MauriceMynah

I want a sign in the back of my car saying... ..."Children have all grown up and left home. You may now go back to driving like an a**e."

Hmmm, Sing-along-amap ... It'll never catch on I tell you

It was 1965 and I was 11. My uncle who had taught me to handle a boat on the Thames Estuary said "Right you are, Keep to the right, pass Port to port and give way to sailing craft." He then left me at the helm of this 40 footer albeit only for a couple of minutes while he had a 'comfort break' as they're called now. I too was S*** scared but as proud as punch too. It was one of Richardson's called 'Fancy Free' I'd love to find some pics of her but all I have is a very small pic originally from the brochure.

Well like Carole, I was like born just artside of Sarfend like in Leon See like innit you know, and like I noo Sarfend well like you know. Bofe me an me sister like went to West-leigh skool an she went on to Belfairs like, but we moved an I went to a rather pleasant school in Hertfordshire. Gives one hairs and graces don't you know! Seriously though, I have no problem with taking the pee out of Essex, if it hadn't been there it would have been somewhere else. There are indeed some wonderful places in Essex, personally I'm pretty fond of Dunmow, Chelmsford and most of the sea-side places.

Well It's all sounding good to me. I'm looking forwards to visiting you whenever I head down to the southern waters.

Yep, I can't remember what was going through my mind (apart from "Jaws" ) when I posted that ! Probably just got back from the pub !!! Never mind eh, you'll get used to me.

To paraphrase a certain film Coolcat..... ... "You're going to need a bigger sofa"

I am forever in your debt thingamybob

Hiya, great to see you posting here, very much look forwards to seeing you out and about.

Some people get all the bloody luck!

The whisky tanks or the water tanks Barry?

Glad it all got sorted. Have a great time.

And at £2.80 a pint. That will make it a 'Must stop' venue

Tee hee, pedantic head on... is not the same as... "if you repeat a lie often enough, it becomes accepted as truth" ( J. Goebbels) The former is what Dr Packman would liken to achieve, the latter is what he is close to achieving. The difference is subtle but enough to protect the broads from him. (we hope)

A Chinese restaurant employing immigrant workers! Now there's a novelty !! Ok, sorry I know that wasn't your point, but it just occurred to me as funny.

I haven't heard from my Nigerian friend lately, I hope he's alright.

I have to admit that in my mind, I prefer you in sexy frocks and pretty shoes.

I can see where you are coming from Robin (Oh hell I hate that phrase) but once again I have to differ. There is a tendency within the pub trade or catering trade if you like, to identify the market, describe it and for ALL the hostelries to aim hell for leather for it. When I was in that trade, the "customer of choice" was single, between 20 and 30, and lived with his/her parents. These were identified as the "Modern drinker with the large disposable income" ALL pubs had to aim for these customers. All were in competition with each other, and this market group was shared by them. In Harlow, at that time, nobody took any notice of any other customer group, with the result that only about 20% of the town's population was catered for. 80% had nowhere to go. Marketing groups have learned nothing in all these years. Nowadays the "Customer of choice" is married, no kids and each partner has a car. They like small amounts of food served on either plates that are too large for the portions or on lumps of timber more suited to Timbo's shed. We are told that broadland pubs must be "Family pubs" yet outside the school holiday period you are more likely to see a bittern than a family. The prices go up so much within the school holiday time that the only families you are likely to witness have just picked up their kids from Eton or Harrow and it's the nanny who does all the cooking. Whilst these days it is fashionable to "think outside the box" this seems not to apply to the catering trade who still insist on following these market gurus rather than going and actually looking at who is asking for what.

Yes, but you've always had a strange vocabulary all of your own.

Sorry LR, I disagree. What the broads needs is MORE PUBS . Not more restaurants, not more Tea rooms but MORE PUBS. So ok, I accept that I'm just one step away from the temperance society, but my heart goes out there to all those people (and there are many) who can't find enough pubs. Call me selfless and caring but that's just the way I am. The northern waters have surprisingly few riverside pubs, and only two on the Hickling side of Potter Bridge. This pub, if brought up to a comfortable level will not be in competition with any other apart from the Falgate. Potter Heigham is far more of a lunchtime stop that an evening one. Vice versa for Thurn Dyke. When both are running up to speed, they will compliment one another beautifully.

Well Ray we get our jollies where we can! (to Coolcat, Ray is Regulo... or should that be Regulo is Ray?) And what about Canvey Island then eh? you forgot about Canvey!

Ahhh, a kindred spirit. Does Riverlight go under Potter Heigham?

Griff, Wish Martin and Fiona my best please... and do you reckon there's any chance they might take membership on this forum?

Welcome aboard Coolcat, no doubt we'll meet up on the water.

Not Rough In Essex???? Ever been to sarfend on dole night?