Wussername

This time of the year I am often to be found at Reedham, Ranworth or Womack. Usually around 11am to 2pm,for lunch. Prior to picking up grandchildren from school, going to Stressco's, the gym and all those jobs us busy pensioner's get up too. Do you know what, and this is for several years now, I have never seen a ranger, out of his boat. Just generally talking to holiday makers, private owners and visitors. Ever! Would it not be beneficial for the authority's representative on the river to be seen advising, helping, instructing, simply being approachable. If nothing else but to discuss those issues of speeding, inappropriate behaviour and general safety concerns. Andew

And yet the approach to Norwich from Postwick was considered at one time, through the village of Thorpe St Andrew, was considered a delight. The garden of the east. Visited by the people of Norwich. Visited by tourists who visited our wonderful city. Where did it all go wrong?l Why did it all go wrong? And why have our generation allowed it to happen? Is this the legacy we will leave behind us, a disgrace that which we will be remembered. Andrew.

Pointing out. Up the river and down the river. Sent from the Norfolk Broads Network mobile app

On the BA quay attendents hut at Reedham. Sent from the Norfolk Broads Network mobile app

Gulp! They will now. I used to take cruisers up to Coltishall Lock , must be twenty years ago, and it was truly a magical place. Last time I visited the Lock was last year and do you know, like before I was the only one their. And the place like before......nothing had changed.

Um! Er! Yep they might be the new boys on the block. Correct me if I am wrong but they may be farmers, land owners. A bit of diversification...as you do. Farmers are renowned for dealing. Asking an unrealistic price to be negotiated for the benefit of the seller and the buyer. An unknown business practice for the likes of Blake's and Hoseasons who to some extent, some would say to a great extent controlled the price structure of the hiring industry. The likes of Laker airways, Ryanair and Easy Jet had no such restrictions. To the disadvantage of the smaller boat yards. Was this a contributory factor to their demise. Perhaps they were unable to compete against the discount holiday industry. The fear of loss, greed for gain syndrome. With boats sitting on their moorings for weeks on end , unable to be hired because of a draconian contractual agreement with an agent the smaller boat yards, the family boat yards, were between a rock and a hard place. I believe, please correct me if I am wrong, that this has been a contributory factor, to the loss of the family boatyard. However the web has provided a life line for the smaller boat yard. I just hope that it is not too late. Wussername.

Corydon. Regretfully you will be ill prepared in meeting up with the sailing fraternity. You will not be alone. Especially during their mass migration up a river or down a river. Some like yourself will be well-advised to seek refuge in a reed bed. Or scurry up some ones private dyke. Ignore the owners protestations. Just be nice to each other. It will work itself out. As for the sailing folk, they are as nervous of you as you are of them. They speak a different language as to you and I. Water, Starboard, and their Chinese friend Lee Ho come to mind. Certain expletives are well used. Frowned upon by the Ladies Who Lunch in the local parishes surrounding Broadband but nevertheless a passport to exceptance amongst the good and just of the sail and rivers and those who frequent such delights and habitat's.

Went two years ago. A brilliant day. I have to say that the Ludham people are very friendly, hospitable and rightly proud of their village. The gardens are magnificent. It is an experience to visit Hunters yard and the wherries and of course the boat yard with the pedal boats. Not forgetting that this year I understand that there will be a craft exhibition on Womack staithe run by the shop. There are some magnificent houses in Ludham, one frequented by the Queen Mother during her visits to Seago the famous artist. Without doubt, one of the most delightful villages in Broadland. Sadly no wall. But that is of little consequence.

How about a go in a flappy jobby? There would be much for the private owner and holiday maker to learn and understand about the unique challengers and enjoyment of sailing on the Norfolk Broads. For the benefit and understanding of all perhaps. Old Wussername Andrew.

Thank you Gendel. Great pictures. Delighted that the weather improved for you guys. Vaughan and I really tried hard to be with you all. But sadly not to be. Do you know what. All the booze had been purchased. BBQ purchased. BBQ food purchased, sausages, chicken, burgers ........everything. Bread rolls to be purchased, fresh, on Saturday morning. And then, well, I have got certain health issues and all had to be aborted. And all this happened hours before departure. So, not to be. Perhaps next year.

My experience tells me to keep arms, legs and feet inside the boat especially when mooring and when other boats are mooring alongside. It is a simple request for the helm to request and for the crew to acknowledge.

There are many I am sorry to say that just don't care. There are many that just don't know.

Fear ye not. The forecast for Easter is good. Warm. Temperature in the high teens. Trust me.

By the way have not seen a Black swan for ages. Always used to be a pair on the Broads somewhere. Andrew

A Chinese duck? A mandarin duck. An ornamental duck most probably escaped from a collection.

I am pleased to note Paul that you have disassociated yourself from this minority as stated in one of your previous posts. ”Very best wishes indeed, but sad, sad news nonetheless. I can't call it the last of the riverside stores, but the last of the really good ones. It will be a big loss, not only to the boating community but to the village, and the surrounding area too." Andrew

They wish to retire after many years serving the local people and the tourists. In this respect they must be allowed their chosen path. ST. Are you aware of the financial issues which they would have considered prior to their decision. No I expect. Neither was I. They worked hard and provided a "remembered and much appreciated service to the local community and tourists alike" I find you comment ". When you live in a village, as we do, you have to consider other people, being such a small area, and to deprive a community of a much needed resource should be looked at as unthinkable" These two people are allowed, and should expect a quality of life, to which they are entitled after so many years of serving the community. Andrew

Hi Mark It is a topic I am interested in. What better place to discuss. Andrew

It was not a comment deliberately intended to promote discord. It is my opinion. A discussion point. I am not seeking your credit or opinion and by your tone neither do I welcome it. All I ask is for consideration for that which I consider important and worthy of further deliberation with the forums interest paramount. Andrew

Regretfully it is not becoming a "tiny part of this forum". We need to recognise our core values and objectives. We need to concentrate on that which the forum has become renowned, established and recognised as a leading authority on Broadland matters. Andrew

You may not like what I am saying. Take it as you will. WHERE do I find a forum that places a greater emphasis on Broadland matters. Broads, rivers, boats, local historians, history, our destiny and how we are able to shape our future. We seem to my mind lost our way. Andrew

My cousin has moored his cruiser on the Yare on the outskirts of Thorpe for several years. I met up with him several weeks ago and told that he has sold his boat. The reason being that he personally felt intimidated by the number of liveaboards. During one weekend in the summer he counted over 45 boats. Some of which were in very poor condition. I went from Brundall to Norwich during late summer early autumn and counted 35 liveaboards. Neither of these counts included boats on the island at Thorpe. As mentioned. Commissioners cut and Whitlingham on the north bank were both full. Is this trend likely to become established with continued growth and if this should be the case should some form of disciplines be put in place, standards identified and implemented. Andrew

I can feel the Neanderthal grunt making a comeback and will become recognised as the correct and formal method of introduction, conversation and goodby. Complemented by the trusty smart phone. Until of course the battery runs out.

Well that is the old boy who nicked it. All those trees. I like trees. Here on the Broads we are blessed with a huge variety of trees and long may we protect them. Have you ever been to the lock gates at Coltishall and walked to the road bridge through the wonderful avenue of trees. What are they. Hornbeam. Thousands walk to Salhouse broad, generations in the fullness of time. My grandchildren still marvel at the gnarled oak trees and play as I did amongst the fragile trunks. I love the trees of Broadland and long may they be allowed to enhance our landscape and contribute to our ever threatened wild life. Trees BY JOYCE KILMER I think that I shall never see A poem lovely as a tree. A tree whose hungry mouth is prest Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast; A tree that looks at God all day, And lifts her leafy arms to pray; A tree that may in Summer wear A nest of robins in her hair; Upon whose bosom snow has lain; Who intimately lives with rain. Poems are made by fools like me, But only God can make a tree.

I can confirm that.