JennyMorgan

Best not done on the Broads, floating logs can sink boats or damage props, plus, if allowed to build up, might need planning consent.

3/4" sounds suspiciously well suited to a tie-rod! If there were drainage holes, which I think would be unusual, then it would be deeper down than a foot. Gaps behind quay heading are not unusual but one word of warning, don't fill the gap with heavy aggregate, that just might force the piles outward, even causing them to collapse. If whatever you put behind the piles washes out then you can line the piles with a porous membrane that will help prevent that.

Personally my wife and I make full use of pubs and bank-side toilets thus we find that we can survive a week without needing to empty our cassette toilet which we then empty when we get home so I have no idea whether the WRC is suitably equipped. My daughter tells me that there are no suitable facilities at Beccles so she has to shoot her contents down the more normal public toilet pan.

If not then they should be! It's an issue that has been raised in regard to house-boats. Personally I can't see why it should be a problem, other than the cost. Mind you I have heard people question the facilities, or lack of, in relation to cassette type toilets. .

That's good, not sure that that was always the case though so an obvious improvement. I do know that some inland marinas insist that the closeable valve has a seal on it. It still boils down to personal standards and responsibility and I do wonder who, if anyone, actually checks? It was an issue that was discussed when I was on the navigation committee so I do know that the Authority is aware of the problems.

As I understand things the BSS does not cover the issue of sea-toilets. It then gets even more confusing when we consider that the pump-out regulations predate the Broads Act/Broads Authority and are in fact NRA/Environment agency regulations. I was in a pub last summer and wigged in on a group of boat owners, some members of which were proudly claiming that they had reverted to sea-toilets in order to save on pump-out fees and anyway no one ever checked on boat toilets. I believe that last point to be correct, no one ever checks. So, Robin, don't worry! Are your toilets of the maceration/turd strangler type? If they are then I would seriously question their impact on the Broads. I'm pretty sure that the BA does not enforce regulations on toilets because the regulations are not theirs, unless someone knows otherwise. All down to personal responsibility really.

Mention has been made of Broadsword, here are the details: http://www.broads-society.org.uk/?page_id=2233

They haven't so they keep a 'blow-up' handy just in case.

Hi Phil, should I 'like' it for you then?

http://www.broads-authority.gov.uk/looking-after/how-you-can-help/volunteering I may or may not be right but I believe that volunteers now have to be trained and training costs money thus a commitment, which some folk are hesitant to provide, is required.

The elected members of the Authority must then take back control of policy from the un-elected executive.

In a nutshell a thorough review of the Authority and an end to its quango status.

If I could trust the Authority then I might put some credence to that publication. Forks and tongues spring to mind!!

I too will change my mind, when I detect any evidence to suggest that there is no threat.

Andrew, the unfortunate lager lout image to which I referred is as regretfully portrayed by U-Tube and viewed by a huge amount of people.

Bill, much of what you accuse me of applies at least as much to yourself. You also tell me that I won't change my mind, true, but will you change yours?

Over the last few posts it has become clear that we are now going round in circles. However, as this 1930's poster shows, the Broads has long been marketed as the Broads, quite successfully too. Why change what has been and still is successful? No logic to that, has Coca Cola, London or McDonalds changed their names? Why change what has taken generations to become established and recognised? There just has to be an ulterior motive!

The official whatever, where have I heard that term before? Who awards 'official' status? That seemingly anyone can award themselves official status does make the whole thing laughable!

Snowdonia is great, as is the Broads. The 'lager louts' image of the Broads portrayed on U-Tube is a hard one to live down, hardly likely to attract the real national park aficionados! There was no argument with the Broads being marketed as being a member of the national parks family. A departure from that simple truth and a justifiable lack of trust in the Authority is not helpful.

It is already happening, witness the response from the editor of Countryfile Magazine.

I am speculating but saying that ill health is the reason for selling up might just be sales bluff. EastCoastIPA has probably hit the nail on the head, now might be the time to sell up for maximum return. Possibly a good time to negotiate an extension to the lease.

Fergus's email is Fergus.Collins@immediate.co.uk. Lower case only and you should get through. With capitals my e-mail was returned.

It does work and in part the editor is wrong, for one thing the Broads is only branded as a national park and then only for marketing purposes, no other reason. Thank you for your email. We have had many complaints such as yours and we have looked into this matter in some depth. We have spoken at length to National Parks UK (www.nationalparks.gov.uk) who state categorically that The Broads is a National Park and that it is governed by National Park legislation. I include their statement below. “The Broads is a National Park, albeit designated slightly differently. The Environment Act 1995 revised original National Park legislation from 1949 and set out two statutory purposes for National Parks in England and Wales: - Conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage - Promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of National Parks by the public. The Broads is designated under the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act 1988 due to an additional purpose giving priority to waterway access for boat users. The Broads National Park is funded in the same way as England’s other Parks, by government National Park grant – it collects additional revenue through its waterway tolls. The Scottish National Parks are also designated differently, to accommodate additional purposes for economic development and renewable energy, but are part of the UK’s National Park system. The Broads and our Scottish parks are very much accepted by the other National Parks across England and Wales.” With this in mind, I am completely happy to include The Broads in our annual awards in this category. Please feel free to contact me should you require any further information about this. Kind regards Fergus Collins Editor, BBC Countryfile Magazine Does Fergus have an e-mail address?

No, they are governed by the Broads Act legislation. Are they similar? Yes, but only in part, e.g. planning.