JennyMorgan

This one at Ellingham does, perhaps it was a Waveney thing.

Some, if not all Broads locks had similar bars across them. This one is at Coltishall doesn't.

I suppose my comment can be seen as BA bashing but quite simply I would see it as an observation based on experience. I've had a similar conservation with Cally at the BA, namely that folk should be able to have personal opinions and aspirations as to how things should be done, e.g. grass rather than reed. Boxes have to be ticked, that I accept, but having sat in on a number planning meetings over the years it has become abundantly clear as to who will be right, even when logic & common sense dictates otherwise.

There was a pub down South that challenged holiday visitors to drink a pint of their scrumpy, walk around a pole on the nearby green and return to the bar. Great entertainment for the locals! Those that made it could drink for free for the rest of the week. Yours truly grew up on cider, love the stuff, too good a challenge to resist! Before we left for home I noticed that the challenge had been increased to two pints, that I think that I would have failed!

Doing things independently of the BA is not to be encouraged, only their officers can possibly be right. Well, that's what I think!

Brilliant, here's to the next chapter!

I took Marsh's comment at its face value! Wasn't that it its intended purpose?

Re those beams, I think it was Robert Malster who first made me aware of those beams and the reasoning behind them. Got a feeling that I've also read it somewhere in regard to wherries. Their suggested use also seems entirely logical to me, unless someone has a better suggestion.

I like Robin, met him a few times, decent bloke. I'm loving his blog, he's doing what I would like to have done if I hadn't decided to sling my hook, settle down and bring up a family. My hat is off to Robin, I read his blog because I want to , if I didn't want to then I wouldn't. Robin is learning by doing and long may he continue doing so. Thank you for sharing with me/us, Robin. Robin has not asked for criticism, so why criticise? Robin is big enough to appreciate and accept sound advice so lets keep it to that. I'm looking forward to the next episode.

Whatever the building is, or was, I don't know but here is a picture of the Lock from the upstream side.

A painting this time, also of Geldeston Lock, by the late Joe Crowfoot, a Beccles artist of local repute.

Geldeston Lock. The lock has two cross bars, the idea being to force wherries into having to lower their masts thus reducing the risks of a heavy wherry from sailing into and damaging the lock's gates. Back then it was possible for a wherry to sail and quant up to Bungay, regretfully no longer possible.

Allegedly, been there a long time though, longer than a yurt at the WRC! I understand that the BA is seeking a compromise such as limiting the length of boats moored stern-on to the floating jetty. I haven't heard the outcome, presumably that will surface in the officer's report at the next planning committee meeting.

Large white workshop tents on the bank of the River Yare by any chance?

The Sotshole Broad owner did win! http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/south-walsham-villager-wins-his-battle-of-the-broad-1-3209488

Do people remember this one: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/countryside/10073479/Destroying-my-work-in-the-Norfolk-Broads-will-do-untold-damage.html The man in question has since, if I remember correctly, come out as the winner. In my view the BA's case was an entirely illogical and vindictive action that did no great favours for the the BA's reputation. Following on from that case I can understand the orchard owner having a go. I don't expect people to agree with me but I really do think that both cases highlight an inconsistency and lack of logical, linked up thinking within Yare House. The orchard site is nothing other than redundant farm land, unsuited to modern farming techniques or equipment, surely an orchard provides a very acceptable alternative use and one that benefits the natural environment.

So he didn't buy it from Woolies then!

Upper Wensum & Upper Waveney, nix access by boat I'm afraid. There are a few trout around Geldeston and quite a few old trout on Wroxham.

If you can understand Norfolk! Very cute when it comes to local politics is Alan.

If you mean Old Frank & Speakers Corner then he is still about, you'll find him on FaceBook, under his real name. If anyone has a map then 'tis he.

I won't tell you the last one we used, but we won't be using him again! Wasn't anywhere near fit enough to climb aboard so I did & took photos of what he wanted to see on a mobile phone & showed him the result! Obviously I didn't photograph what I didn't want him to see!! (I jest!). I really had no confidence in him. So yes, go by recommendation, two so far, one of which can swear for England but nevertheless is ace at the job.

Surely even the crab-fat used naval terms such as port and starboard? 'Tis only pongos what don't talk proper!

Duncan, re trailable boats and lack of slipways. A mute point is this one. Pike thrive on neglect, I suspect that you will agree. Pike stocks across Broadland are seemingly in serious decline. Increasing access will only up the pressure. The four rod rule, easier access, increased pressure, declining stocks, one for BASG! The four rod rule and boats is no friends to pike. I watched two blokes today, sat in a boat with eight rods and eight bungs spaced out around the compass, both sat facing the same way meaning that at least four of the rods were cast out behind them, ludicrous. There were two blokes on the bank the other day, once again with eight rods spaced out along eighty yards or so, all with slack lines and the two blokes sat in their car, criminal. BASG still has a long way to go.

Point of order, Marsh, but according to Dr P they have bought this one. However they do lease the batteries. Renault Zoe We have purchased our first all-electric car, a Renault Zoe. It is a five-door hatchback and will do about 180 miles from a single charge. I took it to Barton and back for the visit with Norman Lamb and was very impressed with the ride and handling. We have leased the battery and it will be interesting to see how the vehicle performs over the next ten years. It is distinctive with its water lily picture on the bonnet.

It would, but it would be wholly impractical for the long distance, high speed, off-shore boats that reside on the Broads. In the meantime the infrastructure is not there, no charging points at Geldeston Locks for example.