NorfolkNog

Thanks John

Hi Rod That’s very useful advice, many thanks. I am guessing around 6’ 9†although I think that boatyards (understandably) add a bit on the plates just to be on the safe side. It sounds as if passage is certainly feasible. I’ve been through several times in December and even moored at the Yacht station never seen sight nor sniff of a Ranger so sounds like you are right, they probably disappear around the end of October. I’ll keep an eye on the wind too although we’ve been very lucky with the weather, even last year in the snow! Looking forward to it already!

Hi John Thanks for your reply. Air draft probably very similar to your own as I would be looking at a forward drive Alpha, around 6' 9" possibly?? Phone number is very usefull, is the Yarmouth control staffed all year round?? That could be the answer as it could avoid an abortive trip across Breydon!

Hi All Can anyone help with some advice please? We are already planning a trip out in December but looking at the tide tables the transit through Great Yarmouth is not looking favourable. As daylight hours are very restricted in December, slack water falls during hours of darkness. I usually ain to hit GY about 1 – 2 hours after slack water, depending on direction i.e. N – S or S – N. However my question is – what would be the chances of getting under the bridges say two or three hours either side of high water? The other problem is the tides, particularly the ebb down the Bure which flows very fast particularly near low water. As the rangers only work in season it wouldn’t be possible to telephone to ask for the clearance so we would have to take a chance on arrival. Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

These would be the ones Barry? Not sure what they are, look a bit like Alpha hulls but I am probably wrong!

Hi Jonny Swancraft are putting in a new 2 berth into the fleet this season from June. It’s based on an Alpha 31 foot hull and they are fitting it out themselves. Fitted to a very high standard. I'll hopefuly have a nosey round in June. They have also done a couple for private sale as well, just keep wishing those numbers would come up!!

..or a few pints of Grasshopper eh Carol? Seriously , Mrs Nog (who is something of a semi-pro) was very complimentary about Carols commentary. It’s a very professional production, well worth a look!!

Hi Phil Many thanks for the update and glad to hear that the winning formula is not changing at the Bridge! Gave you a bell last week but just missed you but I imagine things are pretty hectic at the moment to say the least! Hope you have a great season (which I know you will) and we’ll be back to annoy you in June (can’t wait). All the best to Ness and the staff.

You're welcome - have a good one! Oh, and do let us know how you get on!

You’re very welcome Carol, it’s a very good film!! Now about that beer………… All the best

Hi Chris and welcome Heating – Countess is a modern boat and will probably have diesel fired warm air heating – this should keep you cosy, one jumper should more than suffice! Shopping – you have a very good supermarket - Roys of Wroxham (actually just over the bridge in Hoveton) stocks everything you need and prices are very reasonable. Bear in mind boat fridges are good but not as good as a domestic fridge and its best to do a bit of shopping as you go rather than trying stock up for an entire week. There are shops in Coltishall, Horning, Potter Heigham, Ludham, Stalham and Acle as well as riverside stores at Stokesby, Ranworth and Ludham Bridge. If it’s your first time you might be better sticking to the Northern rivers, rather than going through Yarmouth. You could pick the boat up on Saturday and ask the yard to take you through Wroxham bridge, spend the evening in Coltishall. Sunday say Salhouse Broad for lunch, evening in Horning. Monday you could visit Ranworth and say Ludham Bridge on the night. Tuesday you could work back (not too far) and drop your friends off. Wednesday take a trip up the River Ant and visit Sutton and Stalham. Thursday visit Potter Heigham and maybe down to Acle Bridge for the evening. Friday work your way back up towards Wroxham, maybe mooring at Salhouse or Horning for the evening ready for the trip back to the yard on Saturday. These are just general ideas, I’m sure you will find your favourite spots. There may be a few boats around at Easter, so it’s worth getting in early, particularly popular spots like Ranworth and Horning. (Horning is better for an evening as 2 of the pubs only allow day boats before 5pm). If you like a bit more peace and quiet you can drop the mudweight at places like Ranworth and Salhouse, particularly if the moorings are busy. Have a good time!

Nice one Phil! I'm pleased you're pleased if you see what I mean!!! Will give you a bell soon!!

A gentleman indeed Jonny ( not forgetting his lovely lady, Ness) Great staff too. You and the VIP's wiil have a great time!!!

He was a month ago Jonny!! So I assume all is well

It’s no great surprise but now its official – Marco Pierre White has bought the Maypole Group. Hopefully this should secure the future of the excellent Bridge Inn at Acle and the other pubs and hotels in the chain. Hopefully good news for all the management and staff too, as well as the customers! http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/cel ... k_1_839473

Carol (AdnamsGirl) has been very busy transferring two old cine films from the 1930’s onto a DVD. I was very pleased to be given a sneak preview of Carol’s DVD and am now happy to report that it can be ordered via her Broadland Memories website http://www.broadlandmemories.co.uk/page3.html Price is a very reasonable £10.00 which includes postage and packing. The ever modest Carol had done a very professional job of the introduction including some excellent narrative. The original films follow with authentic background music of the period which really gives it that 30’s feel. The film was actually shot in 16mm so the quality is surprisingly good for such an old film. Carol has added subtitles to help with the locations although some have changed very little! The films cover both North and Southern broads including some priceless views of the old Breydon viaduct and the railway bridges at Beccles and Potter Heigham. There are plenty of internal and external shots of the boats, both hired from Herbert Woods, some good footage of the boatyard too. The second boat, Countess of Light, is a particularly magnificent craft. Interesting to see that the yachts were still diving across the river, even in those days!! I found it a fascinating film. I should point out that the sales of the DVD are simply to cover Carol’s costs and this is not a profit making venture (hope this is OK Mods) Do have a look, I promise you will not be disappointed!!

It's like the view I get after several pints of Humpty Dumpty

Hi Nigel That would have been the main yard (on the corner) I would imagine? Sounds fascinating, I bet Carol would like to see it! Can you post any stills?

Hi Barrie Yes the Chet is quite narrow! But Loddon is certainly worth a visit. You may remember the tides around Breydon/Reedham/St Olaves are quite strong so please take care and bear in mind if you do need to travel against the tide, the trip will take longer especially in these areas. Have a great time and do please report back, we'd love to hear how you get on!!

Hi Barrie Lots of options – however assume you get away from Richardsons say mid afternoon you would have plenty of time to motor down to Ludham Bridge. There are a lot more moorings there now with some on the opposite bank. Have a stroll up to the Dog inn which is a very good pub. Sunday you could cruise up the Bure to visit Horning, Ranworth or Wroxham. At that time of year it shouldn’t be too busy, so you should stand a chance of mooring at these popular places. If you visit Wroxham try one of the boatyards or you may get through the Bridge (pilot service to help you). You could cruise up to Potter Heigham on Monday – low tide there is at 11.30 so you may be able to get through the Bridge but its never certain. Depends on what boat you have of course. You could spend the night at Thurne Dyke (another good pub – the Lion). If you are prepared for an early start on Tuesday, at about eight you could hit Yarmouth at around 11 just after slack water. Depends if you want to stop at Yarmouth but if not you could carry on to Oulton Broad for the evening. Wednesday you could have a trip to Beccles and with a longish day say return to Somerleyton or St Olaves for the evening. Thursday you could explore the Yare, perhaps Loddon or even up to Brundall. You could moor up river if you wanted as slack water for your return trip through Yarmouth is not until around 1.30pm on Friday. This should give you time to return up the Bure although you might be best to moor somewhere like Ludham Bridge again or How Hill to be able to get back to Stalham early on Saturday morning. There are numerous possibilities and everyone has different ideas. The main thing is to take it easy and have a good time! Unfortunately its not really possible to cover the whole network in a week but I’m sure you’ll be back!! Have a good one.

Hi Barrie and welcome. What are the dates of your holiday and are you hoping to go through Yarmouth to the Southern rivers? Dates would help to plan the tides.

It is Mark, the Ship seems to do OK but the bistro type establishments must be a bit of a niche market and its enivitable that some will struggle. Great shame.

Hi As promised I went up to Neatishead last week. Ye Olde Saddlery is indeed very much closed. Enquiries revealed that the owners had made every effort to sell it as a going concern but sadly failed so it looks likely to revert to a private residence.

Hi Ken You asked about the Old Saddlry a while ago – speaking to a very reliable source down here, I gather it is still closed but will check myself in a day or two.