Wussername

There is much to discover in Norfolk. Beyond the river bank. Our villages, towns, theatre's, country gardens, local museums, churches and of course a wealth of grand estate halls and country homes. Thousands, every year go to Spain, or Greece. Sit on a beach, have a few drinks........and go home. Bit like the Norfolk Broads in some respect. They come and they go. A box ticked. Old Wussername.

Wise words MM. I have, under great authority, been given the most important advice by my illustrious physician. During the current severe conditions, caused by global warming, take comfort that we are not experiencing global cooling. With that in mind MM you must increase your fluid intake. May I suggest partaking of a few drafts of a quality Southwold bitter. Notwithstanding you must keep your spirits up. May I suggest the Martell Cordon Blue, failing that a good earthy Scotch whisky, matured in an oak cask from the Cognac. Tootle pip!

Exscuse me? Has the toll been paid? I can feel a Ranger coming on!

It may not disappoint, however, do you not question? Or, accept?

The tolls are under pressure. We will of course here cries of indignation. It has been for ever thus. They will of course increase. Priorities, there will always be priorities, however they differ within our community. My priorates might well differ from yours. May I request that you are more specific with regard to your ideal. Vaughan's post embraced my life span. I recognise his concerns, I can also identify our mutual past. It is not that we hope to retrieve, it is that which we hope to retain.

When the wind is in the East. Tis neither fit for man nor beast. Bring it on I say. I might, just might, turn my electric blanket up a notch!

Vaughan. Was there not a swimming pool there? Or in my dotage,am I confused.

I can feel a Duvet Day coming on!

Richardsons would also hire you an outboard with your dinghy. An evil thing, aptly named a Seagull. Try explaining to a holiday maker how to start it! Then wanting a demo. My heart used to give a terrible thump. It would never start. Then the holiday maker had to make sure that it was not nicked by removing it from the back of the dinghy and storing on the cruiser at night. Many must have been dropped into the river (a blessing for some) I suspect Ranworth is full of them.

A good idea. Super mooring opposite, just across the road from Stressco's and next door to Simpo's for a swifty pump-out, Richardsons wet shed just down the road for week-end meet and greet with the good and the just.

Admirable, absolutely admirable. I have been on so many boats, hire and private. I have also been responsible for safe passage. I cannot ever remember having seen such a comprehensive detail, so important, imperative to safe navigation as you have demonstrated. Andrew

As a matter of interest, on a hire boat, does the air draft relate to this measurement being canopy, windshield down, or up? I know. Is the hirer aware of the difference? Does he know that there is a difference? On many hire boats it simply states the height of the boat! I sometimes wonder that even with regard to private boats as to if they even know the difference.

Sunk ?

You are clearly misinformed. Clearly influenced by others who have not accepted change.

There are several reasons why we enter into a contract to purchase an item or a service. The company will seek to attract your custom by several means. Two of which are fear of loss, and greed for gain. Many companies take advantage of this fact. Some employ a lack of transparency. A lack of responsibility with regard to a work ethic which we should have a reasonable expectation to expect.

It is my belief that the deposite, in what ever shape or form is a contractual obligation between the boatyard and customer. The boat yard should have declared its position from the outset, positively and clearly, and stated that the sum of money placed no obligation on the boat yard whatsoever. And that no contract has been agreed by either party. I personally would not entertain such an agreement. I would go elsewhere. Before any contract is made there must be a mutual consideration. Recognised by both parties. If not recognised by some. I would have walked away and pursued them vigorously..

Why are they closing all these roads? I live on the border of Lingwood and Strumpshaw. We bob up and down a lot, surrounded by sugar beet, wheat, barley and reeds. Shouting "wherethehellarewe" indeed a tribe is named after us. The first that you are aware of a road closure is a sign reading "DIVERSION". Invariably pointing to a bit of marshland or a farmers field. You carry on, "with hope in your heart" You think it cannot possibly mean me! You trundle on. Passing several signs saying "ROAD CLOSED" There is a sense of impending doom. At no place does it state where the road is closed. Never ever! You carry on regardless, after travelling four or five miles, 20 yards from your turning is the road block. Absolute corruption. Cones, signs. portable toilets, diggers, fillers, smoothers, wheel barrows, portable canteen and a hole. Yes a hole. A hole which is completely out of proportion to the confusion, disruption, and chaos which has ensured. And do you know what. There is not a soul in sight. You may be forgiven in thinking the site has been abandoned, waiting for a part from China, or at worse, Germany. To compound this dreadful scenario, there is no place to turn round. Welcome to Norfolk.

You may be correct Andrew But I do think that the marketing aspect is decided by those who wish to promote a particular boat which perhaps is not making a contribution to the profit stream for whatever reason.

Who decides a boats standing. Basic, Classic, Premier, Gold, Platinum, Executive, Grotty, Sad, Desperate. Supreme, Majestic......Dreadful. is there a universal standard, or something dreamt up by the marketing guys. Does it vary between boat yards, you bet it does. In the eye of the beholder I believe.

I cannot find any recommendation or comment from the MAIB with regard to solo bookings or indeed with regard to the capability/mobility issues of the hirer or indeed crew if present. Indeed I believe that it is not within their remit. They investigate marine accidents throughout the world and present their findings to those who have concern. They have no statutory authority, but can advise. In this respect they are held as an organisation recognised world wide for their knowledge and expertise. They have been involved, relatively recently, in an incident on the Broads with regard to a fatal incident. Other organisations such as The Broads Authority, Broads Hire Boat Federation and British Marine, address the issues of concern , and have authority to implement their authority which is far reaching and are embraced by the Quality Accredited Boatyard Standard. I am unable to see or identify any reference with regard to solo hiring or indeed private solo helming by the insurance companies or indeed by the above organisations. The physical, mental, age or induced limitation by drugs or alcohol is not mentioned.

It is my understanding that the MAIB can make recommendations but do not have the authority to enforce their guidelines.

One must gird one's loins. For some it will be difficult, but fear not there are some with healthy disposable income. An inconvenience. "Champagne darling, non vintage im afraid "What! What! For some it will concentrate the mind. We are a resilient lot, it will all come good in the end. It will, I promise you.

That is really good news. Thankyou. There you are, my fears were unfounded.

In 2017 Grendle said. "I liken the owning of a classic wooden boat to the owning of a vintage telescope. You dont really own the boat, you are the temporary custodian of a piece of history, which will eventually be passed on to another temporary custodian, so it is your responsibility to treat her well and then pass her on at the end of your custodianship in the best state that you can." Is it just me, do we not owe a duty of care to our heritage. I am hopeful that my fears are unfounded, I do not think otherwise. No reason whatsoever to think otherwise. But it would be nice to be reassured.

In my family, if anybody asked, they were never going "up river" or "down river". They would always say "on the river". Where your a goin George? "On the river" Or, in the case of Grandad "at sea"........ a fishin.