SteveO

Sounds great Arthur and we look forward to the quiz. I think the GK approach is the way to go as it doesn't penalize/favour specialist knowledge on a given topic. Thanks Bern, for leading the way on this. I think I will be going down the same route, if and when I am in a position to set the questions.

We are members of both English Heritage and the National Trust, paid by monthly direct debit in both cases, so the cost is spread over the year. We spent today at Walmer Castle, guests of EH and visited the newly opened Lord Warden's apartments (surprisingly modest) and the beautiful gardens. Although I despise the "wokery" which seems to have taken over the NT, I think both organisations do a great job in preserving the nation's heritage for future generations and as retirees, we certainly get good value out of our membership.

I was amused that the A14 road works was showing a sign indicating "No Visibility" or words to that effect, as the likely end-date. I was less amused by the fact that Google Maps was neither showing the ensuing delays on their route nor factoring the delay into your journey time until you were in the mess itself with no chance to detour into Newmarket to avoid it. I am increasingly concerned that Google Maps is in league with Highways England in their self-appointed mission to keep as much traffic as they can tied up in roadworks for as long as possible.

I do hope they can sort this one out. Once the PO closes, there will be nowhere to obtain cash in Horning and, barring a car drive to the PO in Hoveton precinct, there will be nowhere there either. Whether we like it or not, small transactions require cash and the Chinese takeaway in Horning is cash only. The banks have salved their consciences and assuaged public anger when removing services such as ATMs by insisting that cash is always available from POs. Maybe they should be paying a subsidy into the system to keep the Post Offices open and attractive as a business proposition.

On the question of fenders, I fear that tradition might well be getting in the way of practicality. I can see the point on a sailing boat where freeboard is often low and the boat is prone to heeling. The sight of the lee side fenders floating in the water would be un-edifying and inefficient to say the least. However on a Broads motor boat, which is often crewed by just one or two individuals, you really don't want any potential contact with boat or bank to be complicated by the need to drop fenders in a hurry, nor do you want the side decks to be cluttered with raised fenders, which are unsightly and a potential trip hazard. I for one will be keeping my fenders dangling.

My bar mixer came with a pair of cranked connectors to cope with variations in the distance between the hot and cold water taps. I don't know if I was lucky but with these I was able to use the connections to the existing plumbing and the existing holes in the heads wall.

We had a Mira shower mixer on Windmill Lady. It didn't work well and so I swapped it for a £35 bar mixer from Ebay, which has worked well for the last 14 years and gives excellent temperature control.

Which they all were until the animal rights activists came to town.

Arthur took the honours in Friday's quiz by a considerable margin, and will be in the chair next Friday. Note to self: must make questions harder next time.

Bump!!!!!

As Arthur said, I will be in the chair for the Friday evening quiz. Topis are: Nature Ancient sites Cryptic rivers Brief intermission - where the beverage of your choice will be available Comedy lyrics In a manner of speaking Odds and sods We will start 8.30 ish on Friday 15th March. https://www.nbnchat.com/chat/ Enter User Name but leave the Password blank All are welcome

Trouble is that repair comes out of "revenue" budgets, which are often strapped for cash, whereas replacement comes out of "capital", which can be written off over several years via depreciation. Investment in new stuff also often attracts grants and other inducements which makes doing the right thing even more unattractive.

No, by the time they have recruited a new directorate to ensure diversity, accessibiliy and inclusion for recipients of water exports, it will be costing toll payers plenty

Boulters is difficult in crosswinds. I have never not managed to get in, but I have come close a couple of times.

I only just saw this. So sorry to hear this news. Ian bore his illness with fortitude and dignity and his account of his life, and the various treatments and tribulations he encountered towards the end of it, was both interesting and awe inspiring. Sincere condolences to Ian's family.