Ray

Good point and if that's how it turns out so much the better. I have in my minds eye something like a wherry sized boat house.. I could live with that

That's easy to explain, the stated purpose is for a landmark building ie something that stands out as a landmark. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, my view isn't the right one but it is my one and it is that a modern stand out bit of architecture is not what I'm looking for on the riverside of the Broads :)

There is no shop in the downloadable competition brief sadly, however there are some positive things in it. Such as a desire for the centre to particularly attract passing boaters, cyclists and walkers on the Weavers Way. The retention of moorings which should include electric points, waste collection and washing/shower facilities - which would indicate 24 hour status to be kept at least for some of the length. Consideration is included for safe road access and education facilities, the cafe is "planned" to be open all year with part of it's floor space given over to further education during the off season. My concern over the creation of a landmark/eyesore remain but of course I acknowledge that it may end up as beautiful building in keeping with the location, I can't complain until I see it to be fair, I also include all of the above comments in an effort to be fair. Final point is also mostly a positive one, to proceed they need partnership funding which puts a limit hopefully on BA's outlay and whether it is built at all. Having been invited to speculate what we would like to see at the site, this still would not be my choice as I first laid out but if it goes ahead there is hope that it may yet be a useful addition to the Broads. I have my reservations but that is simply my personal view and not BA bashing

"Landmark Building" So often this translates to eyesore, am I the only one who's heart sank reading this? The whole things sounds like a vanity project for the BA, surely boaters, fishers and general tourists simply want a small general shop and maybe a WC. If there is money to spend fix the closed moorings, make some new ones in popular places and come to an understanding with local land owners to enable clearance and use of 'wild moorings' I'm not suggesting that all of the above is easy or cheap but if there is this sort of money in the budget it should be used toward the betterment and maintenance of The Broads not a shiny new cafe and visitor centre full of information anyone interested can find on the internet. Just a personal opinion of course

Hello and welcome :)

Glad you were OK and thanks for this eye opener, there is nothing better than experience to learn from. Would be interested to hear about your ladder mod when completed.

I think the general perception is down to the fact that for most be8ng on a boat is our down time or indeed holiday, anyone that enjoys a tipple even in moderation generally takes a glass or two when relaxing and enjoying life. I very much enjoy a beer or two when onboard or in a broads pub, but never to excess (since my youth anyway).

Never one to miss jumping on a band wagon and having a disappointing song as No1 when I was born, I thought this could be an interesting subject along similar lines :) Born in '55 and a teenager in the 70's my love is rock, heavy and prog plus the odd pop hit from the time I can now admit (as street cred is something I long ago stopped being concerned about) For a song I wished was No1 when I was born I haven't gone for my all time favourite, although it's certainly up there but one which I remember as catching the feeling of the time and how I felt! Steppenwolf - Born To Be Wild and The Who - My Generation

Not quite the rock anthem I was hoping for... Christmas Alphabet - Dickie Valentine

I believe you can buy long(ish) stay parking in Lathams large car park at Potter Heigham

This is a question often in the back of my mind because in fact I can't swim! I know I would feel desperate to help someone in trouble but not want to give the emergency services another victim to rescue. I wear my life jacket personally so no one will have to risk their life saving me, my life-ring does have a long floating line (tied to the boat) and I carry one of those emergency ladders that can be tied off to your boat or a bank because I saw a documentary in which it was clear that getting someone out of the water is no easy thing especially if they are not in a position to help themselves. Hopefully I'll never need to rescue someone or be rescued but under the circumstances I'll do whatever I can!

Webcams and replaced, accurate signage at the significantly low bridges.

Thanks MM, I have now kindly been pointed in the right direction and have the excellent diagrams of both bridges prepared by Stowager

I didn't think about measuring my own air draught! The best ideas are straight forward ones, I'll do that this weekend. I'm a dab hand at finding stuff on the internet, I'll find it.. many thanks for the heads up :)

That makes sense, thanks :)

Edit - Sorry MM I was typing when your post appeared That's a good tip, does anyone know what the difference is between the gauges? Could be handy to know in advance! My boat is a Hampton Safari so technically both Wroxham and PH should be passable at times, the air draught is published at 6" 6".. As a first time boat owner and not knowing how much difference my fuel and water level would make I think I'd want to see 6'9" or 6' 10" before my first attempts What other tips are good to know? If I'm happy with the height do I head through with a bit of speed or dead slow. Also the other week at Ludham there seemed to be much confusion over who takes precedence going through. I was going down stream toward St Bennetts and was nicely lined up when a large hire craft came round the last bend going upstream toward the bridge. She was committed and so was I but I reasoned I had more chance and room to give way but only just and did so. I don't think they made any attempt to give way but I can't say I blame them. Any tips for us bridge newbies guys?

"I can call you BettyAnd Betty when you call meCall me Al" (well Ray actually but Paul Simon didn't know that )

It's one of those things I look at and think "I love it... what is it?" :)

Has anyone been in there yet? It seems an odd way of opening a new venture, no advertising, no big signs outside etc. They have a good location but the fact that it is open seems almost a secret. I can't help thinking of Royston Vasey!

Well done everyone concerned by the sound of it. As a matter of interest does their boat show a blue flashing light when on an emergency shout? It would save explanations to those they have to pass in a hurry.

It will be a complete surprise to them when I open the box and they see the river :)

Thank you Griff, one of the ' marine' ones was over £200!

Forgot to add the link... https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Chrome-Thermostatic-Bar-Mixer-Shower-Valve-Tap-Top-3-4-Outlet-For-Shower-Column/282845341728?hash=item41dae56820:g:TWAAAOSwZrhabxcQ

Is there any reason not to use a domestic thermostatic shower mixer rather than one designated as marine? I have to go out and check the measurements and pipe sizes but a unit like this would save me a lot of beer tokens :) It looks the same as the one I have to replace and will only be needed half a dozen times a year (I live near our boat!) Assuming the physical dimensions/fitting diameters work I imagine the water pump will have enough pressure.

Welcome... I think I've been here just long enough to be part of the welcoming committee If we see you we'll wave and our dogs can bark at each other :)