Poppy

I'm tempted - sorely tempted , but we don't 'do' politics on here.....

We've just had this panel made by the above business - can't recommend him highly enough. We supplied the photo - he did the rest, and at a very reasonable price indeed.

Watching the Ladies Beach Volleyball... There's already been a wrist injury ...... but I should be OK in a couple of days

Please, please please NEVER try to 'nip in front' of a tacking ( zig zaging) yacht. ALWAYS (unless CLEARLY signalled otherwise) pass astern. That may involve throttling back a little to get your timing right......

Mojo - I will ALWAYS signal unless it's obvious that my intentions are clear. Even then, some seem unable to interpret them It's usually hirers who 'go the wrong way' subsequently - but not exclusively. The private ones seem to do it ( go the 'wrong' way) out of bloody mindedness however. I've been sworn at on more than one occasion !

Some do love their toys - but nothing beats the old fashioned Mk 1 eyeball. Have a glance behind, and if you can see you're kicking up a wash - regardless of what the 'Ap' or the 'toy' says - slow down please! Unlike speed limits on the road, it's not about safety - it's about the impact on the waterside environment, as well as moored boats. The reeds are a home for lots of wildlife, please think about that.

OK. Next time I see something like the event in my OP - I'll call the coastguard - in Bridlington

Good luck to Norfolk athlete Billy 'Banjo' Smith who goes for Gold in the Olympics shooting today.

Even if it's a matter in the public domain - upon which judgement has been handed down? I find it difficult to understand why the sensitivity!

Perhaps they've just given up out of frustration......

Exactly the problem. You should see them turning at the staithe. Quite an entertainment - especially at this time of the year. Not so much fun if your own boat is moored there however

There are Parish moorings at the top of the dyke, as well as the Staithe. Also, only one side belongs to The Lion, those on the opposite bank being under different ownership and open to visitors. These factors would seriously compromise any such scheme as that suggested by JM.

I agree with that view Vaughan - however 'now' is 'now' . Much of the washlands or water meadows bordering the lower reaches are no longer used for arable, but are of great interest to conservation groups. Get that nasty salt water on them and the habitat changes. Same 'problem', different interest groups..... As for flooding of property and businesses , BFAP barely give them a mention here http://www.bfap.org/news_2006.html "Brundall Riversdie, St. Olaves, Loddon boatyards and Reedham were also subject to flooding during this exceptional event." I understood that 'exceptional events' were exactly the purpose of defences. Increasing the capacity of the rivers to hold back flooding of washland coupled with a failure to adequately defend people's homes and livelihood is unacceptable !

Therein may lie the problem for a LOT of MoBo drivers. As for signalling - what' precisely is unclear when I point DIRECTLY at a mobo and follow that with another point to one side or the other? What makes them thing that I'M going in that direction ? And incidentally, there isn't an armco barrier down the middle of the river, you know - either above or below the surface.

Precisely so - the technology exists to 'divert ' calls - perhaps to a 'Ranger'. Staggered lunch breaks are not beyond the wit of man, either!

Why on earth did I mention the 'Stag Boats' ? I really wished for a discussion on the appropriateness of a contact number for the Broads river inspectors being unavailable at lunchtime in the height of the season !

Not sure I can agree with that Vaughan. The obstruction of so much of the traditional Broadland vistas from the rivers has been a result of the alternative which came in its place - the Broadland Flood alleviation Scheme http://www.bfap.org/ This in itself has led directly to the loss of many, many casual moorings, and far from protecting Broadland properties from flooding, it has led to increased risks to places on the riverside like Horning, Brundall etc. It is not fluvial flooding which caused the problems but tidal surges, which a G.Yarmouth barrier would have prevented. Indeed, it would not have been available to 'these experts',since it would be a barrier to navigation above The Haven when in use - similar to the Thames Barrier, and would only have been raised in times of threat. Let's not forget, it was the conservationists who objected so strongly to such a scheme - their preferred option was to open the flood walls on Haddiscoe Island. Perfect for waders according to the RSPB!

+1 It might once again become popular with the locals.....one of whom told me of the news, with undisclosed glee !

I felt it wisest to retire for my own safety and that of my crew. My real point was my amazement that Broads Control should be 'shut' for lunch. They are, after all a very necessary point of contact in an emergency not involving immediate risk to life. Am I expecting too much for my toll?

http://www.findmypub.com/properties/view/22117 Allegedly in p*** poor condition.

Out on the river today I encountered two of Richardsons 'finest' crewed by a very large number of drunken lads, by the sound of it, Liverpudlian. One was stuffed well up the bank, and amidst much shouting, effing and jeffing attempts were made by the (still) mobile one to pull the stranded one free, which was eventually successfully achieved. However , in doing so, a life ring from one or the other was 'lost overboard, complete with its line..... yes, you've guessed it, around the prop it went, and a 'crewman' was dispatched to retrieve it. Sensing disaster, I called Broads Control. The time was 13.10 - and heard a message informing that they were closed from 1.00pm until 2.00 pm! I genuinely couldn't believe my ears. Should I , as the message suggested, called 999 and asked for the Coastguard? I refrained....

I agree. My judgement is that they will be unwilling to 'wash dirty linen ' in public through the courts on a matter such as this, since it would undoubtedly attract the attention of the press/ media. They will either do nothing - or dredge the dyke!

I do loke a good early morning BANG