Wussername

Distinguished is the word you are looking for Clive. Distinguished!

Iain If I thought for a minute that I was disrespectful to Lastdraft and to Yorkshire folk in particular I would be devastated. It was banter, nothing more. I am proud of my Yorkshire connections, friends and family. The latter being an integral part of my family heritage, and continues to this very day. In this particular instance marginalisation is not justified, and for my part, not intended. Old Wussername

Leeds...a great city. I have been a visitor many times on business, as indeed many cities, not only in the UK but abroad. You fly in. You fly out. I don't no why but I find a wonderful attraction to Yorkshire. Am I a Yorkshire man? I was born in North Allerton. However, my family were Norfolk folk as well as Suffolk folk. And that is where I was brought up.

Lastdraft Remind me old chap. Where is Leeds? Carrot Cruncher's, that's us alright! At least we don't interfier with sheep!! Old Wussername Winner of the North Allerton Best Baby competition 1943 It was a no contest actually. I romped home. The local gargoyle's stood no chance!

I tick both boxes I'm afraid!

I have just had a look at the new BBC news app. It is good. Really good. Which leads me nicely to the new forum web site. How are things progressing? Will it be "blonde proof" More importantly will it be "old codger proof"

Should read " for whom the bell tolls"

I must say that The Broads National Park does have a certain ring to it! http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/politics/broads_national_park_plan_must_not_unravel_current_balance_norfolk_mp_warns_1_3924363 But........to whom the bell rings. Old Wussername

Would the attached suggest a "done deal"http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/environment/broads_rebranding_majority_support_it_1_3921391

I would love to see a copy, indeed to own a copy. Able to pop into the yard anytime. Second best..... How do I obtain a PDF copy. Old Wussername

I do not dispute for a minute Baitrunner of your experience of a hirerer who had cause to be aggrieved at the standard of the trial run that he had received. However, in my experience this is an exception to the rule. In fact the boat yard which I mentioned gives a most excellent trial run. I would also go as far to say that this is true for the majority of boat yards on the Broads. Far removed from that which was experienced several years ago. Going back to the platform issue, there are designs of boat which leave much to be desired, as indeed applies to platforms. But as you quite rightly say we all have different views, whatever "floats your boat" is your choice. "Your boat" being the important, operative words. Old Wussername. PS I hope that you have made provision for a stout grab handle on your platform. Some of those Yare fish are big old beggers

I would be happy to moor a craft with a swim platform on say Salhouse broad, Ranworth, Womack,stern on, in fact most of the Northern Rivers, excluding of course the more tidal area's. With regard to the southern rivers I would feel less happy, especially overnight. In fact there is one very reputable hire company in Brundall, which has craft with platforms, who state as part of their conditions of hire that stern on mooring is NOT allowed. Hence my comment that some boats with platforms do not "lend themselves" to the Broads in general. Old Wussername

I mentioned in a post several weeks ago where a lady was very nearly decapitated at Ranworth when she fell from a bathing platform during a reversing procedure, due to the lack of grab rails. I think that I tend to fall in the anti platform brigade. I think that they are a gimmick, suited perhaps to the Mediterranean, certainly not the Broads. They do not lend themselves to stern mooring. I would suggest that many people reading this post would find it physically challenging to board a boat, by using a bathing platform simply because you lack the upper body strength to lever yourself from the water onto the platform. Your partner could find it equally challenging to help you. Why? Because you are not as young as you used to be. Perhaps a little overweight. Back problem?

Good job we have our very own video maker then! Old Wussername

I have just been watching UK Boating on FreeSat channel 401. Info TV. A regular TV series. This week seemed to be predominately about canal boats, nevertheless very interesting. Perhaps they will get round to the Broads. Who knows ? Old Wussername.

Funny thing about these old woodies. Not only do they look good, when inside they smell. I don't mean this in a derogatory sence, some have this wonderful boaty aroma. Never forgotten, not found on modern boats. Or is it just me, nostalgia playing tricks. Old Wussername

Just a little thank you for sharing your pictures. I have found then quite fascinating. Keep you a goin bor! I loike the cut of yer jib. If I cum and give you a look with me old mawther do I get a cup a tea. See some of those old woodies. Old Wussername.

Day boating is good. I never bought my own boat. I spent my money on wine, women and song. I wasted the rest. I always seem to have managed to get a boat somehow, and was able to enjoy the broads and rivers for many years. Circumstances changed and for a few years I gave the Broads a miss. I live here, I am never far from a river. Walking distance from my house. A car drive of a few minutes to most places. I gave the Broads a miss. I certainly missed the Broads. In retirement I found myself drawn inexplicably to the waterside. Womack, Wroxham, Potter, Reedham, Ranworth.......all over. I used to stalk the river bank. Still do! Holiday makers used to nod and smile at me. "Here comes that boring old fa*t darling, draw the curtains!" And then, and then, I discovered the day boat. A wretched thing! I hated it. It hated me. And so did everybody else. Then I discovered the day cruiser, or the picnic boat. In my travels I have become an authority on this type of boat. North or South I'm your man. I now embark on several trips a year. I board a modern immaculate boat. OK, it cost me several hundred pounds a year, however, no mooring fees, no maintenance, no..........I could go on forever. I even pick the weather. And I also pick where to go. Hickling , Horsey, Rockland, Surlingham, wherever I choose. 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. Now where was I ? Sorry to ramble on JM, enjoy day boating. I am sure you will Old Wussername.

Can I have another go?

When I lost my two dogs two years ago I took comfort in the following THERE is sorrow enough in the natural way From men and women to fill our day; And when we are certain of sorrow in store, Why do we always arrange for more? Brothers and sisters, I bid you beware Of giving your heart to a dog to tear. Buy a pup and your money will buy Love unflinching that cannot lie Perfect passion and worship fed By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head. Nevertheless it is hardly fair To risk your heart for a dog to tear. When the fourteen years which Nature permits Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits, And the vet's unspoken prescription runs To lethal chambers or loaded guns, Then you will find - it's your own affair, - But ... you've given your heart to a dog to tear. When the body that lived at your single will, With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!), When the spirit that answered your every mood Is gone - wherever it goes - for good, You will discover how much you care, And will give your heart to a dog to tear! We've sorrow enough in the natural way, When it comes to burying Christian clay. Our loves are not given, but only lent, At compound interest of cent per cent, Though it is not always the case, I believe, That the longer we've kept 'em, the more do we grieve; For, when debts are payable, right or wrong, A short-time loan is as bad as a long - So why in - Heaven (before we are there) Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear? Rudyard Kipling

The speed vans in Norfolk used to prosecute at the limit plus 10% plus 3 miles per hour. Therefore in 70 mile an hour limit 70x10%=77+3=80. A smidgeon over that in you are in the clag. Static camera's, the yellow jobbies, very unforgiving. Two or three mph over and you could well be looking at three points and £100 fine. Plod, about the same I guess, but not many about but when they are be carefull. Old Wussername

I always welcome the new year with intrepidation. A realisation of our fragility, our vulnability. JM and PS have both mentioned loved ones who need our care and love . I understand. My family understand. Because like many on this forum we have had to come to terms with the inevitability of life and the many challenges we have to face. Beyond this understanding there is amongst us an appreciation. A common appreciation which is quite unique amongst us all. That of our boats, hired, or owned. Or simply our love of the Norfolk Broads. To bring all these important parts of our life together is of course the forum . In itself insignifecent. Not important. A place where people meet, and discuss matters which are of interest to the person who originates the topic and to those who enjoy being involved. Not important! In the scheme of things. Probably not for some. For me it has become one of the bench marks of my day. Having just joined this forum, from a distant place from that I once frequented I am delighted to be here, devoid of anamosity and confrontation. Happy to moor alongside any of you guys. Happy New Year and my best wishes to all of you. Old Wussername.

Never boring Jon. Never boring. Old Wussername

Calm down everybody. Everybody is comparing inches. This is not a good start to the new year. We need a bit of decorum. Mine is bigger than yours. Sometimes bigger is not best. It really comes down to experience. Here in Norfolk snow is talked about in centemeters. I feel happy with that in most things. Old Wussername.

It was a good Christmas Day. Mrs Wussername pulled out all the stops for a great traditional Christmas meal. I was in charge of pulling corks. The family plus grandchildren, with Grandma in tow arrived on time. Funny that, they are never late on Christmas Day. Granny Wussername continued to hyperventilate over a hot oven. Son in law hoed into one of my finest clarets. (Like giving a cow a strawberry!) Everybody had a great heap of presents under the tree. Grandad Wussername (that would be me then!), once again, had the smallest heap. Then joy of joy's. The grandchildren were given the task of giving out the gifts. At four and seven a bit of a lottery as to who got what, however sorted in the end. At least I didn't get suspenders this year! It didn't take long for me to open my few gifts so it was agreed that I could open the dogs presents. The Christmas meal was superb, as ever. Then, for some unknown reason, everybody decided to go for a walk. What's that all about I ask? Me I have a Serengeti Christmas. What's that you may well ask? What does the lion do after he has had a good nosh? Go for a run round the reserve? Does he heck as much. Under a tree for forty winks. And that me shipmates is what Grandad Wussername does. When they get back, covered in mud, drinks and games and the grandchildren have a couple of squabbles. Then more food and drink. And then like a sudden squall, it is all over. I can hear them walking home down the road singing " for he's a jolly good fellow". And so they might. They have drunk all me drink. Scoffed all me grub, and the Grandchildren devoured me best present.............a large box of jelly babies. But I would not have missed it for the world Old Wussername