Rog Davies

As others say, prepare, enjoy, but don't hang around. It is some years since I've done that trip, but it's worth remembering that you can go too fast. On a couple of occasions, especially when coming up from the Isle of Dogs, I arrived below Richmond Footbridge/Lock before the tide was high enough for the for the half-tide sluice gates to be lifted. It's a good excuse to use the lock to add to the logbook; don't know if they still charge for using it though. On another occasion I just stooged around until the gate was lifted; found out that it does drip a lot at first!

Yardley Gobian to UCC Dry Dock - I need my bottom scraping! Many thanks for the offer, but a friend is joining us so we'll be able to do the two-car shuffle in advance. Cheers. Thanks to all for the advice. Sorted.

Need to do a car shuffle soon and am thinking about leaving a car near Buckby Top. Could contact the pub to see if they minded, but wonder if anyone knows whether I could leave it near the lock. Any help much appreciated.

Why don't you contact valley cruisers. They are now running a number of hire boats from Cov basin in the Eastern arm, but there were plenty of short term moorings in the Western one when I dropped in last month (by car). Their boats should help keep the channel clear down from Hawkesbury too hopefully.

Anyone remember the festival in 1986? It was held in the field on the towpath side, opposite the mills. I seem to recall that it was Wendover Arm Group at the time, not Trust. I got a lift back to the main line on the BW launch Verulam, in reverse all the way. The two [uniformed] guys on board said it would only run in forward because of a bladeful, and it wasn't their job to get their hands wet!

I am about to replace the plywood topsides of the old tub, and have been told about aluminium-faced, high quality plywood. Has anyone tried this, and what were the results like? I understand it gives a lovely smooth finish, but does it warp with temperature changes? Are there any other alternatives? Thanks RD

I'm sure this has been covered before, but I am looking for opinions on suitable paints for a wooden-topped narrowboat. For many years I've been using International paints, but see that the other main option, Blakes, seems to have changed name/ownership. I am also aware that there are newer makes specifically for inland boats, ie Craftmaster. Any thoughts out there? RD

Hi Can anyone out there recommend a covered dock which I could rent for a week in the early autumn, in the mid/south GU area? I am based at Yardley Gobian and am happy to move a few days either way, so can be looking at GU from Tring to Warwick, plus N Oxford, GU Leicester Line. I am looking to do some extensive woodwork, and a repaint, so would like there to be good lighting and electricity available. Any info would be much appreciated. RD

Rumour has it that one of the two partners who previously ran the Nelson now has the lease on his own; maybe the other one has moved on to the Two Boats? Enterprise were asking for £615 rent per week, and the only tie was on draught beers. Reasonable I thought for such a potential 'honey pot' - assuming it rains at some point and the canal stays open!

Worked for me - thanks

I've been following this thread with interest, as I moor on the Cosgrove pound and need to get to Braunston this weekend for a booked docking there. Seems I'm just going to beat the closures, but wonder if I'll get back! Looking at the areas affected makes me think about all the filled in side ponds between Tring summit and Buckby Top - the old engineers knew something which BW has conveniently forgotten during their last 50 years in charge.

ahhemm a bit like the new 'uns between Napton and Brum then?

Thanks for the info everyone - looking forward to re-acquainting myself with the S Oxford. BTW is Cropredy still difficult to moor?

Doesn't have to be expensive. What area are you thinking? Up until a few years ago I didn't have a permanent mooring - I moved around during the summer and found short term spaces in marinas all over the place. It just took a few phone calls in advance. On some occasions I ended up spending 3 months or so in various parts of the country - I recall a wonder summer based at Saul Junction. During the winter I would then find a 3-6 month base convenient to home. It became harder to find spaces as more boats turned up on 'my' canals, but that seems to have been alleviated by the recent spate of new marinas opening up. HTH

Hiya folks I will be heading down the Oxford for the first time in many years and would appreciate some advice for mooring overnight in Banbury [i hear they've filled in the basin and built shops on it!]. Any recommendations for security/quietness/convenience? TIA

How about this? http://www.roadpro.co.uk/retail/product_de...YER&id=1250 Have used RoadPro myself. They are based in Daventry but their showroom is only open Mon-Fri. It's worth visiting if you can; they are 12v specialists and often have instore deals.

Great info guys - thnx. I'll be off to Wilkos in the morning

Thanks for the replies guys - think I'll try a couple of engineering, or firebricks first, and if OK maybe invest in the real ones later. Cheers Rog

Hi to the forum I am getting used to the new Morso Squirrell in the boat and am wondering about fitting Inserts/Economisers in the [big] firebox. I see from the Morso website that these are available, and wonder if anyone has experience of them? It seems that fuel resting along the sides doesn't burn too well anyway. Do they cut down heat output by much; are they worth the expense of buying? Also can ordinary firebricks be cut to size? Love the stove though. Roger

Don't know if anyone is still following this thread, but I have an old Fernie. Happy to post a pic if anyone is interested.