MY littleboat

I would love to go again and have seen some of the Scottish trips - just wow - it is worth a drive I think as the back drop of Clacton and Ipswich does not compare to anything on the Clyde routes!

I think that is the status that we have to contend with, all agencies put their hands in their pockets as taking responsibility may land them with the cost of flood alleviation - EA particular, some years ago, had to publicly acknowledge that they protected more affluent homes, which led to public outcry and the £500m+ River Thames Scheme with the construction of two new flood relief channels at Runnymede and Spelthorne. At the time, many factors were quoted - guess what? the same as here, increased house building, removal of soak plains, changes to agriculture, changes to dredging practice - however, more recently these have been cited as purely environmental changes such as snow fall, tides, climate change.... There is a narrative and a truth, what we need is a single version of the truth, and until all agencies agree what it is, there will not be a solution.

Well sooo much has happened since we posted the Wells trip, this trip wasn;t in our own boat (I wish I could afford such a wonderful piece of history), it was in the absolutely magnificent PS Waverley - the World's last sea-going paddle steamer. In 2023 it returned to the East Coast for the first time in more than 20 years - and the good news is, that as the cruises were so popular (After all, it was reboilered locally at Gt Yarmouth!), PS Waverley will be returning again in 2024 - and Southwold Pier will also be on the agenda again! I hope you enjoy our memories of an amazing day!

I don't think I dismissed it, and apologise if that is the way my post came over, just purely questioned the 'definitive' nature of the statement made, especially when the statistics quoted are not substantiated. It is an opinion, I haven't doubted it, but I would not conclude that these findings in any way diminish that the Herring Bridge may also hold a partial contributory hand in it! As I have said many times, there are those, like yourself and Vaughan who know the rivers, the farming systems and the ways that the land and rivers were managed, but in recent years there have been competing priorities from BA in reduction of cost and dredging necessity, water management with the Environment Agency, building and development targets, discharges from water companies - the list is endless, but the only common theme is that just about every agency, company and authority are putting their hands in the air saying 'not me guv' where the likelihood is, all will have a contributory hand in this - and what really got my goat was the final statement as if to say 'its definitely not that,' when in fact we just don't know but an earlier poster is right - there hasn't been any substantial rain in a few weeks and yet, here we are, still large amounts of flood water. So no, not a dismissal, just challenging the wording and the nature of that wording, and acknowledging that the contribution is valid but is just, at this stage, anecdotal! incidentally, this is a UK wide issue and not just linked to Broadland alone so some real joined up thinking is required to understand the issues and we aren't going to solve them on a forum!

Although the poster made detail of being extremely experienced in this field and went to great lengths to describe in pseudo-scientific terms what his impression was, it was neither scientific or can be regarded with any accuracy as to present an accurate picture, readings would be required at all states of tide to calculate volume flow, flow rates and whether the estimated volume in equals volume out - this would also need repeating at different tide-cycle points - simply neap and springs. Whilst I agree that small boat sonar is better than before, it certainly isn't showing current differences (under currents etc) so, whilst this writer, has a well equipped sea-going boat, and has significant detailed experience, it still does not produce any sort of scientific bulk data which can be analysed and assessment drawn for the purposes of flood alleviation. At university I learnt one thing - evidence sources that are unsupported or opinions should be treated as just that - a hypothesis which needs testing in order to validate or ignoring. The most worrying aspect of this report are the two final statements; You are also aware that Oct-Dec the Broads Catchment received 175% of average rainfall. At the same time the North Sea tides have on average been 36% higher since October, reducing a tiny river gradient even further. It may be so that rainfall is increased - actually I cannot find reference to 175% and is not supported by data from the Norfolk Weather Centre and did not significantly exceed the 30 year average between 1985 and 2015 source - Climate & Weather Averages in Norfolk, England, United Kingdom (timeanddate.com) EDP picks a figure of 125% here - Norfolk weather in 2023 was among wettest years on record | Eastern Daily Press (edp24.co.uk) As for the statement with a calculated tidal percentage - what is that statistic in comparison to, and where the heck has it come from? Lastly, Keep reposting these unsubstantiated claims really gets in the way of the conversations that are being have trying to help people in the same place as yourself (if indeed YOU are still underwater). Why suddenly complete what appears to be a thoughtfully written submission with some passive aggressive threat?

Thank you, sorry, I had missed that announcement!

Thank you both for your kind comments - yes Wells is particularly enchanting for so many reasons. Getting there by boat isn't easy when you have to make tide directed decisions - I am glad Haven Bridge is now operational, although the sour taste of £20 each way just to use the port, regardless of Bridge lifting, isn't great. Hylander - that building does look interesting, however, speaking with locals, because so many properties are either Air BnB or second homes, recruiting people has become all but impossible - although that building does look interesting and I bet it is really lovely inside! In light of the success of Part 1 of our Trip to Wells, we have brought forward the premier of part 2 which will be available to watch from 7.30pm today! you both for your kind comments -

Interesting that the broads Society call them 'demasting stations' (I imagine the author may have been responsible for another post) these are not and are waiting pontoons for bridge lifting. I recently transited the port and was advised that neither pontoon is to be used as these are for the new bridge, which, as it is currently remaining in the open position (For at least the remainder of this year) are not in use. A recent video of mine highlights that there are 'no mooring' signs still on these pontoons. There is a mindset change required here, this is a commercial port, and all they are interested in is clearing leisure craft as quickly as possible. Like others on this forum who have transited haven Bridge many times, it is always a real nightmare - especially when you are forced to transit it at LW due to not lifting for so long, and the side-scanning sonar that alot of vessels now have, paint this common picture. However, The Haven Bridge has been there a long time, the 'Herring' bridge has not, and the recent prolonged flooding may have both as contributory factors, in addition to dredging, farming practices, building and construction, EA water management and water companies - until all stakeholders accept that they have a contributory hand, then there will just be finger pointing and no solution - as no agency, authority or company is ever going to admit an ounce of liability - a little like the Post Office refusing to acknowledge their hand in another problem - even though, just like POL, all of those regulatory bodies, agencies and companies have undoubtedly already had liability discussions with their insurers!

I believe Richard was still hosting his forum on his own machine rather than using a VPN or Cloud server - I may be wrong. But wishing him all the best - I noted that he hasn't been around Oulton for a while. Whilst I have always thought that morally this was a far better platform, and have, over many years had spats with many of the regulars of both, I have known Richard well, supported his forum also and commend that his motives have always been good. He has always been a far more kindly soul than many will know, but, when he was chefing, if you turned up and couldn't afford a breakfast, he wouldn't see you wrong! I wish Richard a very speedy recovery and do hope NBF survives or is archived and accessible for posterity, as there are far too many years or advice, conversations, and arguments.. characters came alive as you read, and, sadly, many of those characters are no longer with us, and their memory exists in their comment on both fora.. Get well soon Richard

This is a journey that we undertook in September - without Gt Yarmouth Haven Bridge lifting, and Mutford Road Bridge unexpectantly also broken, we actually did manage to get out of the Broads and trundle Northward. I have managed to get the first part completed - we could have driven there in about 50 mins, but this was soo much more fun! I know we have a few followers from NBN, but just to remind everyone, we do not monetise our content and make it just for fun!

But Griff - even given the smallest job like changing a door hinge always seems to need a concrete breaker!

I have been following this thread for a considerable time and there are some glaring omissions from all parts IMHO. These are broadly 1. The statutory responsibility as a Navigation and Harbour Authority - Which, although has been argued by some as being fit for purpose, is being challenged by ever rising tolls, in excess of all other similar authorities, yet with ever declining benefits. In addition, grants are being attached to green initiatives, which will, ultimately, shift more cost responsibility toward any vessel that is motorised surely? This is also closely linked with NP status, and, whilst I can see the desire to achieve such inclusion for the financial incentivisation, there is already unclear water as to where funding for some projects is raised, and refusal to separate or ring fence navigation funds is a clear indicator that they are plundered - if not directly to finance projects, there is an element of funding BA staff whose responsibility it is to manage projects of the kind. 2. Closed accounting - BA have recently placed costs on certain items and attributed them to various activities and used these as examples of why they should be funded by the toll payer - however, there has been absolutely no published data to support this, but one of the published reasons has been 'responsibility as a National Park.' It may not be Sandford, but without evidence and proof, the claim becomes highly dubious. 3. Accountability and planning - BA has a footprint far larger than the wetland areas and whilst local authorities have accountability with all councilors and officials needing to stand for election, given the size and scope of the organisation, few genuinely electable posts remain, and where those elected to standing committees raise objection to the chair (Who is not a chair as the chair by definition should always just hold a casting vote - a more appropriate term would be CEO) then those 'disruptors' are pushed aside far quicker than would be liked. There is no answer to why someone, who prolifically builds 'strange' properties gets permission for another 'James Bond Villain' style house whilst someone who just wishes to change a front door, or, god forbid replace a landing stage with a floating landing stage, gets refused and faces a long hard battle to obtain such a permission (Both cases in the public domain). 4. Sandford - The Bogey Man - It is mentioned Trail Riding, and objections as a keen walker - I have trail ridden on m old KTM, mountain biked, fell run, walked and wild-camped pretty much all of my life - what is concerning here may not be the implementation of Sandford, but the objections from other interested parties such as RSPB, CLA, RA etc, who often cite SP's and have successfully used those oppositions to restrict activity - this has been most notable in the High Peak (Cessation of road vehicles, off road events and prevention of movement through ever-renewing TRO's) and the restriction of mountain biking (Forest code - reduction of speed and banning of Ebike modules which benefit many mountain bikes now) within New Forest - except a reduced number of routes - despite the 'right to roam' applying to cylcles! And the recent introduction of what has been dubbed the 'Wild Camping Bill,' the rights of which were removed from individuals in 2023, many local authorities banning camper van overnights in their towns, and I cannot help but see a direct parity between these activities and me, wild mooring on my boat and sleeping on it! Sandford has no natural affinity to the responsibility as a Harbour Authority, and the argument to support this is flawed with a few well chosen examples and is not predominant within BA's area whilst it maintains its current status as a 'member' of the National Park family - although I d note that GOV.UK actually name it as a NP in more than one publication recently - SO another £1 to your pot - The Broads are Not a National Park. 5. Holding to account - BA, as a statutory authority, has a large responsibility to hold other governmental departments and agencies to account - most recently this has been demonstrated by flooding and the Environment Agency - whatever anyone's view, the activities of BA, other harbour and port authorities, the EA, water companies, DEFRA, farming organisations, local and national government planners and others are all contributory to the problem, yet the organisation that should be taking the lead and being most vocal - is also the most silent - BA. Have we seen this before? Oh lets not even open the conversation about Network Rail, where a 'cooling the rails with water' was objected to by BA on grounds of environmental damage and dangerous wash off - therefore placing the environmental impact above navigation rights - who would have even thought that rain would also do this! So these are just a few examples where BA are not the fit for purpose organisation and where NP status contradicts statutory obligations - however, I would also like to commend the workers on the ground who do a good job day in and day out, are not remunerated in line with others doing similar roles in the UK, and should have also seen a commensurate rise in their wages in line with the toll grab rises last year. Also for Vaughan - I feel that I too have also trampled those same parks and developed a natural hate of rain and cold as a result!! :)

So very sorry to hear this news. Ian was a supporter of this forum for as long as I can remember. RIP and hoping your final sailing is blessed.

For reference, there has always been a charge for leisure craft entry or transit - in 2021 this was set at a whopping £63, it was not defined in 2022 and 2023, but this charge schedule for 2024 seems incredibly specific - for reference, I have dug up the historic documents and attached them. I have called Peel this morning and they have referred me to the website, but the person I spoke with was not certain that any current agreements had ended or not IF ANYONE HAS ANY INFORMATION COULD THEY PLEASE POST THE SOURCE REFERENCE as this may just be a reiterration of the current cost schedules. great-yarmouth-port-charges-2024-ver-1.pdf small-craft-charges-ver-1 2021.pdf great-yarmouth-port-charges-2022.pdf local-small-craft-information-ver-4.pdf

Peel have made it clear often enough that they do not wish to entertain pleasure craft within their port, however, because of the nature of being one of the limited access points to the Broads, it is highly unlikely that this charge would be collectable without the collusion of BA. In addition there are a very large number of situations where a vessel may need to enter or transit a port and there is also a question of who the riparian owners of the riverbed are... this would need highlighting and BA will have had to be absolutely in agreement with the dropping of the Harbour due waiver

The Bridge is only operated by Peel on behalf of the local authority who maintain the cost of repair and maintenance and setting up that service agreement kept the bridge closed for most of 2023 - as you know!! You would need a huge bimini!!!!! Previously the Harbour Dues have been a shared cost exchange with the Broads Authority and, therefore, if registered by BA (Also a statutory Harbour Authority) then there should be nothing payable as historically has been the case - UNLESS BA have now withdrawn from this agreement - which would be extremely worrying, without telling anyone???

Most notably because Gove struck out the requirement for developers to ensure there were effective planning and financial mechanisms to prevent polluting run-off, and repealed the water pollution rules, stating this was the single biggest holdup to future development in sensitive areas which was needed - instead the cost would be met by governmental systems and policy https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/aug/29/repeal-of-water-pollution-rules-wont-solve-englands-housing-crisis-say-developers

Very interesting article in the EADT https://www.eadt.co.uk/news/23982189.suffolk-farmers-face-another-critical-year-change/?ref=socialflow&fbclid=IwAR0q0oLStOXBTEj-zdSl2b940Uiz5VHkUMwPQ_BKjYIbk9IVM8WkY094O54 'the CLA regularly raised flooding resilience issues with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Environment Agency - and the adverse effects on farmers, he said. "We believe it is wrong that landowners don’t receive compensation when the Environment Agency effectively floods their fields to protect downstream houses and villages, despite the harm to their crops and livelihoods. "When farmers do attempt to implement flood prevention techniques, they face lengthy authorisation delays and costs, creating a lose-lose situation."

I think it is far more complicated than anyone could dream up - flow dynamics are extremely complicated as faster flowing liquid in one pipe can force liquid uphill in another, (I only know this from aircraft hydraulics and know bog all about complex tidal systems, however, the Southern River emptying (beyond expected datum) is as significant as the abnormally high tides. The new bridge at yarmouth still has a wider span availability than the area at Haven Bridge, likely to be a silting nightmare for Peel in the future, but if it adds 1% to the problem, that may be on top of many 1% here and there, dredging, building, removal of natural flood planes, EA automated drainage devices, water company outflows - they all have a very small percentage effect but until someone actually starts understanding the whole system again, we are looking at log term problems. Oddly though, the old timers of the Broads knew all too well how to manage them, and, as I have mentioned before, there are just so many companies, agencies and authorities with fingers in the pie, it is very easy for one to either blame another, or have such complicated systems of working, that reacting to problems or understanding them will never be resolved.

We were incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of our dear friend George Collins, who, until recently, was the oldest known official Harbour Master, and had helped me, on numerous occasions over more than 40 years, to find a safe mooring buoy at Ramsholt in the River Deben in Suffolk. George was quite a remarkable man, being born in Ramsholt in 1930, he shared a somewhat 'local life' declaring in 2022 that he had never been on an aeroplane - except the the B17 that had sadly crash landed in the River when he was a child, clambering over it after it had been recovered on to the beach. 2019 saw George defiant, after a fire destroyed his office-boat at Ramsholt Quay, but the community rallied around and replaced the boat - with a caravan - it was never the same, and so it wasn't long before George found a new, more suitable boat! 'Young George' as he was known, following taking over the roll of Harbour Master from his own father, was still actively working until he suffered a stroke in 2023 and was most certainly Britain's oldest official Harbour Master. George was re-introduced to the water just recently, when he undertook a boat trip on the River Orwell with his twin brother Billy, and was also reintroduced to his favourite meal - fish and chips at the Ramsholt Arms. Much loved and very missed, every member of the River Deben community will be saddened by this news. A life well lived, RIP Dear George 1930 - 2023

I looked at that yard and thought - that would make a really great business - thank you for investing and we will pop along and say hello in the new year!

Or even better, have a look at the statistics of how many birds are lost each year to those big 'windmill things'... those ones that only work when the wind is blowing, but bring untold revenue to the local area and therefore the RSPB voice is lost amongst the Green and Business lobbyists. The future of the Broads, as we know them., sit on an interesting precipice currently!

I have been trying to highlight the plight of the Malsters for a number of weeks. The success of the Granary Restuarant is a partial reason, maybe, however, the landlord has found this year tough and many of the 'regulars' (On boats) have boycotted Ranworth and the holiday boats just do not seem to come in... This is indeed a very sad loss.