bucket

What a lovely thread to start......thank you Ian! In 1981, my then girlfriend Jacqui.......(I know.....far posher than with a 'cky') persuaded me that we should have a summer holiday together. Jacqui was used to 2 weeks package hols in the sun with her family.....starting to become very popular in the mid to late seventies......me.....well, I preferred to spend my hard earnt on beer and cigs.....with my mates! I had no interest in going abroad. I still haven't! We started some difficult discussions about where to go.....and so, me having frowned on the many, frankly perfectly sensible suggestions offered, and dithered for far too long when told to suggest somewhere myself, I was given the ultimatum......."book something or I will"! It must have been early in the year that I was sat watching telly after Sunday dinner when the classic Hoseasons ad came on......and having never been on anything bigger than a canoe.....I knew this must be for me. I was due to see Jacqui in the pub that evening and proudly announced my proposal.......the Norfolk broads, on a boat.....(I had never been boating, or to Norfolk) I am pleased to say that she agreed!......"2 weeks on a boat it is then" she said.....mmmmm....2 weeks I thought is going to cost some beer and fag money!.....no, no just one......to see if you like it I said....but she wasn't having any......so 2 weeks it was. So we got a brochure.....bloody hell it was expensive.....they never mentioned that on the advert! I chose a sporty looking little boat called Caribou. From Ludham Marine (I think that's what the boatyard was called), at Womack....where the little boatyard is now. I didn't keep the brochure, I wish I had!.... but many years later I visited the museum at Stalham and they very kindly showed me a brochure from either 1980 or 82 and there she was....Caribou....I think the museum man said it was an Eastwood 24 but I might be wrong....he kindly gave me a black and white photocopy, which I lost! She was tiny, An aft cockpit, I think it was a petrol engine but again I might be wrong, a manual pump loo (Jacqui was not impressed with that)!....a shower I couldn't fit in and move my arms, a dinette double and v berths up front, all with plastic covered cushions that prevented any chance of meaningful sleep....many of you will remember sticking to them.....and we did a week up north....including my only ever time through Potter.....and a week on the dark side. The week up north was hot and sunny.....Jacqui was happy getting a tan all week, leaving the boating to me....we did the lot, Coltishall, Sutton, Horsey, Hickling.....fabulous, I loved it and I took such pride in helming that little boat.....still one of the best I have ever driven. The second week, August bank holiday week, was dull and damp, and we went down south. No sunbathing for Jacqui....not happy.....very little comfortable sleep.....even less so! I remember crossing Breydon in the fog....passing coasters along the Yare....passing the Colemans factory in Norwich.....and hitting the quay heading quite hard when I misjudged the current/tide at the little riverside supermarket at Brundall....I was really embarrassed! My love affair had began!....boating and the Broads that is! Unfortunately, there was only me that felt that way!.....we never boated together again! I remember clearly Jacqui telling our mates back home "he loved that bloody boat more than he loves me......."..... Anyway, nearly 20 years after me and Jacqui parted, (I was devastated for nearly 2 weeks)...I took my 3 young daughters to the Broads. For a week on Spring Horizon......fabulous......and I have been going each year except 2020, sometimes twice, and I have introduced my mates to the magic of the Broads into the bargain. Last year we were lucky enough to buy a share in Blue Mist. A fabulous cruiser and a great group of fellow owners......no more manual loos, tiny little shower or sticking to back plastic mattress covers.......do you know.....I think even our Jacqui would approve!.........mmm.....I wonder where she is...........

I can only speak from my own recent experience but having moored 3 times this year on Sutton Staithe green, each time next to what look like live aboard boats, each time I found the owners to be decent and respectful, I have experienced far worse conduct from hirers or private owners this year alone...... Ok, the boats looked a bit, well.....past their prime.....but I didn't spend all day looking at them. Living on a boat all year round wouldn't suit me to be honest but I am fortunate that I have the choice. We all have a lifetime of experience that has led to where we are today. And decent people are decent people, wherever they live.

I couldn't agree more Gracie!.....Well done to everyone who was involved, particularly those of you who helped to organise, support and provide live updates. bucket

Welcome to the forum Admiraldingley.

I have only once been lucky enough to be on the Broads during the 3RR. Moored by the Mill at Thurne Dyke. What a spectacle on a lovely evening after dinner in the Lion and a pint or two, it made my week! Good luck to all the participants and organisers.

Huge congratulations Bikertov! Best wishes for many happy years afloat!

Also MM, I don't think anyone on here would think you are a BA basher, or a basher of anyone else for that matter.

It must be a training session for 3 of them MM? Maybe some seasonal new starters? I think it is worth asking.

Lovely write up as always Kate!

Tee shirt for me this morning........nearly froze to ₩¥£€/÷ death.....

Welcome to the forum Ree. I agree with Regulo. The upper river Ant, either Simpsons as suggested or Sutton Staithe boatyard would be an excellent starting point. I would suggest you avoid weekends for your first trip. You can easily get to Dilham, Neatishead, Irstead and How Hill......plus you can navigate one of the loveliest of the larger broads, Barton. Hire a day boat, take your time, moor up in a couple of places just to watch the world float by......and take a picnic.....oh, and spend time with a map planning your visit before you go, you will love it ! best of luck!

Thanks Griff for sharing this. So, well done to everyone who took the time to write to their MP and/or the Minister. And well done to the volunteer officials of B.R.A.G. Still a lot of work needed and I hope that those among us who have evidence, (as requested) can put it forward in the tight timescale mentioned above.

I agree, the Lion at Thurne and White Horse at Neatishead are great for an excellent choice of beers. Food and service is good as well, particularly the White Horse. The Rising Sun at Coltishall was much improved last year and is my favourite outdoor setting to eat. The Old Mill in Hoveton is one of the best for breakfast and lunch. Breakfast at the Granary, Ranworth is worth a try. Food at the Rushcutters at Thorpe St Andrew is consistently good. Lastly from me, give the Wayford Bridge Hotel a try, very good food.

Sadly it does look that way regarding the facebook element of BRAG....It can't be at all rewarding being a volunteer committee member or moderator. It is difficult to see a way forward at the moment. All BA meeting minutes that I have read (all available on BA website) indicate that different views have been aired, the rationale for the increases in charges has been explained and discussed, with broad support (navigation committee supported the draft budget by a majority 9 to 1 with one abstention) from members. The reply I received fron the minister, (shared with this forum) did not seem particularly damning of the authority. Although it did mention that recomendations of previous reviews had been largely implemented, and the minister indicated there remained strong interest in governance at the BA, it stated that determining, recovering and reporting of navigation income are considered to be operational matters......so I suspect little or no chance of ministerial intervention there. A few of us posted on this forum that we would be prepared to put our hands in our pockets if needed, and I stand by that. A judicial review would only look at the way a decision has been made, not the conclusion and (sorry to keep coming back to meeting minutes)..... the decision making and approvals are set out quite clearly. For clarity, I do not support the introduction of charges at Ranworth and I agree it could well be the thin end of the wedge. Just one question.......who on the authority is meant to represent the interests of the boating community?

On the beach this morning for a good walk, full english when I got home, watched the coronation from just before eleven......great pageantry and pomp! Will be watching the mighty Leeds thrash Manchester City this afternoon, then a bbq in the back garden ...... with family .... and a beer or two. Almost the perfect coronation day.........only thing missing is the boat on the Broads! That will be Thursday!

Helen, if you haven't already decided where to watch the Coronation, Thurne dyke by the mill would be my choice for tv or 4g reception......and as it is a change over day, there should be plenty of space early on....... Wherever you choose, have a good one!

Ours is Horning as well........where is yours.

Looks stunning! I hope you venture south of Potter bridge every now and then? I would be lovely to see her in real life. Well done Jez!

I will be pleased to have our new King crowned and will probably watch the main bit on telly at home, but won't be watching all day long. We are back on the boat next Thursday (11th).....I will toast the King with a pint or two of Norfolk's finest on Thursday, and Friday.......oh and Sa..........................

Our greengrocer has had them for a fortnight. Morrisons (Scarborough) have had them in for a week......I am sure they will be available in your neck of the woods somewhere.

Once he gets a whiff of that chemical toilet he will be off.......

Absolutely right ScrumpyCheddar, if they aren't grown on Jersey they just don't taste the same.

My day features my first Jersey royals this year!!.....yum!.....simply boiled just perfect then served with sea salt and butter......and only a million pounds for a small bag!

The BA have informed me that this has been rectified today.

I have reported this to the Broads Authority