NorfolkNog

I'll second that. Roy's seem to sell quite a bit of locally sourced produce and I agree the quality is well above your average supermarket fare.

Hi Dave, yes, I know what you mean, I'd rather be outside more. As I say last February was amazing but it would be sods law that next year it would chuck it down. Ron's experience of the boat has been very helpful. I've even had a shuftie at Faircraft Loynes but their prices are a bit eye watering and they don't do the Herby Woods discount. That in itself isn't putting me off (time to save up) but the air drafts are very high too and in winter that could be a problem. Depending on negotiations with Mrs N we might be better to stick with the Freedom/Evening class - low air draft, cosy and warm and a doddle to moor. Decisions............ :-)

Hi Jean and Ron Many thanks, that’s just the information I need which you can’t gleam from the brochures and the website! I do quite often poke my head out of the window when reversing but it looks quite a small side window. The boat we’ve just had (Tower Bridge) was probably one the easiest boats to moor particularly with the top down. I don’t think I’d have a problem helming outside unless its chucking it down. Certainly the weather this February just gone was amazing, we were in T shirts quite a bit. Another advantage of February is that there is very little river traffic and I frequently just moor side on at Ranworth unless there are other boats around. Try doing that in the summer! I’ve got plenty of time to decide and consult the oracle (Mrs Nog). Your comments are much appreciated!

Thanks Ron, that's helpful. I would be aiming for February so would probably need to be inside more, having said that the weather was lovely this February. Another bonus is there aren't many other boats to watch out for!! I'm guessing it's reverse visibility that's not so good?

Thanks for that Robin. I thought it would be hydraulic drive. I think they can use a bit more fuel but that shouldn't be an issue. I probably wouldn't use the outside helm in winter but that's good advice. That's also very encouraging about Ludham too, this could look a serious possibility! (rattles piggy bank hopefully)

We’ve been hiring from Herby Woods for a good few years now in February. Up to now we’ve always had the Freedom/Evening Light class which we’ve been very happy with. However next year I’ve been contemplating pushing the boat out (if you’ll excuse the pun) and Mrs N likes the look of Olympic Light. It certainly seems to have all the bells and whistles. I wondered if anyone had any experience of hiring this boat? Also does anyone know if it has hydraulic drive? The large locker at the stern would seem to suggest so but it’s hard to tell. Also the air draft quoted is eight feet. It’s not clear if this is with the screens lowered or not. Would it fit under Ludham Bridge in the winter I wonder? Mrs Nog likes her fix of tat on Stalham High Street. Incidentally Herby Woods do seriously good offers in February. You get 20% discount for winter, 5% loyalty, 5% early booking, 5% if you cough up the full hire charge. It really does make it more affordable. Good yard, I’ve been very happy with them up to now. Any comments would be very welcome!

I've no idea how much shots cost as I wouldn't waste my money on the stuff. However even if they are £4 each that's still just short of 30 people!! :-o (assuming that they just had one each of course..........

OMG where did you dig that up Tim? :-} Agree with Grace, no ramble, all good stuff. And a warm welcome to the Forum! Raider was the more common 35 version, we hired once when Royale had already been booked. Again a cracking boat. The 32 foot version was just a bit more cosy for 2 and seemed to fit into tight moorings a bit easier although I don't suppose the extra 3 feet makes a lot of difference. I love Alphacrafts although we were spoilt somewhat with the ones Swancraft had. I would have an Alphacraft like a shot but unless the numbers come up or a long lost relative remembers me in his will I have no chance. Incidentally Paul at Swancraft has just sold Firefly, previously from the Alphacraft fleet which he has been restoring. Superb job particularly given the state it was in. He's currently working on Swift, another ex Alpha, Alpha. That also was in a bad state but will be a super boat when Paul has finished with it. That's also the 35 centre drive model.

Yes, of course it looks like the sailing pontoon thingy. As we are usually there in winter it's just a few stumps sticking out of the water!

That's the way it should be! Much to my shame I'm struggling with the location.....

We called into the Bridge Inn during our recent holiday and had a good chat with Phil who is celebrating ten years at the helm of the pub. One thing we did talk about was the mooring policy. Phil did ask if I could raise this on the Forum so that members are aware. In the past Phil has been prepared to provide two reserved moorings particularly for people with mobility problems in mind. Although this did work up to a point, sadly it was starting to be abused. Like all popular places the Bridge can suffer from ‘mooring rage’ and Phil was finding that reserved notices had been ripped down and people were squabbling over moorings. The last straw was when someone posted some very nasty comments about this on Trip Advisor. I have known Phil personally since only a week or two after he and Ness took over the Bridge ten years ago. I can safely say that he will bend over backwards to help his customers and to have nasty comments posted online which are not only unjustified but very hurtful is just not on. Therefore with great reluctance Phil has had no option but to withdraw the reservation facility. Visitors will now note the painted over boards at the mooring. Everyone is of course still welcome to moor on a first come, first served basis. Another point to mention is that Phil is very busy running the pub and simply does not have the time or the staff resources to ‘police’ the moorings. The only other pub that I am aware of that will reserve moorings is the New Inn. Here they have the benefit of a full time, dedicated mooring assistant in the shape of Gus who does an excellent job and is there on the spot to sort out any problems. As I have mentioned Phil and his staff have a very ‘can do’ approach to their work which is one reason why the Bridge has achieved the status it enjoys today. Finally I would encourage anyone who has any queries or concerns to speak to Phil personally - he is very approachable and will do anything in his power to help. Complaining later and hiding behind a key board is really not on and should not be allowed to spoil the reputation of this excellent pub. Thank you!

This looks good fun and a drop of Tipples excellent beer too!

I just can't stop thinking about Grace - I wonder why?

Very thirsty work looking at the shops this morning which of course included checking out the shoes!

Well the Huntsman is well and truly open. Looking very good and obviously popular. Looks like they have built a wall around the back (flood defence presumably). Beer was good (apart from the Doombar) and we tried the grub too which was excellent. Service was efficient and friendly and prices reasonable for the area. Highly recommended. Unfortunately not really walkable from the river.

My vote would be Fleet Dyke too

For me this will always be Grace's shoe shop

Phil has, with great regret, had to withdraw the facility to reserve moorings for the less able bodied. Basically it has caused a lot of problems which Phil doesn't need. I'll post in more detail on a new thread when I get home

I've said this before but this pub is excellent. Friendly efficient staff, top quality beer and food. Phil and Ness have just celebrated 10 years at the helm. Here's to the next 10!

On a well maintained boat it really shouldn't be necessary. I think to be honest it's a throw back to days gone by. In fact hirers can potentially do more harm than good, for example dropping engine parts in the bilges! To me Swancraft who were the holy grail didn't want you to do it and their maintenance regime was so good it was never necessary!

Just called in the Lion but will be back later. Superb transformation, kept the pub character, like the Lacons sign, but brought up to date. Really friendly and helpful. Superb selection of beer, very impressed with the choice

...long as it's Humpty Dumpty Nice one Grace - bit of light relief never goes amiss!

In the Ship now, so I'll wander along later. I think the Ship steal s march anyway by opening at 11

Mrs Nog is 101% with you there Grace. You should have seen her in Beccles yesterday (sorry re the shopping)

I think it's the same one who has/had the Rising Sun and I think a pub in Sheringham. Quite well known locally if its the one.