Derek R.

There has been much debate over the various licences available from BW with occasional or casual use as work-boat/cottage industry enterprise, and the various requirements of licencing for Captains. New regulations have opened up the proverbial bucket, and there appears to be right now much talking about what is in fact necessary amongst the various authorities, about what is actually required in terms of Licences for use and waters to be used upon. There have been several conflicting opinions from different parts of BW as to what is needed. Best check with the Historic Narrow Boat Owners Club, David Lowe is the Yorkshire rep., who along with others has been in touch with various 'powers that be'. I can only suggest you nip over to check out what the score is to date. http://www.hnboc.org.uk/ Derek

I wouldn't say Europeans are like Sheep, each have their own National identity which in itself might only be a form of pride in their Country and its customs. It's when history is swept away like so much rags and tatters that those whose memories are longer, and who perhaps long for fewer changes to create some form of stability in life, that the ever consuming homogenisation of Europeans into 'one' form of society/leadership/government/language or even measurements - that many feel that it's gone too far. De-stabilising a national identity is a major step taken by all dictators, it breaks the will of the people. Gallons to litres, inches to millimetres, British to 'European'. As for St. George - Google, and you will find him a Roman Tribune who was beheaded in 303 for sticking up for some Christians who were being given a hard time by the Romans. He may never have set foot in England, but his deeds were recognised by a great many countries as worthwhile examples to follow, and so he unwittingly became a patron Saint of around a score of different countries in which he probably also never set foot. It's an idealism that is followed, regardless of who he was. The dragon slaying is myth. Though there's plenty to slay in Brussells and Whitehall before we all fade away completely. Fly the flag? I know which one I'd burn. Derek

Wonderful! You might not get a reply from Tam straight away as they are back and forth - France to England, but I feel sure they will be delighted and post the reverse (hopefully, - or maybe PM you with it). Can you tell us more about the circumstances surrounding the picture please? Derek

Struth! Looks like he spent his entire life walking!! Derek

Excellent news for Lucy, I hope finance and circumstances do not interfere greatly with the ongoing work. Perhaps - but we need wood! (Not that running an engine will create trees overnight - or the total of mans output if changed, even measurable!) Baldocks's signature has more truth in it than a whole department of government 'scientific advisers'. Current levels of CO2 by ppm are way below Earths average over the last 350,000,000 years which has ranged between 250 to 2,500ppm. The current swathe of 'Emissions Policies' are nothing more than tax generaters, and the propaganda - mind control. http://www.ilovemycarbondioxide.com/index.html Sleep tight - Derek

http://www.geograph.org.uk/gallery/canals_...igations_8323/1 Looking for something completely different, and came across this. A few working and ex-working boats in there. Over six hundred photos. Derek

Shaw and Kilburn - that was it! And, yes, I do remember second hand cars for sale along there. Completely forgotten about the pumps though. Tricky things memories when you go beyond five dozen years.

Granted, but what easier than to refer to a foot as the length of a mans foot, and an inch as the width of a thumb. I teach my daughters Imperial, as it gives them a wider understanding of our historic past. It is what I was taught in school, and metrication - whilst admirable for many things - is not the only way of measuring and weighing. Even in computer software, measurements in inches can be an option, though convenience gives metric the lead. I just get frustrated at times, when so many people are campaigning for the retention of historic canals, artefacts, buildings, basins, and boats, that something amounting to irreverence is thrown at the Imperial system that was used to build those very things we campaign for. It's a stone arched bridge and balustrade, compared to a flat concrete slab. Nothing personal Cath, I just feel it a sad loss to an educational system.

Refer me to the Act that says you are not 'allowed'? Thought Police? Not in my head. Derek

Ah! Berko before it got trashed. I recognise the bridge by the former 'Navigation', and the lorry must be next to the crane which puts it opposite the railway - the railings are very distinctive. But the little garage is a surprise - that must have been right next to the 'mill like' building. I remember the Citroen garage next door to the station - are these shots pre 1970? I moved to Wigginton late '69. (from N. London). Derek

Glossor in the 'wet' dock.

30 what? 143ft is the greatest from surface to tunnel, that's the second vent in from the Blisworth end. Dinosaurs rule OK. Derek

Mostly fact, with a little calculated guesswork: The whole of Blisworth tunnel was lined up from the tower of St. Mary's Church at Stoke Bruerne from where the entire line can be viewed. As the point of view from that tower was the highest point above the line of the tunnel, a telescope and theodolite would then be used to ascertain the various heights above water level. All this would have been plotted onto a longitudinal cross section drawing, and once chosen, the various sites for digging vertical shafts would have begun - 19 for Blisworth. Once at datum level for the tunnel floor, horizontal excavation began using possibly the 'planks', and a length of hose pipe with glass tubes at each end and a mark to keep 'level'. The tube would have sufficient water in it, so that when both ends were held vertically - any distance apart - the water would show at the mark when both glasses were at equal levels - a long flexible spirit level in fact. The problem with a plank might be it's limited length before bending under its own weight. With a water tube, the distance apart was only governed by the length of the pipe. Its accuracy was greater. As regards supplying fresh air; I have not read of any apparatus that was actually used, but if necessary a bellows pump may have been manned either at surface level, or once gained, tunnel level. Other than that, it would be by natural convection. Why black and white? A smart appearance shows pride and efficiency, black and white stand out - 'look at me, I'm an engineering feature!' Or if black tar paint was used for preservation, you wouldn't want that soiling your clothes when opening gates - so along came white. Don't know really, just some ideas. And if someone had ordered a big batch of wrong colour, quite likely to use it to get a job done than cart it all back. Derek

So which Adder is this? In the ownership of Barry Whitehead of Bingley, and at Braunston in 1985/6 awaiting further work. Barry had it for several years, but may have sold it during the nineties. it had a conversion on, and when we passed him sometime around 1989ish at Weedon, it was running with a Bolinder that seemed to race a bit. Think it was still called Adder when at Weedon. From my own picture collection. It was from the cabin dimensions of Adder that Yarmouth's cabin was constructed. Derek

Uuh? Yo - know wot I mean - right? Laters. txt spd spk mtts mor. N tm 4 mor Take the centres of words out, and the vast majority of people will still be able to 'read' the whole word if the beginning, ending, or a vital consonant is present. But that does require familiarity with the whole word as originally spoken or spelt, hence the need for a comprehensive understanding of the English language from the start. Imagine any one of us trying to understand a foreign language written so, or in text speak - barely possible, because we would not know the construction of the original word let alone its meaning. Grammatical mistakes can be made by anyone, and most people do make them. It is a sad fact of life that current educational standards in some ways have fallen to the point where many school leavers struggle to either spell correctly, or construct sentences correctly - the evidence of this can be seen even in official documentation - from local government departments through to the top, and 'Waterways' are not unknown for it. As children I'm sure most of us have attempted to construct their own 'language', often by taking the last part of a word and placing it at the front, and adding an extra vowel at the end - or even speaking the words backwards (much harder). It's all part of growing up and wanting to stand out from the crowd. The need to 'be different' - to be recognised from all those who went before, and ironically as such, they are all the same. Ultimately, a standard is needed for language simply so that we can communicate accurately and concisely when needed. Bad grammar leads to misunderstandings, and bad spelling leads to distraction and confusion. It is indeed a sign of the present times that these basic items are taken as being just too inconvenient to be bothered with. In the end it is down to each and every one of us as individuals, to set standards that might be copied through respect. How many books would you want to pursue in reading, if one word in ten was mis-spelt, or the grammar led you to believe one thing when the author meant another? If it were a technical manual, everything might rest upon the accuracy of the written word to complete a vital task. Legal documents on the other hand, and Bills before parliament go too far the other way - and the lay-man cannot understand even one sentence as it is referenced to previous paragraphs, sub-paragraphs, and clauses - and often cross referenced with other Acts - a nightmare! One of the fatal flaws amongst the older generation, is to belittle younger people with the "When I were a lad" etc. We can all do it - young people of today will do it in years to come - it's guaranteed to cause rejection or defensive replies, as it is seen as an attack and disrespectful to an age group that seeks more than anything else to make their mark and gain respected. Respect is gained through empathy, understanding, and encouragement. Kick the dog, and it will fear you, and maybe bite back. Talk to it quietly at its level, begin to understand 'its' language, and it will see you as a guide and leader. Pander to it, and patronise it, and 'it' will dominate you. Derek

Yep! They gave us the Libre Soldat and Dinarii too. £.s.d. "Three penn'oth of chips please . ." That was a handful too. Blame Napoleon's short legs for the metre. Another interfering git.

The Italian Inch! Probably running on Dunlop rims. My 250cc (metric) Ducati also runs on 18 inch rims. Seems like the Italians had no trouble with Imperial measurements then! Derek

Aaah! No wonder I am having trouble understanding - steam boat on the Rhine - Deutschland uber alles. That rings a bell. To quote my own first paragraph:- "It could possibly be said that some people were dragged kicking and screaming into each new century as it arrived, or with each passing of yet another piece of legislation written. The following touches on politics, and as such may taste bitter to many, but with an ever increasing sense of being 'had' by the EU politically and legally on a wide range of matters, the British ( a collection of many nationalities as long as mankind had tramped the land bridge from the rest of Eurasia or learned to float in a boat ) are well on their way to becoming bar-coded and microchipped units as the EU harmonising culture machine steps up another notch." Paranoid? Obsessed? No, just aware. I do not know why Daniel (entry to University I thought required some basic language skills. Clearly I am mistaken) has taken a confrontational line to an issue of length. That particular issue was one of BW converting an Imperial measurement into metric - inaccurately, perhaps a result of university education. Whether we are part of Europe may be considered in part a geographical situation, and in part a political one. If taken as geographical, we are indeed an Island race and separate from mainland Europe, but as stated in my quote above, we are as a people a wide mixture from many places. But that was long ago. Those who now consider themselves to be part of the indigenous population have - or should I say had - become proud to stand up for ways that developed in a different vein to those across the water on mainland Europe. A great many of those emigrants who made up the British did so because they were escaping regimes that persecuted them. Two World Wars were fought defending against invasion, and for the rights of other European countries already invaded. The third has been won through politics - but a great many have seen it as a necessary step to an integrated Europe - politically - the very thing those horrendous two World Wars were struggling against. Those desiring power have put down the gun, and now use the pen - under a 'marketing' strategy. I have never had any problems working with metric measurements, they were on my school ruler in the fifties. We measured the capacity of an internal combustion engine always in cubic centimetres, and litres. I do not have a problem with using metric. What I do have a problem with is the insistence that Imperial measurements should be banned. Why? Don't you have a calculator that is capable of almost instantaneously making the conversion available? Do not computers make currency exchanges equally instantaneous? No, the push for Britain to be 'homogenised' for the betterment of all, is a call from a party that requires all to be dominated by that one party - strength in unity - another dictatorial expression. The very fact that world currencies fluctuate in value against one another provides at times opportunities to market advantageously - both in goods and in currencies. Combining in one European currency reduces those opportunities. If people do not like the existence of Imperial measures - then use metric. But why deny its right to exist alongside metric? Metric was never denied existence alongside Imperial. Why is it that so many get so strung up about getting rid of the inch, foot Yard, mile and all the rest? What's their problem? Like Daniel suggests - Get over it - unless you have an ulterior motive, in which case you never will. Derek

Does Dyslexia stop you using a spell checker? Sorry if it upsets Daniel, but if it was written in haste - slow down! Derek It might just - I'll be round for the £74,000 tomorrow. Edit: Used notes please - real legal tender ones mind. But Koukouvagia makes the point - If that half an inch puts you into a higher category for licencing, it's not something you can get over, because they've had one over on you. No way Jose! As it happens with my boat it's still within the same category, but who is to say that will not change at sometime in the future? Paying enough as it is. Derek

I must have missed yesterdays challenge then. But why would I want to measure my boat? It is recorded as being 45' as far back as 1942, which I accept without tape, or laser. What I cannot accept is an error in converting 45' into metric - there is no need for that. Such inaccuracies apart, there is no valid reason why an age old Imperial measure, which I for one was taught in school without the 'benefit' of needing to learn metric, cannot be put alongside a metric equivalent. And if the invoice for licence fees can itemise the discounts as applicable, so too can the renewal notice. No excuse why not, as there is no excuse for poor spelling. Derek

Boat For Sale. Includes expensive five foot bit.

It could possibly be said that some people were dragged kicking and screaming into each new century as it arrived, or with each passing of yet another piece of legislation written. The following touches on politics, and as such may taste bitter to many, but with an ever increasing sense of being 'had' by the EU politically and legally on a wide range of matters, the British ( a collection of many nationalities as long as mankind had tramped the land bridge from the rest of Eurasia or learned to float in a boat ) are well on their way to becoming bar-coded and microchipped units as the EU harmonising culture machine steps up another notch. I find it all more than a little depressing that the public at large have shown a degree of apathy towards the future, though there will be some that are up for embracing it - but do we really have a say? I doubt it - hence the apathy. And I also sense that some will resent this topic being presented here, but as enthusiasts for our industrial past and temporary keepers of some of its hardware, do we take everything that gets lobbed at us lying down? Some recent communications - for your information - which all started with why my boat was lengthened a quarter of an inch by BW's calculator; why it wasn't shown in 'feet'; and why wasn't the notice for renewal of licence showing the available discounts. Prepare to be bored, incensed, or indifferent, but there are times when keeping things bottled up does no-one any good. --------------- I have been in contact with Jenny Whitehall of BW about the following points; our craft are no longer defined in Imperial measurements; their conversion of Imperial to metric was not accurate (mine wasn't); and why the breakdown of licence fees, discounts etc., - which appear on the receipt for payment - do not appear on the notice to pay. Miss/Mrs. Whitehall's reply was to correct the innacuracy on my boats length, excuse the lack of breakdown of licence fees on the notice to pay as a software incompatibility, and that the Units of Measurement Regulations 1995 require them:- ". . to display all such measurements as metric measurements. Our system is therefore not set up for imperial measurements so it is not possible to add this alongside the metric measurements." I have looked at the regulations and nowhere does it say Imperial may not be displayed alongside metric. It would therefore appear that 'their system' is in line with creating a European common identity culture. We are being assimilated sociologically into the dominant EU society. The passage of this assimilation is made all the easier with a higher percentage of foreign immigrants than has prevailed historically (within the last ten generations), and the eradication of Imperial measurements, as was the norm taught in schools, in todays metric only curriculum. On the legality of claiming that the Imperial system should remain and the metric be shown as an equivalent, the campigner is on shakey ground - our chain of former Prime Ministers have seen to that, although they themselves from Edward heath on, have most possibly been acting under orders. If anyone has an interest in a highly respected legal opinion - and it is just an opinion - there are five pages available through this link: http://www.silentmajority.co.uk/eurorealis...ghts/index.html Brian Parkin I have little knowledge of, but runs a website at http://home.clara.net/brianp/links.html 'English Weights and Measures'. This is more a historical record and source for students than any campaign site to prevent the loss of an existing, and widely regarded Imperial system, but in asking Brian his thoughts on the possible legality of removing Imperial, he had this to say (though for my own opinion - the future for Imperial looks bleak - the future is metric - but in my head it will not be. Do you know it now costs just over seven shillings and sixpence to send a letter first class?) however, from Brain Parkin :- ----- Original Message ----- From: Brian Parkin To: 'Derek Reynolds' Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2009 8:35 PM Subject: RE: Illegal in feet - true or false? British Waterways are offering a commercial service, which they choose to do in metric measurements only. There is no compulsion in law to offer this service in other measurements. There may or may not be law stopping them offering it in feet & inches. As I understand (and judges implement) the law, any regulation coming from the EU is now part of our law - this is a consequence of the European Communities Act 1972. This cannot be overruled even by a subsequent act of parliament (which is why the 'metric martyrs' were successfully prosecuted despite an act of parliament giving them permission to do what they were doing). If British Waterways are implementing or interpreting an EU regulation then it has the force of law. If you want to take it further, you would probably have to prove that British Waterways are supressing your culture, in contravention of the EU constitution (article 151 of the Maastrict treaty, I think). This would be illegal. I wouldn't get your hopes up though - the EU's idea of diversity of culture is bound up with 'creating a common European identity'. Good luck, Brian IMPORTANT NOTE: None of the above constitutes legal advice, which I am unqualified to give. I advise you to contact a solicitor. ----- Original Message ----- From: Derek Reynolds To: info@brianp.clara.net Sent: Saturday, March 07, 2009 3:56 PM Subject: Illegal in feet - true or false? Dear Brian, I am in communication with the authortiy that issues licences to canal craft, an historic example of which I own. Their most recent renewal form has had the length - historically always in feet - removed and metric only is evident. My 45ft craft is now to be recognised as 13.716m. On commenting that it would be preferrable if the Imperial measurement remained, I have been sent a reply from which I quote:- "I do have a lot of sympathy with your views but unfortunately British Waterways has to comply with The Units of Measurement Regulations 1995 which requires us to display all such measurements as metric measurements. Our system is therefore not set up for imperial measurements so it is not possible to add this alongside the metric measurements." On reading the respective regulations, and other websites involved in the retention of Imperial alongside metric, I am left completely uncertain about the situation as it stands. On the one hand there is supposedly legislation in the form of SI 2001 No.55 which has the four words "until 31 December 2009" inserted with regard to Imperial measurements being legally displayed alongside metric after which Imperial shown at all will be illegal. Yet there has been in the media more recently - Nov/Dec 2008 - word that Britain can keep the Pound, the Pint - and the Foot? The Barrister Michael Shrimpton's further opinion notes are dated Jan 2000. Are they affected by SI 2001 No.55? I would like to find some solid evidence in legal terms that British Waterways do not have to remove measurements in feet and inches against their claim they are following the 1995 regulations. Can you advise please? Many thanks - Derek Reynolds, address removed as advised.

I think the plans were for residential apartments and the like, with a footbridge across the canal below the lock about where Alan's boat is. More likely the financial woes affecting the building industry is the culprit.

And how many rashers would you like Sir? Sentinel, (next the bank - don't know what that other thing is) amongst five built in the seventies, now 70'. Was used to carry barrels I believe to 'The Steamboat' pub. And No - not a 'Josher'. She was out the water at Cassio over Easter for a blacking - and me without the camera. Derek

So if I put my forty year old Enfield Borough Council issue Donkey Jacket (real leather trim) up on Ebay - you'll all be outbidding each other - right?