ranworthbreeze

It would be good if Griff could recount the story of the purchase and restoration of Broad Ambition for all of our new and seasoned forum members. Regards Alan

This topic posted by Carol (thanks to Nigel) was glimpse of the heyday of the Broads with people enjoying themselves. In the late 50's early 60's many people were still being rehoused in temporary housing (prefabs many still around up to a few years ago) no wonder many people took to the Broads or the seaside. The only credit schemes around at that time were cheque schemes in Sheffield there was Paget's cheques that many shops dealt with, I can remember the Paget man coming to my Nan's house every week for his payment (it was the same with the Prudential, the man from the Pru). People saved up for holidays and if they could not save they just had a few day trips at best. Boating of any kind has always been expensive be it hiring or buying a boat, of course there were kits or you could just buy the plans to make a boat,, but buying a boat to just use was a rich mans hobby. I am glad that is not so much the case these days, cheaper small boats and people that have the ability to improve their craft, there is of course boat sharing that has allowed many people who could not afford to come to the Broads on a regular basis. Boat sharing is not always run in syndicates in many cases it is like minded friends just to share the costs of renovation and operating costs. I agree there is far to many boats not used sitting in marinas all over the country, but there are far to many things that keep us away from the pastimes we love, be it boating or other hobbies. Is boating any different these days, in some ways yes, but overall we are still drawn to the water and hopefully the snobbery it gradually being phased out. Salcombe is a great place to visit in Devon, we have visited here most years whilst in the area, but it has always been run with old money and air of upturned noses to the common man. The shops there have had to adjust to the clientele that now frequent the town or go under, coffee shops as part of general stores, bistros etc. are all part of survival to these small towns and villages,.There are still plenty of chandlers, big and small boat building lockups that you pass from the large car park near the medical centre on the walk through the main shopping area. My favourite shops are the bakers for their cheese straws and the sweet shop opposite, the other shop I loved to go in was just past the small car park, they sold a few antiques and trinkets and had a large telescope on a tripod in the back room which was good for looking over the estuary. Boating different views for different people but all hopefully a love for the water and the environment. Regards Alan

Geoff & Wendy, Please remind us all of when and where you are going on holiday? just in case we forget, was it one of those Wallace Arnold tours Regards Alan

Hi Peter, I think you probably correct with your thoughts of government funding. The RNLI is a service like many others should not be cut in any shape or form. Sadly all we hear from the government and local authorities is the needs for cuts in services, but we never hear of cuts in our payments for these services we no longer have or they have reduced. Regards Alan

Don't we all especially when the river is full of yachts. Regards Alan

Hi Alan, 7 Days; more than enough time for a refit Best of luck with the transportation down to Somerleyton. Don't forget ALL of the fenders :dance Regards Alan

Hi Ian, We have all reported on various forums in the past regarding the height boards at bridges, they are overgrown, or are unreadable at the lower markings (not ideal for boats with higher air drafts). We then get the problems of the swing bridges not being able to open and close in hot weather because of rail expansion (at one time they fitted summer rails sets on the bridges). Somerleyton bridge seems to have more problems than Reedham Bridge and is always a problem to higher boats when out of service. The pontoon mooring below the bridge is difficult to use because of the current there. Regards Alan

We will be arriving at Brundall tomorrow afternoon until the 22nd. I will report back on the state of play with regards to the bins on the Southern Broads. Regards Alan

Hi Geoff & Wendy, You say that you have some orfe in your pond. Be careful if you use any medication in the water, orfe are very prone to the effects of fish medication, if you see any with bent tails or backbones this is the reason why. We used to have some large blue orfe that we rescued from someone elses pond, sadly one by one they died over a few years. So its just carp and some green tench (that we never see). Are you using some of the holiday food while you are away, I guess you will have just started feeding the fish again after the winter. Regards Alan

Norfolk as a county and the Broads wants tourists; well at least their hard earned cash to help pay for the services that these local authorities provide. It is only right that basis sevices are provided in the form of litter bins, public toilets etc. The B.A. and the local authorities need to get their act together, this should have been sorted last year when the services were removed and not draged on into yet another season. Regards Alan

On the Canals at every River Trust depot there are waste bins and water points, some olso have toilets/showers. There is usually bins located at one of the locks that are in a flight. Regards Alan

Maybe this would suit Jon, he is always looking for boats (or is it boots). Regards Alan

Hello Fred, to the NBN forum from Tan & myself. Regards Alan

Hi Mark, They were getting well on with when we came down for the season start weekend, I wondered when it would be finished, we only looked into the club once and they would not allow a syndicate membership so it was not for us. I hope they do well. David of course there is the Yare offering good priced meals, we have never had a bad meal there. In the village is Budgens mini supermarket which stocks most items and is not overpriced, includes the post office, good hardware shop. Brian Ward's (chandlers) is on the right before you cross the level crossing, more than likely you will have to wait to cross, there are over 90 trains per day stopping or going through the station. Regards Alan

David is right about the Oulton Broad webcam, you can hardly see anything, whilst I was on someone was looking across at the marina, you had all on making out the outline of the boats. Regards Alan

Hello Swallow212, The Wroxham Barnes Brinkcraft webcam has been out of order for some time and the Hotel Wroxham webcam for almost a year now, the webcam at Richardson's is also not available. Here is a link to the webcams we have in our information pages:- http://www.thenorfolkbroads.net/forum/forum/124-webcams/ Regards Alan

Hello Smitch, Have a look at this 10mm anodised alloy tube (2 metres long) at Wicks. they also do 12 & 16mm .http://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-10mm-Multi-Purpose-Anodised-Aluminium-Round-Tube-2000mm/p/188253# Regards Alan

I was told to change out of my sandals by the elf & safety officer at a caste steel foundry a few years ago, he didn't believe me when I said they were toe tector sandals Regards Alan

Hello Smitch, Iain number for Jon at Wayford is correct, he more than likely will be able to steer you in right direction regarding the canopy. It might be an idea to check out our link to marine service providers in our information pages, here is a shortcut link:- http://www.thenorfolkbroads.net/forum/forum/87-services/ Regards Alan

Are you wanting wood or alloy? If its alloy, alloy scaffolding poles come in 4 metre lengths, just a thought. Regards Alan

We had some great pictures but sadly someone broke the slates Regards Alan

Hi Iain, A farthing would buy one black jack or a fruit salard back in the day (well I remember them 4 for a penny) You will be telling us you were around when the two penny peice was in circulation. I have one in a box somewhere safe! together with a George 3 penny dated somewhere in the late 1790's. http://www.living-in-the-past.com/cartwheels.html Regards Alan

Don't forget the 10% discount at Brian Ward's for being a NBN forum member, just convey this fact to Tanya or Nick. Regards Alan

Hi Peter, Thank you for posting this articale. Regards Alan

Hi Mark, I bet they put it up when we are there next week, we are having an extra day down and are also training two new owners so we may use some extra fuel. Regards Alan