JanetAnne

quote - "Broads Beat inspector Teresa Eagleton said: “We want stag and hen parties to have a really good time, put money into the local economy and come back." I know I can be a somewhat pedantic old boat sometimes but surely for a stag party to come back there would have to be a cancellation or posponement of the wedding? No wonder its all closing down if this is who we are relying on as repeat business....

oh yes! Brilliant idea! But please do not curry the turkey... there have been issues with such a delicacy before.

There is only one reason to come south this year.... the woodies get together at Beccles on August 14th = 16th (sorry, just cant resist)

When I saw the title I had to check where I was just in case it was me! Dont worry, you are all safe, I am still here! (Was that the 50th post)?

Rumour has it that I am heading towards the 50 post mark (this is number 49) and so will be knocking on the door of full membership, no doubt a world of secret handshakes and initiation ceremony's awaits. I have also been informed by that Pesky Mod that my 'case' will need to be reviewed at the 'team meeting' whatever one of those is! You see, the problem is that it clearly states "50 sensible posts" and , well, how can I put this, erm... ok, here goes... Its the sensible bit. Sensible posts? Me? Yeah right! Maybe three out of the fifty could carry some weight but the rest, I fear, are unlikely to help my cause. Up the anti to fifty sensible posts out of a thousand and I may give it a run for the money but, ultimately, you are currently reading the drivel of a talking boat who cant sleep this morning due to the noise of the rain on the barn roof where I currently await the next stage of my restoration. And thats it, talking boats and sensible in the same sentence? Its a slippery slope I tell you - well more like a slipway in my case! To be honest, I cant believe I have got this far without a feast of warnings! Anyway, wish me luck as my journey into full membership begins. At least they cant keel haul me, I own the keel Sleep well everyone.

Just remember that many boats water tanks are some of the first items to go in and then get built round/into the boats interior. They dont come out easily and so just might be the originals.... My original tanks came out last year, they were thick galvanised steel and had almost two inches of 'stuff' on the bottom inside. This was mostly rust and scale and probably, in reality, quite harmless to you humans but it was a real eye opener to my lot! They had been in since 1960. Some of the rust was pre decimal and most of the rest could be measured in feet and inches I will ask for a photo, they are still outside (mainly because they cant lift them)!

In Beccles YS there is 'Todo' and its tender, swinging on the davits, is called 'Little Todo'

Yes, well, I am aware that I was way too far gone to be done really and there are woodies in a far better state than me being broken up because they cant find homes with able owners. The cost of a professional rebuild of a 35 foot woodie is now in excess of £60,000 and not many people would even begin to consider that let alone actually finance such a venture. But, with such an enthusiastic bunch around me (and on here of course) the future is bright and filled with the promise of the waveney beneath me and the smell of chocolate within!

Its cashflow Iain. I aint cheap! They have had a fair bit to do though...

lol!

He can come and take piccys of me any time Iain but, sadly, not at Beccles in August coz I aint going to be finished... I am sending a delegation of my humans to keep an eye on things for me though whilst I run everything from here of course!

For the last couple of years, when the whether was hot, a group of teenagers were seen blowing up one of those inflatable swimming pool things, you know the ones, you blow up the rings round the outside and then you would normally fill it with water. Anyway, they inflated the pool, launched it and then got inside it and just floated off around Oulton Broad in it, quite happy. The following summer holidays they were back again and on one occasion there were two pools.. I bet the ranger would have said they needed a tax disc, bsc and third party insurance! In my opinion were they just enjoying the weather and being a bit inventive at the same time.

Orca's spot is allocated with the woodies Alan (dont try Tim, the harbour master, the place is fully booked already) . And just a warning everyone, Alan has kindly agreed and is going to be our photographer during the weekend.

A lady would certainly not discuss such information Iain! And nor should she be asked.... Tons indeed!!!

Oops, just a slip of the fender sir. That Pesky Mod has put it right for me.

Can I also point out that in an above post I mentioned that Mr Griff would be attending 'in the flesh'. In view of recent pictures posted on a thread regarding nude cruises I feel the need to clarify. Mr Griff will be wearing something throughout the weekend... A smile! :naughty:

Just had confirmation that Mona's Queen will definately be there and also Swiftway has now booked. Only 4 spaces left...

We used to regularly mud plug in North Bay and clearly hear the conversations going on at Waveney River Centre. On a quiet night I reckon you still can (depending on Peters snoring of course)

Sounds perfect to me...

Yes we have Lady Christina and Water Rail along with Barry and Star Premier. Just to whet your appetite they will hopefully be joined by an absolute sea of planking and varnish representing just about all the builders from times gone by. How about some of these... Manxman (Herbert Woods Golden Light ) Mona's Queen (Herbert Woods Golden Light (not comfirmed yet)) Lady Fontana (Richardsons) Broadland Grebe (Ripplecraft) Judith 'M' (Martham Boats) Broad Ambition (Mr Griff in the flesh!) Tabitha Rose (Herbert Woods Starlight class) Delight XI (Herbert Woods Delight class - just like Water Rail - not yet confirmed but trying really hard to get there) and not quite full woodies but just as enthusiastic, Chameleon (that lovely Jaguar Mike) Mystic Melody (All the way from the Thames!) Finale (our very welcome support vessel) and some of the owners will be opening their boats up for you to have a look at and drool over. Does it get any better than that? Us woodies eh? We know how to put on a show!

She certainly is. I believe she is booked in to Beccles as well...

Pop down to Beccles on carnival day (August 15th) and you will see a selection of some of the best woodies currently afloat. A number of the 'exhibits' will be available for you to have a look round as well.

I have had dealings with them and they are really nice people and serious about what they are setting out to achieve. Thrilled they have finally got it off the ground.

We have a pair of enterprises called 'wood not' and 'wood too'

Its Me! Its Me! 42.00 minutes in and I am coming towards the camera port side. Oh dont I look smart... And so young!