My first hire was in 1972, a boat called Fair Sandra a Freeman 22, from Faircraft boatyard based then above Summercraft's Hoveton the top off Brimbelow Road , they had 2 other Freeman 22 names escape me now.
Always wondered was this the start of Faircraft, before they became Faircraft Lloyns?
Just in case you're not aware, A2 closed this weekend between M25 and Bean for the new bridge, put off from a few weeks back, may cause you some delays on route home
Just found this video on YouTube taken in 1959, holiday on Wild Fantasy from FB Wilds, plenty of boats going through Potter Heigham bridge in those days.
Well in ten years time we will all be driving electric cars (ππ) which unless they are able to increase the range or install enough fast charging stations on route, no one will be able to get there in a day, it's like turning the clock back to the stage coach taking several days journey from the South East to get to the Lake District. Hey ho that's progress. π
There is also GOBA Great Ouse Boating Association, which you can join their website gives a bit of information with an interactive map showing locks, moorings and services. If you were to join them they have a number of 24 hour mooring places reserved for GOBA members only.
A few years back I had a Freeman 24 which I moored at Needingworth, good marina electric points and water for each moorings, shower block and pub within complex, further up river you have St Ives , big well equipped marina, at Jones Boatyard.
Locks not manned, but almost all of them however are electric guillotine locks, so easy to operate without too much effort.
Griff just as well you didn't get a Springer that would just add to the fun for them, they don't call them Springer's for nothing! π we installed a baby gate which did the trick to keep our Hettie at bay π
Have fun with her ππ