JennyMorgan

Very true, JohnK, very true. We could so easily head off on another round of arguments, hopefully we won't.

Vaughan, please don't let any criticisms, even ones that might have been levelled elsewhere, deter you from contributing. If you know it's right then so be it.

A walk around the Caister's very well equipped Lifeboat Station is always worthwhile, if only as an opportunity to dip your hand into your pocket. On the Broads our friends at Hemsby are the ones we are most likely to encounter.

Now, this is rough! Lowestoft lifeboat out during the Beast from the East's recent visit. I suspect the guys at Gorleston RNLI would have met similar conditions. Of course it's the Gorleston boat that serves Breydon Water. Some of the expertise that's available should you have problems on Breydon. By the way, it doesn't get quite this bad on the Broads!! Watch the enclosed video! http://www.lowestoftjournal.co.uk/news/lowestoft-rnli-lifeboats-exercise-in-challenging-conditions-1-5418856

No, John!

Light wind but probably too light to break up the ice. Other than that thawing nicely. Don't think I'll be crossing Oulton Broad today though.

Can't have the shareholders losing out can we!

70 mph plus winds are not unheard of in Britain so I would have expected that a harbour/marina would be capable of surviving that, obviously not though.

It's thawing fast here at the moment. Mind you a bunch of lads have been snowboarding behind a car up and down our road all morning and having great fun. Quite clever one of them is too, jumping and somersaulting. Been good watching them too. Packed up now, the snow went to ice but is now turning to slush.

I can think of a well known CEO who famously never listens!

In the meantime brace yourself and think of England!

Indeed it is, well rounded and cuddly might be more apt!

Also watch the complaints rolling in against railway companies such as Abellendio for undoubted overreaction or inability to cope with the snow. My son-in-law has been stuck in London since Monday and whilst there has been snow it's really not been that bad yet the East Coast railway system has ground to a halt, not been good.

I hope that the contractors behind the marina are well insured! Surely a well designed and built marina can survive a force twelve?

Don't forget that Richardson's boat have to cross Barton and if that's like Oulton Broad then it's frozen over. Personally I think that Richardsons have made the right & responsible decision.

Wise decision, Ian, the wind chill factor has to be considered, it's cold! The snow on the ground is no longer fun, most unpleasant. My wife & I like Gunton Hall, the short journey time being a real bonus!

The wind can break up the by now quite substantial ice flows that are on the rivers and than can be quite damaging to a boat's hull. On top of that working on a boat's deck can be hazardous when ice forms. An inevitable and wise decision by Richardsons.

I know the feeling well! When we have gone out I've worn neoprene sleeves over my knees to ensure no wind chill and that's helped no end.

Chips with everything then?

Are logs remotely palatable?

I've used the term, argument for argument's sakes and I stand by that, it does seem to be a recent and regrettable phenomenon on NBN. A verbal game of chess for some? I can quite understand it if this is a factor in Richard's decision to leave the forum. I do think that on some topics Richard has been bullied by some. Such a shame as he has so much to share with us all. Take a break, Richard, ignore the trolls, you'll be welcome back.

Gracie, is this what you had in mind?

Not that it will help Maplin staff I wonder if the name might survive as a mail order company? Strikes me that what they sell would be ideally suited to that type of outlet.

I rather liked his controversial, generally wise and astute comments, they at least kickstarted the fast deteriorating grey cells into at least some semblance of thought!

And this forum is the least vindictive of the Broads Forums! Sorry to see you go, Richard. Your individuality has been a breath of fresh air, thanks for your input and your support over the dreaded NP imposition. Cheerio, the friend that I never met.