rgreg

RANT! I have travelled the length and breadth of England with my boat and never encountered an incident of crime. This weekend, on my own doorstep, at Bilsborrow on the Lancaster Canal somebody detached and stole my centre-rope along with a brush that was laid on the roof. Not the crime of the century, and could have been a lot worse, but still annoying and just goes to show that this kind of thing can happen even in the most "unlikely" places. Thankfully incidents like this are very rare here and I hope that's how it stays.

Another "no". Our marina is well maintained and, even though it is full, reasonably priced. The owners are very "hands-on" and couldn't be more friendly people.

Despite having the space and plumbing for a washing machine I haven't installed one, although considered it many times. I have pretty much lived aboard for two years now, extensively cruised the system, and always managed to easily locate and use launderettes.

My system has separate control valves on the supply pipes to the radiators and the calorifier to balance the system. Ie all the hot water can either go to the radiators or the calorifier or varying levels to both. When the calorifier supply valve is opened the water heats up very quickly (about 20 mins for a shower). It Maybe worth checking to see if yours is set up the same.

No problem. Yes, it is a standard landline number and that number is used as the "host" to make the 0800 call. Apparently they make their money by receiving a handling fee for each 0800 call made through their service. Unfortunately it doesn't work for 0845 prefixes.

The number works;I wouldn't have posted it if it didn't. You dial the number then enter the freephone number when prompted.The cost is the same as if you are calling a landline,therefore no 0800 premium that applies to mobile calls.

For 0800 numbers from a mobile dial 01243590800 then enter 0800 number when prompted. If you have inclusive minutes it's free, otherwise it's just the standard landline charge with no premium.

Great photography. Very impressive.

Agree with Cheshire Ring or a little further south to Four Counties Ring

When on mains hook-up I use an electric kettle and when out I change to the gas hob because, even though the inverter will run the kettle, I prefer to save battery power/life. I've wondered about using the stove to keep water constantly heated but thought that would increase condensation.

Still plenty of ice on the Lancaster

One-off Thursday special £20 - that's why I don't trust it!

I wouldn't leave an open flame on an unoccupied boat. Perhaps I am over-cautious but I can't even bring myself to leave the Alde boiler on whilst I'm away.

Also got a mention on the Chris Evans show on Radio 2 this morning! The report said they are looking into craning the boat out and transporting past the stoppage.

I fitted the Morso coal inserts two years ago and find them very good whether burning coal or wood. They provide a kind of "funnel" for the ashes to drop to the riddle grate and you don't get the ash deposits on the sides. They are expensive for a couple of lumps of metal but they are worth it in my opinion.

http://www.caldwellswindows.co.uk/

It's not actually a lock now due to subsidence. Mooring between bridges 3 and 4 on the L&L Leigh branch.

You are right,the problem is compounded by people with home moorings leaving their boats on visitor moorings, and there is also a significant number of boats with no home mooring that simply shunt around the North end of the canal in particular. Regarding the winter mooring letters I do think they could be a good marketing tool if timely and targeted at the right people. I suppose the thinking is to "kill two birds with one stone" by sending them to any boaters moored in the area.

I think it is encouraging to see BW being proactive to get some additional revenue in. They are just doing what any commercially aware business would do and look at any opportunities to bring in money. If the waterways are to survive then that is exactly how they need to operate.

Good to see they are checking boats in the Lancaster area. I just hope they take the next step and push the ones who are taking the p*** to comply with CC rules because they will never pay for a winter mooring.

Get that man up to Lancaster!