JamesLV

I think it's nice to see any sort of new business on the broads, we're seeing far too many posts these days about yards, hire companies and pubs closing. that said I suppose part of this (certainly in regards to the pubs) is that as the boats get ever posher with more mod-cons then the need to go ashore for sustinence (sp?) becomes ever diminishing. Doesn't stop me though, hire a posh boat, still go to the pub, it's a holiday! certainly nice to see some action on the south as well, Brundall is a beautiful yard, when I was interested in a share of Southern Crusader I spent a bit of time there.

Sorry for the late reply, but welcome. As for doggy life jackets, I'd really recommend the ones from EzyDog you can find them online, they're not cheap but why would you buy a cheap life jacket? You wouldn't buy a cheap parachute! the EzyDog stuff is great quality and lasts forever, my patterdale has been using one of their collars and harnesses for around 4 years and they're as good as new, likewise his life jacket

The Doris came up with an idea the other day (her brother is quite high up in the RN, so I'm sure it's fine ) we'll jerry rig a broom handle to the pulpit rail at exactly the height (or everso slightly higher than) the cabin, and lash a flag onto that, perfect for Ludham bridge!

if we chose to fly a duster at all, a Petroc Ensign it is I think (I was conceived in Cornwall and born in North Devon) so I'm safe enough with that!

Lordy, what have I started! In all seriousness, thank you all for your comments, really nice to see such a busy forum!

I thought there probably was a reason behind it, I remember an ex brother in law being very insistent we had it out when we were underway on his parents broom ocean 37. Thanks for all the info though!

Luckily(?) our Patterdale doesn't go off the lead so hopefully this isn't an issue, but totally echo what ChrisB says, terriers by their nature will seek out danger and taunt it...

Hi all, Firstly, I hope you've all had an amazing weekend, shame we're at the witching hour for the working week, but something has to pay for these holidays! Secondly, is it bad form to want to fly a red duster on our hire boat? I've done a bit of research and it seems that it most likely isn't, but I really don't want to upset anyone by flying a flag I shouldn't be. Worst case I'll put St. Petroc's flag on the back (at least I know I'm entitled to that!) Have a great week guys, just think, not that long to the next trip! James, Ems and Jangles

Know the White Horse very well, I'm very close to the other Pub, which incidentally was awarded 'Best Pub in England' last year at some awards or other. Know Hassocks well too, a very close friend runs the coffee kiosk at the station there. It is indeed a lovely part of the country, we're quite lucky to live here, I've been lucky enough to live in the East Sussex Downland villages since I was 4 or so (born in North Devon) and I actually went to school in the village despite not living here at the time. I suspect there would be at least one or two people we knew in common from Hassocks, it's not the biggest place! Thank you guys, a very very warm welcome here!

Grendel, you're close, but slightly further west, we're in Ditchling if you know it? Timbo, we'll be sure to say hello if we see you, though I suspect you'll more than likely hear or see us first, we'll be the ones trying to disguise Cerberus (Jangles) as a decent well behaved dog to gain entry to a pub....

I'm actually from a small village over the big hill from Brighton, but 99% of folk wouldn't know where it is, hence I go with Brighton, sorry, Brighton and Hove!

Wow, thank you all for such a warm welcome, fear not, the pup has a dfd (doggie floatation device), he's not the best of swimmers and often gets his ability confused with his ambition... Also, thank you for the info ref. North/South, and thank you also for the boat info, I've watched Robin's video enough times I suspect i know Omega better than our own house! I'm sure I'll be asking some daft questions before long. I hope you've all had a fantastic weekend, and have a pleasant week. J, E and J

Hi everyone, Just a brief introduction, I'm already a member at the other place, but I thought I'd join up here, knowledge is power et al. I'm James, been on the broads twice before in a former life, once on Brinks Sonata (too small for a week, with two people and a dog, ask me how I know...) and once on Fair Jubilee (a beautiful craft, perfect for two people and a dog). My partner (Emma), my dog (Jangles, a Patterdale terrier) and I have booked Brinks Omega for the first week of October this year and I literally can't wait. Ems has never been on the broads before, or a boat (aside from a small rowing boat at my dads place, and a ferry) likewise the dog (he hasn't been on a ferry though). Brinks, thus far have been nothing but helpful, so full credit to them, very flexible with regards to payments. Not sure of a plan at all at the moment, love the Ant, but dubious about Ludham bridge in an 8'6" boat when the tide times are rubbish (v. early morning and later afternoons), so may take myself out the comfort zone and go South, never done that before. Anyway, less brief than planned, but now you all know a bit more about us. Attached is a picture of Ems and the hound, you don't need one of me on a restful Sunday afternoon. Have a good one! James, Ems and Jangles