Smelly

Mike do you accept BACS?

I'll have to check their bags too... Jacko services a lot of that patch but he's oop norf Cheers Dave but I'll miss Mike. I'm needing to stay within the Travel West Midlands area for the week. If I'd stopped at Oxley it'd be a win but there's been a few too many fuel thefts there just recently for comfort so I'm steering clear Turner's for the win I reckon... Cheers all!

Did my boating yesterday but I'm firmly in the "pain in the bum" camp as I'm supposed to be blacking the week after next but it's not likely to be warm enough.

Ah yes... why didn't I think of that?

I've nearly run out of coal and all the pesky coal boats have headed north to the Port. Plan A was to stock up at Caggys when we go up there but looking at the week's predicted temperatures methinks I will be postponing my docking. So, I need to find a supplier that ideally sells something other than Taybrite either within reach of the Staffs and Worcs summit or on the way to Gnossal. Any ideas?

You need to read Nick's continual pillory of boats hogging moorings in those parts before making a credible comment. (Now breathe Smelly. 1.2.3 and relaaaaaax)

For anyone coming up from the river... I shall be moored somewhere at Compton; feel free to breast up

.My 58ft LB has a rounded top like that. It's purple but it would seem that doesn't matter. Am I Spartacus?

UC rolls out in Tameside Oldham, Warrington and Wigan from April. Full rollout for new claimants is slated for October There may be situations where an individual wit h savings or residual income sufficient to cover moorings and licence might need to give careful consideration as to how to claim UC due to the way the income disregards operate. There is an incentive in paying housing costs such as these up front. Due to the complexity of the issue and the fact that advice organisations in the select areas are trialling software to do the calculations I will happily provide a model calculation but will not consider individual circumstances. That might change for nice people come the national implementation. I will reiterate that for lone boaters with a low income it might be worth seeking advice as to whether you'll be better off on UC.

Didn't get an email about a pm today. As I'm mostly mobile I was lucky to spot it.

Travellers Advice Team are part of the Public Law Project, a solicitors firm in Brum which, in this context, are notable for having advised Messrs Davies and Brown but having avoided being mentioned in the decisions they've inspired. I suspect because TAT were laughing too loud and the Judges didn't want to discredit them by mentioning it... Much respect for TAT, a team well worth contacting who are developing a good knowledge of things boat.

Well I must admit that I am dithering again... might get there Friday, or Saturday, or not at all...As I've said I'm on dock at Caggy's on Monday and lots of charging about might seem objectionable come.next Friday. Money won't be happy next month either. Work has gone silly this week and we're moving offices next; a weekend of feetup might be appropriate. I will report my motivation levels come Friday... As an aside, Mr John Jackson, the coalman to the stars will be passing either tomorrow or Friday. Orders can be placed on 07885284812

Matty... is that intended as a slight against TAT? I ask because I Don't know how much you know...

Travellers Advice Team are a good start. Google em

I am still loving this...

I can provide Law Society accredited training on Welfare Reform, rates are negotiable depending on numbers but start at £300 a day plus expenses. It's free bar expenses if your organisation is part of a Mental Health Trust

WWC my concerns arise from the fact that your organisation is a DWP partner and isn't provided with any independent training, hence knowing DWP training as I do I have recommended that people seek an independent view if you advise that an individual won't get an award Btw. you claim that JSA won't be paid without evidence of means which is at best a half truth; 'it's for the Secretary of State to make a decision on the basis of all the available evidence; the claim and declaration should and often does suffice. Have a look at the consolidated version of reg 4 et seq of the claims and payments regs. Ironic that the official rollout program for UC has national implementation from October for new claims yet your internal managers echo national concerns that it won't happen; much as I do ... However, if they conduct a national roll out with the same selective client group as in the pilot areas which as you'll no doubt know has been rumoured then BSP will fall within the demographic targeted... And... Crisis loans don't exist past the end of this month; replacement schemes will be provided at the discretion of the Local Authority and in the two I know about boaters will be troubled by length of residence requirements; 6 months in Wolverhampton and 3 years inSandwell. Individual LAs are not compelled to replace the discretionary Social Fund. It's unwise to second guess this...

After I've reblacked, new anodes, new batteries and refitted the bow end central heating (soldered joints were a really bad idea...).I might get round to finishing it! If the summer's worth investing in it might beat the batteries for priority! Did I mention removing and rebuilding the bedroom to get the leaky water tank out?

Bsp a lot will depend on how the Universal Credit roll out pans out. 3 weeks from "go live" and the most credible reports have all the IT contractors having been sent home. Best advice is wait until you know what's happening then ask. Sorry not what you want to hear but we live in very interesting times. Universal Credit will remove the local link from Housing Costs hence will have a significant effect for boaters but it may well see substantial delays. They're certainly putting a lot of brakes on while IDS claims "full steam ahead" PS I've had some correspondence with the chaplaincy and although helpful and certainly a resource, knowing who's providing their training I wouldn't take "no" for an answer.

Are you planning on travelling far CF?

My marbles is the likely reply from my parents...

Could someone remind me of Ralph's mobile number? I really need to amend my docking dates...