Samuel

Oh, if only we all had common sense and a pair of eyes.

At the risk of being too simplistic there are probably three choices in provision of a service, life saving or otherwise: 1. The service user pays 2. Government pays i.e. the taxpayer 3. Charity provides (funded by voluntary contributions and with assistance of volunteer service providers). So what is the issue?

Interesting project boat in Essex: http://www.eadt.co.uk/news/pair_rescued_from_homemade_boat_made_of_insulation_boards_off_essex_coastline_1_4024101 Might ask for the plans.

What i have gathered from this discussion is that there is a threat to 'our' freedom (a bit like fascist Germany was perhaps), organisations which have men who wear suits in charge are inherently inefficient and those men do not have any brains, and motor boat racing will continue at Oulton Broad. Have I got it right?

Couldn't the skipper have sailed in?

Strowager You have an impressive shed. "It contains six 5 ah lithium packs connected in parallel, giving 13.2 volts and 30 ah." Because they are in parallel does that mean each battery is rated at 13.2V?

It doesn't' say it creates irascibility or a morbid fear of the Broads Authority so I shouldn't worry too much. Coincidentally I bought a Telegraph last week, the cryptic crossword is relatively easy so it makes me think I am quite intelligent and the broadsheet format is great for lighting the fire.

I think you will find Somerleyton is in Suffolk, only just though. However the speed of improvements is likely to be even slower than in Norfolk. The pontoons are floating at present but a few sink every now and again. However it is a very friendly place and very good for wildlife.

All very fascinating, but there is also an interesting historical and cultural question here. Why is North always at the top of the map as it is displayed?

It seems that the utility of this device is dependent on the "broken or faulty" seacock being capable of being open and closed which makes me wonder why it would need to be replaced.

I was fascinated to see the inclusion of a "CD of icecream music". An interesting genre.

Interesting question, but on a related point can anyone advise if this 'boat' would get under Potter Heigham? http://www.eadt.co.uk/business/mark_the_date_the_world_s_biggest_container_ship_the_cscl_globe_is_coming_to_felixstowe_next_month_1_3877161 With canopy down of course.

On a pedantic point narrow locks have a breadth of 6' 10" and there are a variety of other types of lock whose breadth is larger. But the point is that the width of canals and navigations themselves is much wider than 6' 10" (or 6' 8" if you prefer!). It would be very difficult for even narrow boats to pass each other if a canal was only 6' 8' wide.

Dave, you have guessed right on my general views but what's wrong with dungarees? If you want to talk about attire I have similar prejudiced views against blazers, smart slacks, ties, deck shoes, tracksuit bottoms, those shorts / trousers that stop at mid calf, 'captain' hats and onesies.

i suppose a missile defence system is handy but does it have a hair dryer, microwave, bow thrusters, hair straightners and Wi fi? All of which appear to be essential to enjoying the Norfolk Broads non National Park.

Carol Very interesting photos. I tried to pm you about these using the 'envelope' at the top of this page but the system says you cannot "access messaging". Do you or anyone else know what I am doing wrong?

Well they did it! I have just tried the interactive landing game on the BBC News website and i managed it on the fourth attempt. The game was easier than mooring with the tide but I expect the real landing was somewhat more complicated................

Thanks Poppy. History maybe but I doubt it's much different now. Sadly the BBC (or anyone else) do not make interesting, understated documentaries like this anymore.

JM - is that you fishing in the third photograph?

"I thought IBM created dos and microsoft improved/marketed ms-dos..." Sounds reminiscent of a quote from the Book of Genesis.

At least a hovercraft would be returning to where it was first developed - Somerleyton. And as holidaymakers manage to handle 45 footers with nonchalance I am sure a few hovercraft in the hire fleets would cause no problems.

As well as the expert advice given here so far the BSS is specific about battery cables: http://www.boatsafetyscheme.org/media/194782/2013ecp_private%20_boats_ed3_public_final.pdf see sections 3.2.2 and 3.4.1 I took a lot of care about getting this right on my boat and therefore was somewhat dismayed when the examiner rather casually passed over them without proper examination!

Useful video. I had to replace an activator and cylinder recently after dropping a lifejacket in the water (it worked despite being out of date). I don't think the gas cylinder on my make has any expiry date and given its simple construction I wonder whether or not it should have. One thing to watch out for when refitting is the firing pin. On mine it did not automatically click back into the non-activated position. If i had not reset it by pressing down with a screwdriver i felt it would have fired the cylinder again when the latter was screwed home.

Baz I suggest if you avoid reading the Express the future will generally appear rosier. Or are you being satirical?