Wussername

Four buzzards over my garden yesterday, calling to each other. Soaring on the thermals, I thought that it was one buzzard at first being mobbed by seagulls, but not so. A marsh harrier visits every evening, swooping over the garden. On the down side rooks used to fly over for an hour, at dusk, to the woods at Buckenham, a magnificent spectacle. Sadly no longer. Long tailed tits, in my garden in abundance, Jackdaws, (in my neighbour's chimney, best of luck there) collard doves, but no turtle doves regretfully. Blue tits, Great tits, but no Bearded. Too far from Strumpshaw fen I suspect, if indeed any there. But in general a serious decline of bird life and insect life. The latter a matter of concern. I pray the farmer will not spray. But he will, on the day. Andrew

Hi Fred I understand what you are saying. But what specific problem are these raptors causing. Likewise the otter in Norfolk is now the villain of the piece. In what respect. Vaughan tells me the mallard is in decline, together with the coot. (Last February I counted a raft of 200 on Malthouse) I live in a house surrounded by fields on the border of the village of Lingwood and Strumpshaw, for about 35 years. When I first came here, taking the dogs down the road in the morning I was greeted by sky lark soaring above the fields, yellow hammer, yellow wagtail, pied wagtail, chaffinch, lapwing, swallow, swift, song thrush, I could go on, today, this last year. Nothing. A deserted wood, an agricultural desert devoid of life. The Red kite, the otter. No. It was you. It was me. It was all of you. Just look around and see how we have used and abused that which we were the custodian for future generations, but don't worry we will not be here to be held account. Only remembered. Andrew

Fred. Whereabouts have the Red Kite caused a serious problem. And what specific problem have they caused. The last time I was in Dumfries and Galloway, an area with a large population of this raptor I found no instance of problems. Does Norfolk have a problem? Andrew

I note that the Red Kite seems to have entered the frame all of a sudden. Why? It is a scavenger. Only two years ago two non breeding pairs at Strumpshaw. Have things changed. The decline of birds and other wild life needs to be looked at far closer. An in-depth study, which takes into account all relevant factors, not just those that happen to be convenient. Andrew Andrew

The poor old otter seems to attract a lot of negative PR. Where did it all go wrong? Andrew

Everybody is starting to flounder now.

In my day. Gauges, none. The water tank. The wonder tank. You allways wondered what was in it. The fuel tank. A stick. Never failed. Never confused. The toilet tank. The nose. A bit of kit which was invaluable. A sniff, a sniff recognised by all. Every soul was on QRA (quick reaction alert) for a pump out. Andrew

It will be interesting to have an understanding of the cause of the incident.

I like Facebook. Let the enlightened lead the benighted. Young Wussername

Norfolk is prepared. Splice the mainbrace me hearties.

Come Prancing would suffice.

From one Andrew to another. I know many sailing folk. Sailed in cruiser races on Wroxham, sailed in regattas, Wroxham, Oulton, Barton, Coldham Hall, Down River races on the Yare and Bure. Raced at the Frostbite's in Thorpe St Andrew. Sailed in half deckers with the grandchildren frequently in the last few years. Like most of the forum members I have cruised in motor cruises all over the North and South rivers. Sure there have been moments, on both sides. But never malicious laughter at misfortune and I am sorry that you have experienced such an awful situation. Andrew

A bit of wet arm motoring they used to say. Now as a local boy, from the Jolly Butchers to the Washington Club, through the bends of Mousehold to the Salhouse Road my MGB tourer would have beaten your old banger any time. Old Wussername.

I would love to continue this conversation but it will get a bit political and against the TOS. So I will retire gracefully.

Was that the deal that the majority voted? Were fully aware? Were the consequences explained in detail. Not a political statement just a statement of fact.

Which of course will come at a price. Are you prepared for that. Andrew

Regretfully the many so called bellwethers that determine the destiny of us all, throughout the world, are emotionally dysfunctional.

You have to admire the set of her sails. The power of this boat. It's grace, precence in a cruiser race. For me it is the most iconic cruiser on the broads.

Love it. Love it. A classic Ashby. Andrew

My understanding is that is was not a right to moor but a right to anchor on the shore, for one full turn of the tide. An anchore line from the craft to the bank. The helm or anybody else for that matter was not allowed to encroach upon the land other than to attend to the anchor, a matter of a feet. Andrew

I have not read the book Vaughan but I can remember the boat leaving Coldham Hall from under the care of Harry Last and the next time on blocks in the centre of Norwich. Owned by a well respected motor bike dealer. I feared that could have been the end. Thankfully not to be. The next time was on Wroxham Broad, during the cruiser race, cruiser races, boats helmed by well known Norfolk dignitaries, captains of industry, surgeon's, consultants from the Norfolk and Norwich hospital. They were very modest and reserved people. In private enjoying a well deserved quality of life denied by thier position in society. Such was the legacy of Madie and similar craft. Andrew

How much is the book Mr Tobster. I am a poor pensioner who has raced against this magnificent iconic boat. We didn't win, even with a handicap in our favour. Andrew

It is with sadness to report that Jack Jenner died at his home in Thorpe St Andrew on Sunday at the age of 102. A true Broadsman he was involved with his father William Bramwell Jenner at the family boatyard in Thorpe St Andrew. In later years Jack and his brother Bill had their own boatyard Maidencraft which they ran for several years before they both retired.

It was a long time ago Vaughan. I have fond memories of the Jenner boat yard. The family has many pieces of memorabilia from our grandfather's day. William Bramwell Jenner left a legacy, albeit a fragmented one amongst my cousins, myself and brothers. His son Jack Jenner, my Godfather, still lives in Thorpe St Andrew at the wonderful age of 102. I worked for Jenners, long after my Grandfather had left the boatyard, had sold the boatyard. I was a simple trial run driver, a boat mover. A dogs body. Some of the boat names I can remember if prompted, but not many. Remember taking Cliff Richards boat through the bridge. Happy memories. Andrew.

Seriously though. If you cannot make the effort to make that journey through that bridge, by whatever means at your disposal, and there are many. You don't deserve to go.