NorfolkNog

We trialled wi-fi with Swancraft in December, it worked really well. I believe they are rolling it out for the whole fleet. Good idea. As Jonzo says it is a hefty investment though, particularly with a large fleet.

Looks like a counter stern there? Classic old woodie, well done Jon

Just spotted this write up in the EDP http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/business/waveney_river_centre_at_burgh_st_peter_toasts_re_opening_of_pub_after_six_figure_revamp_1_3452530

Hi I would think Swan Light would need 6' 10" and it is a long boat. As others have said, I would have a Plan B up your sleeve. Good luck!!

Hi Colin We were out with Herbert Woods a couple of weeks ago and were very pleased with the sevice we received. Fuel cost was very reasonable too. Please let us know how you get on and have a great 50th birthday!

Wouldn’t be a spot of nepotism there Jon by any chance would there? Do agree with you though! Top guys.

Bob's right, it is a Parish Staithe. This is better photo of the Staithe itself and one of the sign. Just a word of warning - this photo was taken in winter, the moorings are not always so empty! It's better and less muddy though if you can moor on Whelpton's side.

There's loads of good stuff on Carol's Broadland Memories site - a fascinating read. Great photos and videos too

Are you looking to diversify Jon? :smile: Wait until that lottery comes up this weekend............

Hi Samuel No mooring fee but if you are on a hire boat you can moor at the Eastwood Whelpton boatyard moorings which are on the left of the picture. They have a fleet of yachts so care is needed if they are not out on hire. To the right of the picture are 2 or 3 public moorings but these can be occupied with private boats at times. Apart from the dredger being moored last week I have always managed to get in there. The dyke is narrow and care is needed. It is well worth the effort though and as I have mentioned the pub is highly recommended.

Here's a picture of the dredger down Upton Dyke. You might have got a Norman through with a squeeze It's probably moved on a few feet by now. Just hope they get it finished before the start of the season. The pub needs your support! :

We were up the River Ant last week - just wondered is this Johnny Crowes staithe???

Take more than some old dredger to keep me away from the pub Grace! :-)

Just a heads up that Upton Dyke is being dredged at the moment. The dredger is about 200m from the head of the dyke but navigation round it is very restricted. The White Horse is still accessible though

I think they were on Daisy Broad Lori - some sort of 1930's Art Deco design. I could be wrong, Carol would know better

Hi Simon That's the old Bridge Hotel in the background. Burnt down in the 80's I think. Its now a patch of concrete used as a car park next to the chippy. Very sad, it was a lovely pub. PS - I think the picture would have been taken from the old road bridge looking upstream.

Many thanks for the link Trev Shame it closed pre digital photography so I guess images will be harder to find!

Just wondered if anyone happened to have a photo of the Castle in Wroxham? I went in quite regularly in the 70’s and 80’s and having missed a few Broads years in the nineties was very sad to find it closed next time I went. It was close to the river on the Coltishall loop although it was a fair walk along the road from Wroxham Bridge. I always thought it was a ‘proper’ pub and always seemed popular in its day. It was one of the few pubs at the time which did meals I remember – nothing fancy just good pub grub. In the later days they sold Castle Bitter which although not brilliant was better than the keg stuff. There was a very fine Bullards mirror in the gents I remember which I always admired. It’s all housing now which is such a shame but the way of the world with pubs now sadly. Either housing or a Tesco Express Any info or photos would be most welcome. Carol has been very kind in looking through her archives but we have not been able to locate a photo.

="BroadScot" post="64481" timestamp="1390518767"]Ah The Eagle at Neatishead as you walked into the illage on the right. Iffy paper money all over the walls. From memory ran by two ladies?

Barton Angler! There was also the Eagle at Neatishead Bridge Hotel at Potter Heigham Ranworth Hall Stracey Arms (when it was a pub) Railway Tavern at Reedham Wood Farm at Wayford Bridge Petersfield Hotel at Horning Ribas Riverside Inn (now the Hermitage) Loaves and Fishes at Beccles Bure Court Hotel (sadly never got in before it burnt down) Black Horse just outside Horning And probably my favourite – the Castle at Wroxham Happy days! Pic of yours truly outside the Eagle

Hate to rain on anyones parade but hire boats must now use the pilot service at Wroxham and its not available in the winter sadly.

Hi Grace It is possible to hire in winter, some yards have boats available and it also helps if you are a regular with a particular boatyard as they may be willing to help if they know you personally. We have been hiring in mid December for several years now and it really is without doubt, my favourite time to be out. You are lucky if you see a single boat on the move during the day. You literally have the Broads to yourself. Make sure that you have a well maintained boat with a good heating system. Care is needed with the domestic batteries – remember to turn lights off when not needed and run the engine when using the inverter. As daylight is limited to around eight hours per day it’s important to get cruising time in – not only to re-charge the batteries but for the hot water too. River levels are often higher in winter so care is needed when mooring. It can be muddy too. Take warn clothing and make sure you have a warm duvet at night or take extra blankets. Plan for water stops. Many yards are open however and water is available at Ranworth among other places. Hoses can freeze though. Pros?? Peace and quiet, no dayboats, very few people fishing, no problem mooring at hotspots like Horning or Ranworth. Pubs are quieter and people have time to chat. The locals tend to come out of the woodwork in winter. Humpty Dumpty Open weekend. Fabulous winter scenery particularly if it snows or is frosty. Cons River levels can be higher. Some parts can freeze e.g. Ranworth, Stalham etc. No bridge pilot service. Water and pump outs can be harder to find particularly down South. Care needed on deck and when mooring if icy. More fuel used with the heating. But all things considered I think it’s a magical time to be out and I wouldn’t miss it for the world.

I have hired from Richardsons in the past and have to say they offer excellent service and value for money. However in recent years I’ve been hiring from Swancraft. In terms of sheer luxury for two, their Swan Radiance takes some beating. However we have also booked Swan Royale in June which is an older boat but meticulously maintained and offers excellent value for money. It will accommodate four but is very comfortable for two. I would recommend Swancraft every time for quality and service.

Hi John I have an idea in the back of my mind that some of the Barnes/Alpha moulds had copper in the lay up which did away with the need to anti foul. I wonder if yours could be one of these? I've also have an idea it was later banned by the BA or EA for some reason so it's not currently an option?

Good grief! Respect! Look forward to next installment Jon