Sabs

Tim is right. Its below the Village hall on the offside, opposite the permit moorings. 100 boats, 30 car spaces and road access down a narrow single track road. Lot of nimbyism in the village but they have some very valid antagonism as well. Interesting point for w/end boaters is that current winding holes are at Preston Bagot and Kingswood both 2 miles away + 7 and 10 locks!

Front half. Peter and I were running from Hatton

If they're at the side of of a bridge they are for storing stop planks. (Look out for the grooves in the bridge/towpath wall and facing). If they are on the top they are probably access points for the Fire Brigade!!!!

Good advice, higher end cameras are good for 100-200000 pix, but in each case its a return to a service centre for a new shutter (expensive!!!!!!) All good 2nd hand retailers will tell you how many pix a shutter has taken. If a camera looks 'tired', scuffed or dented leave it alone. Most dealers have a regular clientele of customers who trade cameras regularly. They know who looks after them and who doesn't. Best buys are recent trade ups by regular amateurs. Pro cameras usually have a lot of surface wear as well as high shutter use. Its better to pay a bit more for a clean one, even if you have to extend the budget.

David, I forgot to mention that DSLRs have a smaller 'film plane' than film cameras, so if you do a lot of wide angle stuff then you have to have a much wider lens. ( On Nikons the factor is 1.5, so a 28mm lens becomes a 42mm on a digital!) Beware of cameras on ebay, you may be lucky but there are some real horrors out there. Unless you know what you are looking for then stick with a reputable source - PM me if you want detailed advice.

David, as an ex-pro snapper I suggest that you stay with Nikon. Almost any Nikon (or independant) bits you have will continue to work for you, but sometimes with minor limitations. If you are looking to s/hand and a tight budget try London Camera Exchange - lcegroup.co.uk - they have branches in Bristol, Gloucester & Cheltenham etc. They are about the only reputable high st store that still does s/hand and may p/x your F.

I know this subject was covered heavily a couple of years ago, but Dave Moore and I were wondering if anyone has more info on GA Cooke. Dates, etc. These windlasses must have been fairly common, but are now like hens teeth to find. And how many 'types' did they produce? Most seem to be the T&M type or 'Cheshire Lockers', bur I have heard of them making GU pattern large heads as well. Is this true?

I've used Pete Askey before. Nice guy, boat owner, no problems to report!

I know this is the wrong place to post but I see the full stoppage list is now available on Waterscape. Didn't it used to be available in August! That's progress for you.

The full listing is now on Waterscape - at long last!!

Update Saturday pm (posted Sun am) True, You can now get to Shebdon Wharf to wind. Breach is secured by coffer dam at Cadbury Wharf. They have been pumping past this all night, so there should be enough water to reopen Tyrley flight later today, then Adderley and Audlem. There are worries about the state of the embankment. Specialists will be on site Monday to assess. If they think its safe then work will continue and they hope to open Thursday. If the bank is bad then the stoppage is indefinite and at worst could last til winter. If you have to go North or South then T & M is the safe bet. There are a lot of boats hovering below Norbury so mooring is limited. I'm now off the Shroppie so cant update, but David Ray (Hyperion) at Norbury will post info as he can.

Update Saturday 14/08/09 Dam is being erected, they hope to pump water to Tyrley this afternoon. This may allow lockage through to Audlem etc for those who wish to turn and head North. Once they have cleared the boats that are stranded at Shebdon they will start on the leak. If it is simple then the work should be completed Weds/Thursday. There is a big build up of boats at Norbury and Drayton, and will take time to clear. If they find more problems, then who knows? All boats are still being advised to stay away until there is 'hard news'. If this is bad then folk are in for a long wait.

Update 1830hrs 14/08/09 Cofferdam will not be ready til tomorrow am. So no pumping the lower levels til at least midday. They are still hoping to have traffic moving later next week. Apologies to all for dyslexia when I typed Sheldon instead of Shebdon - grovel, grovel Will update again Sat am.

Update 1620 hrs : Cofferdam is being built, 100 tons of puddleclay are being delivered and they hope to start pumping water to the lower level (Tyrley etc) tonight. Stoppage expected to last until Weds am at least. Rest of Shroppie (except Norbury to Tyrley top) should be back in action Saturday am. (tomorrow!)

BW has shut Sheldon embankment to inspect a leak which may be serious. For practical purposes there is no way through from Norbury to M. Drayton. Dewatering section today, Fri. and may decide to reopen by Monday for traffic but could declare a full breach by late today. As of 9.30am Friday BW are advising that no boats come on to the Shroppie from Autherley to Hurlesdon as they have shut Audlem, Tyrley and Adderley flights to save water! If this is a real nasty then they dont want extra boats to handle and winding holes are limited!