NorfolkNog

It was indeed, I've just seen the same one on Twitter

Incredible. For the late sixties early seventies I reckon you can multiply by 20 at least for todays prices. That would still make beer 2 quid a pint though. perhaps beer has fared worst than most. I stated work in 1971 in a fairly junior role, I seem to think I started on about 12 quid a week. It was just around decimalisation and I seem to recall beer being about 12p. Certainly (as FTM commented)I remember drinking under age in 1970 in the local Tetley pub and mild was 1 shilling and 8 pence and Bitter was 2 shillings. Spirits, I think, were more expensive about 2/6

Thanks for the updates Griff. Bit perturbed about the 101 litres for Evening Light though. We've got Freedom (same Class) booked for Feb as per the norm but I'm sure we've never used anything like that. Did they have the heating on a lot do you know?

A picture would help but even better if you could give a rough location, postcode possibly? If we could get even a rough idea of the location it might help. But don't worry wouldn't dream of trying to compromise your security especially with recent goings on.

doesn't ring a bell but going way back there were numerous small breweries. I'd be interested to know where it is but obviously in the current climate I wouldn't expect you to post on the forum. Carol might well know.

That's a shame. I don't go in very often but have found the beer very variable when I do. Although its a busy pub the emphasis always seems to be on meals and beer turnover seems quite low in comparison. I've always suspected they might use polypins could be wrong of course!! Just on the general point of price - wine is always a killer. Even up here in 'ey up' land some pubs near me charge eye watering amounts for wine. But I've said it many times, I'd rather sit in a pub with a pint of quality ale than sit in my kitchen with a six pack of John Smiths. I'm afraid I'll give up drinking before I drink at home.

Enterprise Inns!

Were Woodfordes based there at one time Lab? Or did I imagine it. Just goes to emphasise - use it or lose it 

That's bad news indeed Andrew. We were in the Huntsman in June. Good pub. Same pubco by any chance? Sorry just seen Enterprise - why am I not surprised.

According to the EDP http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/shock-and-disappointment-as-historic-pub-forced-to-close-at-short-notice-1-5240296

That makes sense. I think the yards have some discretion over the deposit, for example Swancraft always just took a nominal amount from me (typically fifty quid) as deposit. The 40 quid makes sense too, it is possible that's out of their commission.

It does seem a bit odd as Hoseasons get their slice regardless of whether the booking comes through them or direct with the yard. Hoseasons, I know, do take a very hefty whack so the only reason I can think of is that Hoseasons are maybe prepared to take a smaller cut. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that rates can vary between yards. To be honest I always booked direct with Swancraft and do the same with Bridgecraft as I like the personal touch. However I could get 10% discount as a CAMRA member apparently! I must find out if this comes out of Hoseasons slice or the yard. If the former, I must take it up next time.

...and again

ditto

I'll take my cue from JM too.

Well spotted Geoff, you're right of course. Would it be worth existing contributors to re-submit in 3 separate posts and future ones to do the same?? Instructions from above please!

I've sampled it in the Caxton Club in Beccles, agree, it's superb beer

Sorry to hear this. We've been out on Freedom/Evening Light every February for a good few years now. With double duvets we've been snug as a bug. I wonder if the heating is working properly? As others have said it's quite mild at the mo! Of course you can always warm up in the pub

The point of the sign isn't to say if Breydon is "closed" or not, its just a guide to the clearance under the bridges and general information. I honestly don't know how they "close" Breydon - we crossed in June in fairly hairy (but manageable) conditions. There was some suggestion afterwards that Breydon had been closed but I'm not sure how I was supposed to know if it was or not?

Is this the boy?

Go Grace, go!

Please keep us posted Helen. The weather can be quite nice in May and it's just before the prices shoot up in June!

I'd agree with Dave and Simon, I can't see any harm in sending your review, I thought it was very constructive. I'm sure the little niggles could be sorted. ooo, PS if you do and if they reply, can you let us know!

I think they've got bigger fish to fry at the moment Helen! Really interesting review, thanks for posting. As I mentioned earlier, we've hired 2 of the Regent class and would agree with your findings. The GPS is since our time and it looks as if a few other mods have been made. The throttle seems odd, I suspect this was a fault, not an intended modification. Did you mention it when you took the boat back? I certainly can't recall having a similar problem on either of them. The shore power is an oddity. All it does is charge the batteries so its not a lot of use really. We only used it once until we realised how it worked. As you say the engine is under the bed coupled with hydraulic drive. I can't remember where the weed filters are - I think we were shown, I seem to think it was in an odd place. Agree, staff are very good. On the second Regent hire we had problems with the engine and water heating, basically the temperature never got above 40 degrees and the young engineer we called out steadfastly refused to accept that there was a problem. That episode put me off them somewhat. Having said that the boats are very comfortable and your review would be very helpful to anyone thinking of hiring them. Excellent pics too!

I think all yards are understandably a bit cautious initially. However my experience, particularly with the smaller yards, is that when they get to know you and see that you are sensible (ha ha) then they will be very accommodating. I think they just need to be satisfied that you know what you are doing. certainly Swancraft, and now Bridgecraft, have been very good to us and no reasonable request is refused. I never needed to ask Swancraft but I seem to recall they were fine with single hire if you were known to them. Herbert Woods are great but when Mrs N was in hospital I did offer to bring the boat (Freedom of Light) back single handed. They said no, they would pick it up from Wroxham themselves. I could have managed without any problem but if that's their policy that's fair enough. I struggling to think of a holiday without Mrs Nog...............