Happy

We have just crossed over the M20 at Folkestone. The road is totally clear and all the trucks have gone for as far as the eye can see - progress, maybe? I do hope so for the sake of the drivers.

Personally I would tell the French Government that all the drivers had been tested and they were all negative and let them roll.

Bit late with that then! Hired Absolute Freedom last year and thought it was OK then. Will be a great boat when re-fitted. Some hand rails on the stern would be handy (imho) but thats another story!?

Maybe Andy will tell us?

Derby's Quay at Beccles also have a slipway. I have seen them take 35+' boats out. Probably charge you but they are friendly helpful guys there. Worth ringing them.

This would be easier to get on and off too?

I actually make it less than that?! Have a GREAT ONE.

The Polaroids faded, just like my memorary now!

When I was young - yes I can just about remember - I was quite keen on photography and took a lot of slides for a while which would have been mostly 'Broads' related, no not that sort, we used Poloroid for that! Anyway, the last time I saw them was when we moved 20 years ago and they were stored in a loft I created in the garage. As far as I know they will have been dry and kept in the dark. I am thinking of delving into this space to find them (not an easy task) and putting them onto a DVD but am unsure whether they will have survived enough to make this worthwhile? Appreciate your thoughts. Thanks

Hi Gracie - It worked then!?

Well I gave in and we put them up this morning - best news now would be that the pub can re-open!? Whatever - Keep safe all of you, try to be happy and have a good one.

Lights update. My son, who is the Landlord of our local pub came round to help put up the lights..Whilst having a quck coffee before we started it came up on tv that Kent will be 3 after lockdown. Did'nt put either of us in the right mind so lights still in garage which is where they will probably stay now. He had decorated the pub with lights ready for re-opening on 3rd! I think he is taking them all down at the moment. What is there to be cheerful about witjh that news?

Hi ya Gracie. To be honest - not yet! I did wonder if people might not take it as intended - so leaving until tommorow! So I reckon the weather forecast for Hawkinge will be raining and blowing a gail, but who cares. I will try and send a 'photo but there 'aint that many, its the thought that counts! Keep safe, keep well and have a good one.

This confirms the reason for my original posting! Still not sure what to do.

Sound like we should ban them altogether then?

Hi Gracie, thanks for that! If people moan I will blame you! I will sort them over the weekend and put them up on Monday. Might even post some pics - may have started something. Whatever. Stay safe and try to be happy.

We normaly decorate the outside of the house with a display of lights about 2 weeks before the 25th. There has been a lot of talk in a few places regarding putting up lights early to cheer everyone up. Not sure whether this is a good or bad idea. Your thoughts please.

Look at Hylanders 3rd comment 5 hours ago- all will be revealed.

Thanks. I belonged to the original Seamaster Club years ago when I purchased my first Seamaster 30 and they had a wealth of information but seems to have changed now. I know Viking are using some of the old moulds but not sure they would have, or need to have, the old build records but maybe worth a try. Thanks again.

Hi guys. A freind has just purchased a Seamaster 27. Originally factory built as it has the Seamaster Factory plaque at the helm. The number is 3111 and I have said I will try and find the original build date. Any ideas please? Thanks in antisipation.

My mistake! No wonder I thought the 'pump out' sign was very good!

IMHO that would have been too over the top! Looks just right as you have done it.

'Bow Thruster'. In mopo a boat with a bow thruster in the wrong hands is more dangerous than a boat without one in the right hands! Sorry but I think true. Goodnight!

Hi. I think the second 'photo is a breather but when Vaughan replies reckon he will know!

Last September myself and four mates hired Absolute Freedom. It was stated on the booking form that I had many years boating experience. On arrival we loaded the boat and Andy Banner showed us the various bits on the boat. Thinking there would be no need for a trial, he said 'are you ready? I said yes, expecting to leave and he said 'we'll take her down the river then'! We went for around ten minutes then turned round and back to the boatyard. On arrival he said 'lets see how you stern moor then'. Fortunately I managed without mishap and off we went. This was the most thorough hand over I had experienced (even though he knew I had had many years of owning my own boats. He would not let a boat out until he was sure the helm and crew were competant, should be a lesson for some of the other yards.