NorfolkNog

Poor old boot - ex Glittering Tide? I remember her half sunk at the old Toad Hall for yonks. Such a shame, she would have been a classic in the day.

Hi Andy Yes, I think for their size Swancraft must build a higher ratio of new boats than most. They have recently sold a few boats including Swan Royale (sob) so i guess that the sales help to fund the new builds. As you say, very smart boat. Sadly not! Lovely dog but it belongs to Tony, the owner

I managed to blag a nosey around the new Swancraft boat earlier this month. This is the new Swan Romance, a five berth with accommodation in two cabins and the saloon. The layout is well planned and all fits neatly into the standard 35 foot Alphacraft hull. The two heads are well laid out too and although compact there is still plenty of room. Power is by a Beta diesel on a standard shaft drive, the engine cunningly concealed in the middle cabin. There is still some work still to do but it looks a very comfortable and well laid out craft, ideal for a family or two couples. Very impressed.

Great to support local pubs, a thumbs up for the Kings Head

Good idea Iain. Plenty of grub around in the summer but I think our feathered friends do appreciate a helping hand in cold weather. These young swans certainly tucked into Mrs Nog's corn.

And a very Merry Crimble from Mr and Mrs Nog. Have a good one!

We were the only boat there a couple of weeks ago Mandy . Watch out for fishermen though, it's a very popular fishing spot.

Hi Mark I’d agree with Poppy’s comments – turning can be done but great care is needed. I have seen a very large Barnes craft down there but I would be wary about going down in anything much over thirty feet. The photo shows the view from the slipway looking up the dyke towards the main river. As can be seen there is not a lot of room for manoeuvre! The wind can be quite strong at times too. The Whelpton craft are lifted in winter so it is often possible to get in at that side out of season. You can moor there in a hire craft in season but avoiding change over times. Another option is to moor at the top of the dyke near the main river, walk down to assess the situation before venturing down but all this takes time of course. There is probably room for one largish or maybe 2 smaller boats at the top of the dyke between the end of the private moorings and the start of the fishing platforms on the main river. If you are not confident and if there is room it’s probably best to moor near the main river. As Poppy says it adds another 10 minutes to the trip but the pub is so good I think it’s worth it.

Actually it's not the first time by any means that I've been referred to as Mr Nog Mark and I must say I quite like it. Sums me up very well

We had a very windy night at Reedham last Thursday. I find using long spring lines helps to keep the boat steady and without the need to adjust them. Well fendered too. Mind you, taking shelter in the pub also helps

I'd agree with Poppy on that, it's a slight incline up from the boatyard but very walkable. Good incentive to get there too

This really is a cracking pub and I hope it goes from strength to strength which I'm sure that it will. It's thankfully been out of the clutches of the pubcos for many years now but even so it does demonstrate how much more viable a village pub can be in the right hands and free of tie

'ere, 'ere

This is from Mrs Nog, can I just say what a brilliant time we have both had over the past 10 days The weather has been a bit scary at times, the pubs and people have been so brilliant, the weather has been excellent so much that it's a real wrench having to go back home. Howard will be posting again, so this is probably the only time I will do this, therefore I hope that you all have a brilliant Christmas and New Year, Linda xx

Aw, thanks folks!

Can I also say a big thank you to all of you who posted and faved on this thread, it's much appreciated.

Well, this is the sad part of the holiday having to return the boat :-( But a massive thank you to all the folks at Swancraft for giving us such an enjoyable holiday, top notch yard and highly recommended

What!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-)

All very festive in the Reedham Ferry tonight with a very nice drop of Ferrymans aka Little Sharpie Very sad as have to return SR tomorrow :-( :-(

Safely across Breydon - phew

Getting a bit choppy but OK so far, SR coping well

Approaching Breydon Bridge, Mrs Nog at the helm

No worries folks After every pub on the Northern Rivers being awash with Doombar I was afraid it could have spread to the Bridge Inn. But Phil is very much on the ball where beer is concerned and he guided me to A Good Stuffing a Wells beer and what superb stuff it was. Packed with hoppy flavour it went down a treat. I was quite gutted we had to leave to catch the tide. The Bridge is an excellent pub. The beer, the food and the service and welcome are all superb. Santa pays visit on Saturday 20th and I've hopefully got the festive opening times too. The New Years Eve looks cracker and the Christmas menu very tempting. Pop in if you can, you will not be disappointed

Thanks Grace I'll do my best! Know what you mean about mooring with an audience!

Love the snowman and Santa on the roof at Bridgecraft :-)