Soundings

They did indeed. And an excellent night it used to be. On a Wednesday if memory serves but the last was over a year ago now. Something went terribly wrong when the pub changed landladies. I have no idea what the problem is/was but it suddenly lost a lot of support. I know a there are those did not like the pink fluffy decor - a friend of mine from London reckoned it looked like a tart's boudoir.

We all have our views Paul and I respect but do not share yours. I really do not buy into these conspiracy theories. Maybe someone from the RSPB would like to speak up? They seem to get "slagged" off a lot but I never hear their side of the argument or any real specifics. Until I do I will stay where I am on this. Incidentally, I have seen many instances where some boaters and anglers have displayed less that acceptable levels of conservation awareness, so the argument goes both ways. I still believe working together is the right thing to do.

The Falgate is indeed not doing very well. If there was a crowd in then that was very unusual and I know 'cause I only live around the corner. The pub is up for sale and has been for a good while. The price is sub £200k after originally going up for £245k. And yes you are right NorfolkNog, the landlady is only there on a month to month basis. But when did you last go to a quiz night? The guy that ran them defected to the Dog at Ludham Bridge many, many months ago and that, as they say, was that, unless I am missing something here It is a good old building though and I really do hope it survives. It is the only pub in the village - I don't count the Broadshaven which I understand is closed yet again anyway! I have had some good times in the Falgate but of late it has lost its way. That said, glad there was some sort of revival to greet you Andyg

I am genuinely pleased to hear that JM. It is not always obvious to the uninitiated...and that is not a snipe! Having a foot in either camp is good and illustrates why there is a need for the two interests to work openly together. If that fails then there will be a winner/loser situation arising, even if only perceived. That will damage the entire experience in my view.

Interesting theory, although it comes as no surprise that there are others who share a passion for the Broads but not where boating is concerned. I really think it is all scare mongering but that is just my view. What is interesting is the way the debate always takes the view that it is conservationists working against the interests of boaters - shows how this forum is mainly a single interest environment. I bet somewhere there is a crowd saying it is the boaters working against the interests of the natural environment. Reading all this I do begin to fear that battle lines are being drawn up to the point where there is no room on the Broads for both interests......what a dreadful shame it would be if that were to materialise! Of course the net result is silly squabbles and egos giving rise to all sorts of actions that costs a fortune to the users no matter what their persuasion. Sad, so very sad :-( Can we not just work together?

Interesting theory.

I thought you'd say that JM as this is a particular flag you fly continuously. And so you should if you feel that strongly. For me it is all a silly storm in a teacup and I wish it would go away. All this will give rise to is costs (as you point out above) and it is the Broads boat owners who will contribute I reckon. If it all goes awry please do feel free to came back and tell me so as I will undoubtably deserve it

It's like little boys squabbling over a lollipop. So sad but....who is gonna contribute to the costs gang? Hell in the real world (the one outside egos) what the hell does it all matter...provided nothing is changing that is. Get a life I say.

I thought the plan was to refurb and sell off to individuals as holiday homes (does any of that need planning?). That of course means that not all (if any) will be available for letting and the number of days occupied per year could reduce as a result This would be to the detriment of local traders. It will be interesting to see where it all really goes, especially given the new owner wants to build some additional new holiday lodges. Think of the residential park home industry - maybe next step is to apply for a residential rather than holiday license and then the units can be sold as fully residential.

Sure is and welcome

Just my opinion, but theme pubs I can do without. Disneyfication of the Broads ugh

Don't the Japanese own one or two of the Scottish distilleries these days?

It won't fit on our boat, Andy. If it had I would have bitten your hand off. Colin

Being under counter does that mean floor to worktop in height?

I would hardly call the Falgate thriving. I am a local. The pub is nearly always empty and, on the rare and decreasing occasions I have dropped in, with a very sparse selection of beers. The price has now been dropped to £199k.

Thanks, Matt.

I thought the max for the Broads was 45ft?

That is the reason (or one of the reasons) we now do our boating elsewhere. And we live in Norfolk!

The K&A is one of those locations where there is a known issue re "continuos moorers". A lot of people put it down to the cost/shortage of housing. Personally I do not buy into that 100% (or any percent really) but that is another story I was reminded about long lines of moored boats when I drove over Ludham Bridge earlier this evening

It is not all like that, Alan, believe me. There are miles of uncluttered canals and connected rivers where linear mooring is very light indeed, Where was this BBC production filmed, do you know? There are issues and especially in London (and similar) where so called continuous cruisers do not cruise at all (or hardly), they just tie up, get a job and end up using what is towpath or visitor short stay space as a residential mooring. They call them "continuos moorers". C&RT is trying to get to grips with it and I believe it will succeed but there are a number who are in vocal opposition, believing they have a right to do as they damned well please and that to question that is a breach of their human rights!

That is the point exactly A nice thing to have but a case of "eyes wide open" when committing

Absolutely. It has got to be one of the worst designed car parks I have used. In fact the entire access to that Tesco leaves a lot to be desired. Which is why, despite living in Potter, we go to either Yarmouth or Blue Boar - usually the latter.

MM, I agree with your take on Stalham 100% but I know of another market town that has gone the same way and without a truly local Tesco - that is Oundle in Northants. True there is a huge Tesco some 11 miles away on the outskirts of Peterborough and maybe that has not helped; but it is hardly up the road. I remember Stalham in the 70s when I lived on its outskirts. It was as you say a vibrant town that had everything. It is certainly not that now, although I still believe it has a nice feel. But is it really Tesco's fault or would it have happened anyway. There are supermarkets and out of town shopping centres all around us so if the mountain called Tesco had not come to the people of Stalham would not the people of Stalham have gone to the mountain?

But they can at least get under "that" bridge!

Lived in Stalham in the 70s. It was a "real" market town then. Great place!