NorfolkNog

I took some photos of the Lord Nelson a couple of weeks ago. It looks to have been completely stripped out inside. However there was little evidence of much further activity. I guess it is going to take some serious work (and money) to get it up and running again. Supposed to have been taken over by the same folks who have the Rising Sun at Coltishall. Watch this space methinks.

That's the problem Grace and I have a feeling that getting a boat in December is not going to be easy! :-(

Hi All As mentioned earlier we were informed about this on Friday when we returned the boat but didn’t post earlier so staff could be informed. We were very pleased and appreciative that Paul took the time out to inform us personally. We did have a good discussion about this and there are a number of factors involved both personal and business considerations. The decision has not been taken lightly and I must stress that there is nothing involved regarding the integrity of the business. The intention is that the yard will continue to carry out private work which I understand has been going very well. I am not sure about the boatbuilding side but don’t see any reason why this would not continue. Obviously while fully appreciating Swancraft’s position I am very sad at the prospect of not being able to hire from them in the future. We have been customers with Swancraft for many years now and it almost feels like being one of the family rather than a customer. I could not begin to list all the help and support we have received in such a friendly and accommodating way. On a pro rata basis Swancraft must have one of the most up to date fleets on the Broads. The boats are fitted out and maintained to a very high standard without cutting corners on either maintenance or fitting out. As hirers it is a sad time for us but we wish Paul, Emma, Tony and Jen all the very best for the future and we are determined to call in the yard on some basis to see them again. Needless to say if those lottery numbers come up they will be our first port of call. Gutted but understanding if that makes sense.

Sad news Swancraft to stop hiring. We were told on Friday but delayed posting so staff could be informed but see has popped up elsewhere. Sadly this is true, will post more later.

Good excuse to go for a beer

:-)

Not Broads related but great fun watching the Morris dancers at the City of Ale brewers market here at the Forum

Many thanks folks and many thanks for all the likes, much appreciated

Sounds a good idea Grace we've actually got a couple of days in Norwich so might manage a beer or two x

This is the really sad part having to hand the boat back. Many thanks to Swancraft for all their help and support, superb service and lovely people too. The boat ran like a dream and used only 80 litres of fuel in 2 weeks so I waa very happy with that.

Last night sob sob Consolation of a drop of Little Sharpie in the Surlingham Ferry

It IS great on the Southern rivers. What price a pint with a view like this

You're right there Iain, lovely pub. Fortunately I'm not a big chili fan so I'll take your advice and stick with the beer. The Grain 316 is going down a treat

One of my favourite Norfolk ales on at the Red Lion

If I go in Ill certainly ask them Iain!

I think the pizza is a bit of a house speciality in the Rl Iain. Might be a chance of a Humpty Dumpty too Adam and Eve also good and might have to drop in the Wig and Pen too. After all it would be rude to pass without going in

No, still there Iain. Good pub. Might pop (not poop) into the Red Lion and the Kings Head too. And I think it's Mrs Nog's round :-)

Given a nice present from the Cask and Craft in GY last night. Must upgrade my aviator

And finally at Norwich Yacht Station. It's low tide too so a bit of a scramble for Mrs Nog :-o

Loads of room under the bridge at Thorpe

Somebody won't be getting a refund on their fuel deposit :-o

Morning Andy

Just heading under Postwick Viaduct en route for Norwich. Today is our last day sob sob Lovely and sunny on the river too.

From Mrs Nog If memory serves, Sheila and the Silly Cones was also support on the Dodgy Barnett and the Quiffcurlers Brylcream tour, which was a health hazard as the band members exuded more grease than a Perkins 4107 and if anyone tried to dance on the dance floor it was a bit like a roller Derby without the skates. Anyway, I digress. The band did rockabilly covers of classics like Patsy Cline's 'Crazy' and Tammy Wynette's 'Stand By Your Man', which was quite appropriate really, seeing as Dodgy Barnett was a cross dresser, favouring a nurses outfit on stage. In fact, he sometimes borrowed Sheila's clothing, but had to pad up his bra using the contents of several duvets. There was an unfortunate incident at the Wigmakers Hotel in Selby, when he accidentally dropped his fag down his bra, causing the padding to set alight. this was allegedly put out by a passed by who by mistake thought a keg of Fosters was water.

Hi folks, this is Mrs Nog. Talking of 70's/80's bands, can anyone remember "Sheila and the Silly Cones"? The lead singer hit the headlines as she had a 'cosmetic' op on her threpennys to enlarge them to a mind blowing 36xx. Unfortunately, this meant that whenever they had a gig at a small venue there was very little room for the audience. She is, I'm told, available for hire as a bouncy castle.