vanessan

I doubt it would meet the BA’s standards and would probably require a fair bit of refurbishment. No doubt the reason why the idea is a non-starter.

There are still some private boats moored in the dyke, on both sides, but I don’t think there are as many as there used to be. There seems to be a fairly high turnover too.

I heard a few days ago that the BA are going to take over the Hardley Mill pontoon moorings. I’m not quite sure what to make of that news (which comes from a knowledgeable source) but I am really saddened that the Langley Dyke 24 hour moorings will be lost.

Great to see you posting again JM.

Years ago, mid 90s I would guess, we hired Shimmering Light from HW. It was a new boat then and had an electric flush. The tank was full in two days, according to the gauge, and it was a nuisance having to get it pumped out (even though we were very ‘sparing’ with flushes). Nothing wrong with the old ‘drop-through’ types, as long as the tank is deep and dark! Easy to flush, no manual pumping needed and we can go two weeks between pumpouts.

Had our boosters last Thursday. The doctor who did them told us that take up for the booster has been very slow. I don’t really understand this, if you’ve had the first two jabs, why not take advantage of the booster? I went yesterday for the annual flu jab and also had the pneumococcal jab at the same time. Arm was very sore last night and still is this morning. My new knee is quite painful from time to time and, not being able to lie on my right side due to the sore jab site, it was an uncomfortable night. I shall go for the shingles jab in a couple of weeks time, I don’t really know why I haven’t had that and the pneumococcal one earlier than this.

Ignore that, I think the wide variety of places on offer was for the annual flu jab, not the booster! Sincere apologies. I can’t believe that a place like Sittingbourne hasn’t got more (and closer) booster hubs. I certainly think your sister’s doctor should help bearing in mind her health.

I understood that all boosters would be Pfizer. Here, near Dover, we were offered a selection of places to go for our boosters including our local surgery. Also on the list were local pharmacies - might be a possibility for your sister?

Love it! I can see who is taking up most room. 😉

If you’ve got a fixed double helm seat, you could stand on that and look out of the sunroof. (Wouldn’t advise it with a swivel seat though……) Alternatively, how about a rear view mirror? I’ve seen quite a few fixed in various places, attached so they can be folded if need be for bridges etc.

Boulter Marine and also Sutton Staithe Boatyard.

Can you imagine what would happen today if a bus driver did that?……..

That’s a b****r Carole, 0.07mm sounds so insignificant but is so crucial for correct diagnosis. I hope your bp comes down sufficiently for the second try. Keep your chin up.

Or as Miss Thunberg would say - ‘blah, blah, blah’. I’m beginning to think that climate change should rank with politics and religion as a subject best avoided as we all seem to have our own ideas as to how to tackle it. Indeed some think it doesn’t exist and it’s just the planet going on its own sweet way as it always has done. We bought a new car recently too but, like Paul, found the all-electric ones silly prices (and not yet fully catered for) so went for a full hybrid instead. We do what we can to recycle, don an extra layer rather than turning the heating up but we won’t be told what we should or shouldn’t eat which seems to be the most recent ‘guilt trip’ to send people on. Think I’d better stop right there!!

We went for our booster jabs this morning, booked for 11.05am. We got there about 10.50 intending to be checked in and then able to respect the two minutes silence at 11.00. I was pleased that the whole Health Centre came to a full stop at 11.00 and we all stood quietly and respectfully. I know there are more than a few people now who think we should move on and do away with these remembrance events but I hope we never do.

We’re all getting older!!

Not sure if this will work but here goes anyway. Many years ago I visited a ww1 museum in France, Peronne I think it was. There was a video screen playing a short scene over and over again. I stood completely mesmerised by it as it seemed to typify ww1 and its futility in the loss of life. The clip is 13 seconds in to this video, up to 21 seconds. https://www.britishpathe.com/video/british-tommies Imagine the scene, repeated non stop, and the men who just disappeared never to be seen again. Lest we forget.

There was talk of pontoons replacing the Thurne Mouth moorings when they were ripped out but it never happened. I too like pontoon moorings but, for us, they need to provide bank access for dog walking. That means, I assume, paying a landowner and that of course comes from our tolls. I have every sympathy for the BA, having to locate suitable places for moorings and then negotiate with landowners who undoubtedly want the maximum buck for providing their land. With the demand on moorings now, I think any leases coming up for renewal are going to be a battle to retain let alone the possibility of finding new ones.

That link is almost big enough to cover the vinyl mattress!

We have one on our boat but I think my husband uses it to make sure I’m still there and haven’t fallen off!

Water close by too plus an opportunity for a Bridgestones lunch - what more could you want? 😀

That was fantastic, thank you Lulu.

A couple of loud bangs on a frying pan just above the water might scare the fish away. Revenge is sweet!

Maybe it’s just that many people aren’t inclined (or bothered) to check out hygiene ratings?

Good to hear all is ok and you’ll be back on the rivers in December. Look forward to hearing your tales.