vanessan

I think the answer to that will probably in the BA Navigation Committee Tolls Review 2016 document, maybe someone could provide a link to it? I'm afraid I'm pretty hopeless with linking things from the internet -sorry! I seem to remember a figure of an overall increase being set at 3% although I may have dreamt that. The BA provided us with so much documentation surely designed to confuse and befuddle the ordinary boater!

I think they are trying to tell us that they can't bear to be separated from their computers and the forum! Very simply I'm almost always logged in too so I don't have to faff about when I want to check in. How sad is that?!!

I wouldn't disagree with that statement but, despite the original intention being a great idea, it never happened. In all the years I have used the posts, or been moored near one, I have never yet seen (to my knowledge anyway) an electric boat plugged in to one. I am sure they do on the odd occasion but, as I understand it, it didn't become the 'norm' they hoped for. Instead we lucky private boaters make use of them so at least they don't go to waste. I guess I probably need this on now!

I am sure that many of the hire boats that block use of the electric posts have no idea what they are actually used for. The vast majority of folk are quite considerate and would probably move up/along if asked nicely, assuming there was a space of course!

I just love those whiskers of the second coxswain! Has Hemsby Lifeboat crew thought about a calendar - on a 'calendar boys' basis of course?

I remember a few years ago I was looking through a certain forum's pages and came upon a thread discussing the attributes of various boat designs (not a lot of change over the years then!). A comment had been made that 'a boat should look like a boat'. I thought what an ignorant thing to say, quite stupid in fact. Then I got to thinking, well, what should a boat look like? It should have a hull, somewhere to steer the thing, something to help it move through the water and that's really about it - . Whatever else someone chooses to add to it doesn't make it any less of a boat, just makes it attractive to some but not to others. What matters is how it is looked after.

I think Seamaster has got his answer! It is a problem when something runs smoothly and then threatens to derail. It is only then we realise just how much work goes on in the background to keep it all ticking over so well, just shows how you can't take things for granted. Jonzo is clearly a linchpin and is going to be incredibly difficult to replace, if indeed he can be replaced! But there is a shedload of support being offered and I hope (in fact I am pretty sure) that solutions will be found. If there is anything I can do to help the wheels keep turning, I am only too happy to offer my services - as long as it nothing too techy!!

Thank you AJB, that's good to know. I'm sure others will be pleased to get that confirmation too.

I thought I read somewhere that old cards could also be exchanged at the BA offices at Hoveton, Norwich YS and GYYS. It would make good sense to have that option too, but of course you never know with the BA!

I think he probably creates byelaws to suit!

While he's at it, perhaps he could do the channel to Woods End Staithe too?

I have the full set of Secret Army DVDs and very good they are too. There was another series around that era called "Manhunt". Sadly they don't make series like these any more but, if you search online, you can probably find many of the old programmes digitally remastered onto DVD. Does anyone remember a black and white series called The Silver Sword? I think it was set in war torn Poland during WW2.

" Graham and I left Harry aboard and set out with Marv rowing the sailing dinghy to shore" Marv sounds as if he was great fun but to train him to row a dinghy, wow that's really something special!

According to the Met Office, the weather is likely to be milder at the beginning of February so you should be ok.

Just to add to my earlier post regarding the traffic noise. Most of what I would call 'heavy' noise is during the day when you would presumably be enjoying the delights of the city. If you also take advantage of the many good pubs and restaurants in the evening, the quieter overnight noises will probably go unnoticed! I can't say I have ever been aware of traffic fumes either but then I am lucky and do not have any respiratory issues. Bite the bullet and stay overnight, enjoy what the city has to offer both day and night and the following day you will appreciate the open countryside and farmland aromas even more!

Robin - Glad you didn't suggest White Star line to Herbert Woods!

I moor at NYS about 5/6 times a year, I have to have my fix of the city quite regularly as it is a super place to visit. We always make sure we are not there between Thursday and Sunday as the weekends are best avoided being the noisiest time. You are right about the road, it is noticeably noisy during the day and evening but I can honestly say it has never bothered me overnight. (Having said that, I am always pleased to get back to more 'rural' moorings.) There have been many scare stories over the years but you can moor up securely using loops for your ropes and a dropped mudweight and the gates are locked between 8pm and 8am, access being with the padlock code the BA ranger provides you with when you pay him. Currently the overnight fee is £12. I think I am right in saying that daytime moooring ends at 5pm but during bank holiday week available moorings might be hard to find elsewhere later into the evening - but you never know! Hope this helps.

Norwich City 3 Wolves 1, not quite so boring yesterday!

I have some really boring pictures on my walls at home and I purchased an incredibly boring calendar for 2017 too. I guess we forumites lead very boring lives!!! Long may it (they) last.

Good on you for coming clean on this Spider, I for one am glad that it wasn't Creative having recommended them previously. Whilst I can appreciate your reasons for not wanting to name the other company, it might be useful if you did so members are aware and can avoid if they want to.

Sad tales about Creative and their current policies and communication (or lack of!). Means I will refrain from recommending them again until I know they have got back to their winning ways.

Thanks Alan, I should have searched a bit better shouldn't I?!

Creative did a lot of work for us a few years back, canopies and upholstery work. What they did was excellent and very competitively priced. I know of others too who have been very satisfied with their work and would be happy to recommend them. Shame they are overloaded with work at the moment........!

Thank you for the update on Creative Covers Andy, they have obviously bitten off more than they can chew and that's a shame for a business that had built itself from scratch. I hope they manage to sort out their priorities and get back on an even keel. Seems it might be a problem to get work done in the short term, would it be possible to create a list of sailmakers, repairers etc as this is a question that gets asked from time to time?