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Blimey http://kanda.boatingcommunity.org.uk/new-enforcement-supervisor-for-ka/

Hi everyone, I'm planning to move my boat on the K&A towards Reading and then on to London this spring (whenever weather permits). Two friends of mine would like to come along, but we won't all fit on my boat, so I suggested they could hire their own. Is it possible to hire boats one-way, ie. return them in a different location (like it is often done with rental cars)? I guess it would only be bigger operators offering this, maybe one of you has an idea. Alternatively, they could stay in B&Bs etc along the way I guess, but it wouldn't be ideal. Thanks for any tips!

CANAL & RIVER TRUST PUBLISHES RESPONSE TO KENNET & AVON TOWPATH MOORING PLAN CONSULTATION We are today publishing our response to the consultation on the towpath mooring plan, proposed by our Kennet & Avon Waterway Partnership, to encourage fair use of the busy stretch of the Kennet & Avon (K&A) Canal between Devizes and Bath. Large numbers of moored boats, complaints about boats moored in one area for long periods of time, and concerns from boaters and other stakeholders about the continued growth in boat numbers, led the Trust to support the development of a local plan for this part of the network. We had worked extensively with local partners over many years to try to reach an agreed way forward, and over the past 12 months our K&A Waterway Partnership made up of a group of local stakeholders developed and consulted on a towpath mooring plan for the area. We are very grateful for the work that the Partnership has done and the contributions made by the many people who responded to the Consultation. With some modifications, discussed with the Partnership, we will implement the bulk of the proposed plan from 1 May. Boaters without a home mooring on the western end of the canal between Bath and the bottom of the Caen Hill flight, who adopt the range of movement and mooring described in the response published today, will not face enforcement action by the Trust for a 12 month interim period. Overall, we believe that this offers the best way of achieving the long-sought improvements to the canal that will benefit all users. We will work with the Partnership to monitor the impact of this plan over the 12 month period. We are now working on the steps needed to put the new arrangements into practice. These include developing communications materials for boaters, adjusting monitoring systems and updating signage. We aim to be ready for the measures to come into effect on 1 May 2014. To read the Trusts full response, please visit: http://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/consultations/completed-consultations

One week to go before we venture on to the Cut again, 2nd time in 6 months! Last trip was from Hilperton to Bristol (and return) which got Mrs Dharl and myself really hooked, mean time we have been looking at buying a share in a NB and have been looking at suitable boats around the system. Might be looking to buy a share sometime soon, meantime have hired a larger 62ft boat to get some practice in......going with my parents this time, they are also experienced boaters so should be good fun! Original plan was to join at Aldermaston and head West however had a call end of last week saying that Aldermaston was closed and did we fancy Hilperton instead? So now we are planning to head East, up past Devizes (Timmy and Pru have given us encouragement!) and on towards Hungerford. I think reaching Hungerford and return within the time might be a bit of a stretch, however we are aiming to get to at least Crofton to have a look at the Museum before heading West again! Will try and work out how to upload pics from an iphone as we go along to keep the Parish advised (and warned) of our progress! David

Two boats in a lock - mine and friends nb Iron Butterfly. Offside moves out first and upon exiting lock moves to left to pick up crew. Me meanwhile waits patiently for them to get clear as I gently move forward. And I mean gently ..... looking ahead, I decided to move the bow off to the right and was intent on keeping stern away from side of lock. Suddenly I hear this sound and the boat stop dead in the water, the front came up, the boat shook, and with a shudder judders away from the lockside and continues to shake (as indeed did we all) Upon looking I reckon the chair that has moved its position must have somehow got caught up with the lock gate balancing beam and we carry on our way, shaking heads and muttering and murmering while wife confesses she thought we were going to sink! LOL, such is how these mishaps take on their own magnification until that is I happened to look to the left and noticed something wasn't quite the same .... take a look .... (and just think what an outcry if it had been a 'hire boat' ..)

I,ve mentioned the new coal/diesel boat that's running from Hilperton to Bath 2 weekly on the Fuel boats Tracking thread. Thought I would mention it generally though as when passing Foxhangers a couple of days ago their Diesel cost was £0.94p The new coal boat run from The Boatyard, Hilperton is charging just £0.82 PPL quite a difference, especially considering it's brought to you. They also do Gas bottles & Coal, although I think you have to pre order Gas bottles. We'll certainly be using them at those prices as it would cost 12p more at Foxhangers and the time and cost of getting there. Anyway they must be doing very well as their doing an extended run so clearly there's a demand, I think the winter will prove very profitable for them as well especially if lots of boats take CART winter moorings. Here's their website if you want to get in touch for fuel deliveries. http://www.ukboatyard.com/ BTW I'm nothing to do with the company, I'm just a customer and think they offer a good service for boaters.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-36046323 Just seen this, in the news section on the BBC website, wouldn't really call it news. Do you think this coverage will help the family or Hinder?

Not least because of recent sad incidents, I want to give this Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service event some publicity - check out their twitter feed. Boat Safety presentation 7:30pm18th Jan Cross Keys Great Bedwyn .If you own a canal boat come along collect free smoke-carbon monoxide alarm There's a 30 minute chat, then they will be handing out free smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to boat owners. Tell your mates, alert them on Snap Chat, Facebook, text them, call them, knock on their boat, by any means get them there. By my reckoning, I think from memory (caveat) its been 6 boaters died in 5 boat fires between Newbury and Bristol since 2003 ................... And if you're not from that area, call your local fire service and ask for a boat fire risk/safety check. Please spread the word Thanks