JennyMorgan

My only reservation is that the Authority is unlikely to answer its critics although I'm sure their membership would be very welcome. I do see this as an opportunity for people to express their concerns. There are some very astute, knowledgeable people onboard.

Robin, you were lucky, he regaled you with his funniest jokes first!

Siddy, I almost daren't ask, but if that's not a carrot then what is/was it?

Speed, there is one problem, and I say this with great honesty and feeling, despite all the good that they do the Authority continues to liberally give ammunition to it detractors. Expansionism at Oulton Broad for example, trying to extend the BA's powers beyond their executive area. Then there is the issue of being 'The Broads National Park' with its attendant complications for the boating community. I agree that a balance should be sought but the BA, by its own actions, is not short of detractors. Hopefully such a group will allow folk to let off steam rather than to clog up the various forums.s

Good excuse to join Facebook then! It isn't all as bad Jeremy Kyle appears to suggest!

Not sure if this is the best place for this but seeing some of the names involved I suspect that it will be pretty much on the ball: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1493168170964436/ Doubtless some will see it as just anti BA but the harsh reality is that the BA don't always get it right. Judge for yourselves, you can always ignore it if you wish! Personally I see it as pro Broads.

Ten pages of it!

We went to see Fleetwood Mac at the O2 and were pleasantly surprised to hear a group behind us bragging about their friends in Norfolk. Nothing special about that in isolation but I have a daughter who works at Guys in London and she was telling me much the same about an overheard conversation in a bar in the Shard and another in a staff room at the hospital. It would seem that Norfolk is becoming a fashionable destination! I actually think that both Richardsons and Hoseasons have chosen to advertise at an opportune moment.

I blinked the first time & missed 9/10ths of the advert. Short and sharp, quality ad but perhaps too short? Hardly memourable, in my opinion. What do you think?

Iain, they are, famously so! Paul, I rather suspect that Griff's jokes go straight over Robin's head

Polly, despite an unruly, undisciplined member of your crew attempting to drench innocents along the bank I'm sure that they will have you. As for Dave, he impressed me no end, makings of an excellent skipper, be good to serve under him. Regarding last year's skipper, please keep the old fool in mind, as a very last resort.

Amen to that. Always wondered why the big boys took so long

Paul, word of warning, don't allow Griff to start on his repertoire of legendary/awful jokes.

Dayboating as in going out for the day rather than for several days. 'Mrs Wussername never more than a few feet away from a toilet. Sorry to mention that. Some will understand. If not you will, in the fullness of time.' May I respectively suggest weaning her off caffeine & sugar and introducing her to a sailing boat. If the reduction in caffeine & sugar doesn't work then there is so much more to do on a sailing boat that it will take her mind off things!

http://www.edp24.co.uk/business/video_stalham_hire_boat_firm_richardson_s_launches_ground_breaking_ad_on_itv_and_sky_1_3896381

That made you look! http://www.edp24.co.uk/business/holiday_park_entrepreneur_announces_multi_million_pound_development_of_mundesley_holiday_village_1_3901800

2014, for me started a little late, even though we launched both Spray & Jenny Morgan in good time. We missed out on the spring regatta at Coldham which was a great pity. Eventually got going with several trips to Beccles and beyond, a couple to St Olaves and quite a few stops in between. Didn't go over Breydon last year, miss that, but planning at least one trip North next summer. We have a new cabin boy on the way, arriving March, so I rather suspect Spray will be underused this coming summer. Was a time when my wife and I could manage Spray by ourselves but anno domini is taking its toll & Lyn, my wife, is having surgery on her hands to counter very painful arthritis so I expect that she'll be a passenger for a while. 2014 has also seen me out on my kayak more often, solitary boating but I do enjoy that although I never went more than a few miles either way but I'm looking forward to greater adventures in 2015, perhaps launching at Geldeston & paddling up to Bungay for example, or maybe a paddle on the Blyth at Southwold. 2014 saw me aboard Brilliant for the Three Rivers Race, great privilege and a great pleasure. Many years since I last crewed in the 3RR. This year I intend to go along as a spectator, possibly on JM. Fingers crossed for that one. Same goes for the Coldham Regatta. I am a great fan of Drascombes and our Broads Rally this year will start from Reedham Ferry, camping on their excellent site. The idea being to go up to Surlingham Ferry for a meal and a pint. A great trip last time we did it, should be a highlight for this year. I really do intend to get out more this year but it'll be more dayboating I suspect. Whatever, plenty of sun, lots of force threes and fours and I'll be happy.

Many a true word said in jest, Polly. Have a good New Year yourself. How's the fine tuning going for this year's 3RR?

And there was me thinking that the Victorians used cork or inflated pig's bladders!

One wife, four daughters, five granddaughters, one mother, one mother-in-law, two grandmothers, one queen, one female prime minister later I wouldn't dream of telling a lady what to wear!

http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/crime/burglars_steal_4_000_cash_in_broads_pub_raid_1_3901589

At this time of night? In this freezing weather? Have mercy on her, at least wait until daylight!

The above pictures shows women catching the ingredients for a meal, presumably for their menfolk. Nowadays we are far more likely to see the men doing the catching, very often perched up on mini scaffold towers or asleep in little green tents, Either way, where were the menfolk whilst their women were out eel fishing? In the pub or out sailing, as they ought to be? Things just aren't what they used to be.

Back to Thorpe. Don't recognise any of the landmarks here, do you? Early 1900's again.

I think it sad that just a sinking should result in a 'write-off'!