Smith from the bridge as the pair had entered Braunston bottom lock (dock on the left, shop on the right) going up-hill. Bright Sunny day - shorts only on the silver haired lock-wheeler accompanied by a brown dog, and white sleeveless vest on the motor steerer accompanied by another brown dog on the cabin roof. Motor chimney lay on the roof (arch of the bridge fouls them there), two inverted barrows in the hold lined up side by side, one rubber tyre in the middle on the shutts, butty clothed up. Fenders and brass tip-top.
Puzzle produced by Lockmaster Crafts, 192 pieces, 10" x 13-3/4". Quite a good puzzle as they go. Seem to recall its purchase from Stoke B. museum shop.
Derek
-
Steve has described the method of construction perfectly.
When I took on Tycho in '99, the back deck, cants, and gunnels were all in wood, and in very poor shape. Water had ingressed into the grain and between each and every joint. Moss grew from the cracks, and the Oak cants were coming off in large chunks - one Dolly was waving around loose. Whether these were original timbers I cannot say, but I was keen (after previous experiences replacing wood with steel on Yarmouth) to retain what wood there was with new wood. For the time being, I used PVA as a sealant, mastic, paint, and reproduced missing bits of Oak cant with artistically formed mortar (complete with bungs and graining - fooled many!)
As Steve implies, if you speak to those who work with wood, you may be encouraged to replace with wood. Similarly, speak to steelworkers, and you may be swayed that way. Longevity of work done is often a deciding factor in choosing one over the other bearing in mind the not inconsiderable cost. With back cabin and engine room, access to remove the gunnels necessitated major upheaval of the fitted cabin (precious little in the engine'ole).
Along with much other necessary steelwork to uxter plates etc, Tycho's back cabin fitments were all stripped out - and what a job! This was I feel, not the original 1936 woodwork, but a later re-fit, possibly by the Wains but it was solid and had no intention of meeting my desires to be removed in pieces that I could replace later. (Many vital parts were saved, and where able, other bits were used as patterns and even repaired - still ongoing! Rodger Hatchard did the graining and decoration, all of which has survived.)
Graeme at Stockton (a declared 'steel' man), warned me that behind the wooden gunnels lay an area that could prove to be in poor condition due to it's steel flanged construction to the metal gunnels. Being overlaid with the timber there was plenty of chance the steel work of the cabin where it turns onto the gunnel - to rust away. Fortunately, all was sound - had it been worked on before? Possibly. Graeme also pointed out to me, that this job may well be needed again in 20-25 years time as wood is not as durable as steel, and that he could replicate the angles and shapes perfectly; fit the feathergaurd, and make all appear like wood. This he did. So for the longevity of the boat, my pocket and future pockets (of owners!), this area will last longer without major problems.
However, I was not convinced into replacing the back deck and Oak cants in steel. I had stood on steel with Yarmouth, and whilst an excellent job had been done, it didn't have the feel of wood. A compromise had been reached with the sealing off of the back deck in steel at a lower level to accommodate an Ash deck and Oak cants, screwed, bolted, and 'resin bonded' to the steel (Central Craftworks. The rear bulkhead was also replaced with thicker hardwood). The end result was stunning, but the Ash needs constant attention. Not living aboard - it doesn't get enough. The Oak is good ten years later, but the Ash has risen to resemble a humped back bridge at one seam. I have repeatedly smoothed the edges, ripped out and re-caulked with Sikaflex, and it's good for another couple of years. But I would not have Ash again! Wood where it's accessible for repair/replacement - yes, but not Ash. Boat builders working in wood will encourage you to use wood. We all know its appeal. So too do those yards who want repeat work orders.
You makes your choice - and pays your money. It all comes down to how much you can afford. With old boats - any boats - costs can spiral exponentially if the wrong decision is taken, though with old boats there is much emotion involved. Will the wallet meet the hearts desire?
Derek
-
On the gunnels of a hold I personally would opt for wood. Where access from beneath is restricted such as along the back cabin, it may be a different question. Removing the range, table cupboard, bed'ole lining (ditto though easier the other side) every score years to replace due to rot - perhaps just in one area - certainly tipped the scales for me.
More on the 'Northwich Gunnels' thread.
Derek
-
Well of course hardly ever - empty clothed-up boats are a pain in the slightest of winds but I think I remember reading about extra payments to keep boats clothed-up to keep the hold dry before loading maybe sugar, salt or cocoa. There are also pictures which show clothed up empty butties around Sutton Stop after the BW fleet was disbanded in 1963 - with the boaters still living aboard and having created their own "undercloth conversions" with old sofas and the like. And of course Friendship was always clothed up in retirement.
(snip) Paul H
I can understand that, and there may also have been the fact that rolled up side cloths hold water, induce mould, and make nice places for wasps to nest.
There's always a battle to keep a boat smart when living/working ashore, and when living aboard, finding space to move things around to get any work done! You need to be polishing four times a week at least with brass, not so easy when you are miles away.
Derek
-
(snip)
When I was Clerk to the Parish Council, I worked with the Planning Authority and the V&A museum to force a Building Developer to re-build an 18th century bread oven in a Grade ll listed building. Ironicly, the bread oven was actually of far more historical importance in what was otherwise a fairly ordinary domestic building.
This begs a difficult question. If the bread oven was not clearly visible from the road, or an external feature of the building, what difference would removing it make? Who is to know if only the residents, bona fide visitors, or prospective buyers - who may not see it as a 'feature' - know of its existence?
A tongue in cheek question perhaps, and I am personally all for keeping structures as they were constructed (provided they were designed and built with practicality of use and purpose to the fore, even purely decorative to a period), but if the item served no useful purpose - is bread to be baked in it? - unless the building is to be opened to the public as a museum/heritage piece, can it be explained why such features should remain? What purpose would all the blacksmith's forges be today, if all had been preserved as they stood - they might well end up as no more than vandalised bus shelters, much like the riverside wash house are in rural France - graffiti, smashed benches, and fired.
On the other hand, we have seen decimation of sturdy architecture, and the bastardisation within structures such as St Pancras and Marylebone Stations - structures still in the public eye and in use. Acres of glass and plastic might suit some, but it is not what the designers either had available, nor I fancy would they have used if they had (though arguable of course) - but the style - no, they wouldn't have done it like that. Take your eyes from the roof in St Pancras, and you might as well be in a modern abattoir. Staples Inn, Holborn also comes to mind. This is the Old Tudor building depicted on the 'Old Holborn' tobacco tins and pouches. Step inside and you would not tell the difference from a sixties tower block.
Rambling again. Yes, I am for keeping the internal fabric along with the external - and no flat screen TV's replacing family ancestors over the mantlepiece please! And who on Earth would want to bring a 'Privvy' inside the house???
-
It is the HMRC (or the government) that has created the fiasco that we are presented with, now.
All the other systems, throughout the rest of the EU (that I am aware of the details of) seem to work well and fairly.
Yet another example of our resistance to dialogue, with the EU meaning we're left with the sh*tty end of the stick.
It would be far better if we accepted our membership and got on with influencing the direction Europe is going, rather than being left out and moaning about it.
On which we will have to differ.
Derek
-
It applies to all Dutch historic boats that are on their equivalent of the NRHV.
Ah! Then we should be waving our fists at someone.
-
I do not know to which vessels the Dutch system applies, it may be working boats. In which case, such a system does in fact operate here. If you are a commercial concern, cargo or fishing fleet, there is a reduced rate. Other than that, one is classified as 'pleasure' craft - ex-working or otherwise. It is possible to declare that a percentage is for power generation or heating, in which case that percentage can be claimed for and the reduced rate charged. It's up to you to be honest with the boatyard at which you purchase from, and they have to record the delivery to you at those declared rates. HMRC can then take you to task over possible frauds if they suspect.
That's the system as it has evolved since the introduction of more rip-off, and to the best of my own knowledge. This system removes the necessity of both boatyard - and boat owner - having to install two lots of fuel tanks, for storage and delivery to boats, and for the boat owner to switch from one tank to the second when running the engine for anything other than propulsion. This really was one of the options that was proposed.
Derek
Edit to add: It might be noted, that HMRC were not the instigators of this demand for the derogation of Red diesel, indeed, the mountain of paperwork some of the options demanded would have done them no favours. No, look to the European Commission.
-
Splendid - got one of the front end?
Loved the story of the MF (Zenataomm's Blog August)
-
BR and Rail Track are good at that one as well. They destroyed a listed Brunel Railway Station near where I live by moving bulldozers in after midnight on a Sunday before a Bank Holiday, knowing that the Enforcememnt Officer would not be contactable until long after the rubble had settled.
Although not connected to any BR action (as far as I know) that is precisely what happened to the Firestone building on the Great Western Avenue near Brentford.
With moveable chattels such as boats, it is quite literally up to the owners what they do with them. Education is the only defence against bastardisation or eradication. Any program for retention in as near original form as possible is fraught with problems, not least would be a narrowing of the market for such a vessel - its value would decrease substantially if a prospective owner had to fill out forms to make changes. Having said that, I'd be somewhat reticent about selling my tub to a hatched artist. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder - and if his wallet is big enough . . . ? Well, what would you do?
Trusts? We have the situation of too many wanting a cheap 'jolly', leaving a few to clean up, get flak for not performing to historic practices, or presenting a vessel as it would wish to be seen in the eyes of another. Not taking sides here - I'd opt for quiet efficiency every time. Others like to 'show off', or watch and pick holes in anything.
I know nothing of Spitfire, never seen it. But if I had, and was up for buying it, I'd have done some research into its history and had a go at keeping it in tact. Sadly not everyone is of the same opinion, and some have very deep pockets - their comment after jacuzzi, bowthrusters, gold anodised windows and 6.5kva genny are fitted might be "Yes, It used to be a Black Country Tug - built by Harris you know" - and very proud of their handywork too I'm sure.
Very sad. Bit like making a 'Chopper' out of a Gold Star.
Derek
-
BW heritage status?
Kiss of death?
-
Interesting - well spotted.
-
Speaking of radios, before I package my Roberts RT7 with naff transformer off to a repair shop, does anyone have any suggestions for a good 'ol boy living local in Herts. for a fix?
Derek
-
Is it possible that the boatyards recharged the boat radio accumulators, before dynamos became commonplace?
This rings a bell. I'm sure I've read quite recently some memoirs which included the re-charging of a radio battery at Bulls Bridge, and the most recent memoir I read was that of Mrs. Jean Peters. It would be interesting to know what her Maiden name was, but on re-reading it the only mention of batteries is that which are kept in a partitioned section beneath the side bed (on the butty) and charged off the motors engine. Clearly these (this) would be for headlight and cabin light. So maybe I read it somewhere else or am dreaming it up!
I would have thought (perhaps with the exception of early engines like Bolinders) that dynamos would have been de rigeur for most engines. Prior to that, would radio really have been in vogue? Music Hall and the pub, with live music would have survived strongly through the twenties and well into the thirties.
I think I may have mentioned it before, but 'The Bargee' has a scene in a 'back cabin' with a bakelite set on the shelf. 'Painted Boats' show a clip of Ma Stonehouse tuning in some music on the butty. Clearly these scenes are reproduced for authenticity, even though the continuity has something to be desired!
Where are the links to the past when you want them? Six feet under.
-
I saw a mint restored ex BT example last month on the PO Vehicle Club stand at Harrogate for the HCVS Trans Pennine Run, so somebody still cares for them.
As they do Morris Marina's and Austin Allegro's. Nostalgia's a wicked thief.
-
Beat me to it, must be a very early picture of the Marina, can't remember the gantry in the background. I started mooring in the maina in 1988.
Baltic, I think moored in the marina as well, it belong to the secretary who worked for Peter Topping, she did a lot of work for the newly formed Wendover Arm Trust.
Great picture.
Leo
Ta, seem to recall it was early eighties. You'll like THESE then, Mr. Fincher's.
Derek
-
A long shaft would be most useful for breaking up ice behind lock gates. I have a picture of a good ice 'podger' now!
Derek
I know from experience that a long shaft is not very useful in breaking ice. You are more likely to break the shaft and I have seen several boaters doing just that.
Ah - yes! Come close to that on rare occasions. I had in mind a shaft of some thickness with an 'Ice podger' head. I'm with you.
-
Hole aligners are known as Bodgers surely. Podgers are Lockside equipment, as described so eloquently here. Extremely long shafts, and very heavy, so very hard work in use for dragging or pushing (with the spike) ice out of the way of the lock gates. Don't forget the 'Punner' which was used to actually break the ice before usng the 'Podger' to shift it. Stoke Bruerne Museum has a Podger or two on the top floor display.
A 'bodged' job is one made poor by poor workmanship, a Bodger is an itinerant wood turner, although it appears to be used as the word used to describe a 'podger' around the Black Country. More here.
A long shaft would be most useful for breaking up ice behind lock gates. I have a picture of a good ice 'podger' now!
Derek
That's a big jump Carl - Tesco's to 'arrods. Fortinumasons for me.
-
Enjoy it Carl , just have fun . By the way whats the wierdie metal tulip sculpture in the background?
Part of a new early warning system to celebrate our advancement in communications
Load with straw and ignite with flint.
(Sorry)
-
If you see Martin, on Pelican, ask him to show you his podger.
If I do, I'll explain carefully! Only a short way from tadger.
Here's another one (never been there)
Derek
Northwich Gunwhales
in History & Heritage
Posted · Edited by Derek R.
Thanks for that Steve, Rodger did a strong job! Teak sounds a good option. Belgium's long foredeck was decked in Ash, and it wasn't too long before it resembled the infamous British Railways buffet sandwiches. Should have known! Also Yarmouth's steel cants were capped with Ash 'steps', and despite regular scrubbing (lived aboard), they went blotchy, black, and within three years had crumbled at the edges. Lovely when it's new - but what isn't!
Derek