Roaming Charges

European Union countries have disappointed consumer groups when they reneged on long-standing pledges to scrap roaming charges altogether this year. Worryingly, news of the EU’s reversal, which surprised industry watchers, has it seems yet to reach many Britons, leaving them once again at risk of racking up unexpectedly high charges on their summer holidays.

Britons are also falling victim to unforeseen higher charges due to easy-to-overlook pitfalls. Of the sample, 22% said they forgot to turn off their mobile data when they landed in their holiday destination, while 19% said they thought they were using WiFi and not mobile data. A further 7% said that not switching off voice mails was the mistake that led to higher charges. Some carriers charging customers if a caller leaves them a message irrespective of whether the message was actually picked up.

You can view uSwitch's international roaming press release and research in full: Click Here.

But you also need to arm yourself with all the information you need to avoid roaming charges by reading the uswitch network-by-network guide to roaming and top tips for travellers here: Click Here.

Frog

A boater was cruising along the canal one day, when a frog called out to him and said, "If you kiss me, I'll turn into a beautiful princess." The boater bent over, and rescued the frog out of the canal, Then put it in his pocket. The frog spoke up again and said, "If you kiss me, I'll turn back into a beautiful princess and stay with you for one week." The boater took the frog out of his pocket, smiled at it gave it a wink and returned it into his pocket.

The frog then cried out, "If you kiss me and turn me back into a princess, I'll stay with you for one week and do anything you want." Again, the boater took the frog out, smiled at it, winked at it and blew the frog a kiss. Then he put it back into his pocket. 

Finally, the frog asked, "What is the matter? I've told you I'm a beautiful princess and that I'll stay with you for one week and do anything you want. Why won't you kiss me?" The boater said, "Look, I'm a bit of a lothario as boaters go. However I don't need a girlfriend because I'm gay. But a talking frog, now that's cool!"

Tunnel safety.

Last year, an experienced boater lost his life when he was knocked from the back of his boat in a tunnel. Since then I have started to wear a life vest when passing through long tunnels - especially the ones without a towpath. I also like to wear a life vest on tidal river sections - or non tidal where there is a good flow of water. We wear the auto inflating type of jackets. The dog also wears a jacket. The dog has tested hers several times. 

The boater is believed to have struck his head on the tunnel wall during the passage or may have hit his head as he fell from the boat. As we have a bike we also have cycling helmets which can be worn in a tunnel. Ours also have white and red led lights in them which would make it much easier to find you in the dark. The white light gives a surprising amount of illumination in the dark. Cycle helmets with lights have been on offer at ten quid in Aldi.

Boating Utopia

Has there ever been a Boating Utopia. A time when everything on the Inland Waterways was wonderful.  

I ask because, contrary to the opinion expressed by some, I believe its the same as it always was and absolutely nothing has changed. The early pioneers of restoration did their moaning by holding a boat gathering. There were speeches made by the great and the good. In the main complaining about 'British Transport' and the parlous state of the canals. 

The roles of the 'real' boating associations have not changed. Its to question and cajole. Its to provide a boaters perspective and to watch out for the boaters interests. Associations should be a reflection on the moods and will of those who pay a high price. Thats you the boater when you buy a boat you are making a major investment and expectation of the in the future of the canals. When you pay your licence you are investing in that future.

Now you have social media to share your pet peeves with. Everyone knows that the current underspend means things are going to get worse before they can start to get better. Even progress - such as it is - comes to the canals. Or would we all feel better going back to a time when shoving children up chimneys was the order of the day.

The new debate.

Social Media is a catch all phrase which is bandied about. Today the more correct Social Networking is the phrase of choice. There are many different forms of social networks. The world of on-line social connections has expanded into different forms over the last few years. Each with its own unique set of characteristics. In the main a social network site allows users to connect and share with people who have similar interests. The bright new world of social networking is changing and I believe its changing for the better. 

The new technical revolution of a - two way newspaper - that is social media – Usually operated on the principals of a small group of admin types. I watched a free for all developing on the problem of high speed cycling on the towpath. Which degenerated into open warfare when someone gave a different perspective. In other words - the alternative perspective was that cyclist were on the towpath because it was safer than being on the roads.

The bit that surprises me is, that this is a single issue, an issue that will be the one that decides how boaters, walkers and fishermen and the general public will view the trust for a long time to come. I have started to use this as the opening gambit when meeting people on the towpath. I engage them in conversion just to test peoples perception on various boating issues.

There is a groundswell of negative opinion - even from the most mild an unassuming of people. We ran into an ex England football manager. The only thing he was interested in concerning boats and boating was cycling. He said in passing 'How do you find it with all these cyclists. We hardly ever come down here now. We feel its so unsafe for us and especially for kids and dogs.'

We have the position where, the trust is encouraging people onto the canals - and then the experience for some is such, that they then become instant advocates for avoiding the towpath. At one time, the gripe was about the condition of the towpath. That and the dangers of encouraging children that were uppermost in their thoughts. Not any more. Now the bad publicity over cycling has started appearing in the national press.

I am a critic and a friend of the Trust. I always used to temper my criticism with the strap line – we have no alternative but to work with the trust. I just feel the trust is now sleep walking into major issues that seem to come as an unwelcome surprise. The trust is under pressure not from the pundits but from a whole swathe of people. Laurence Hogg cut him in half and like a stick of rock. It would say - CaRT – all the way though. He has just given the trust a savaging on NBW. 

I have not been able to write with any lasting conviction – we have to work with the trust - any more. Because the trust does not want to work with anyone. It is in free fall as to public opinion.

When Richard Parry arrived and engaged with people on the towpath. I had genuine hopes for the future. That opportunity has been squandered instead of a new era of openness, that momentum has been lost. Returned to the era of Evans and his predecessor Hales. As to the future – I now advocate the EA taking over the role of management of the whole Inland Waterways.This could be the next debate on social media.

Blackpool Rock

The Canal and River Trust has decided to sell 'Branded Items' as part of a fund raising scheme. The 'Waterways Partnership' souvenir stick of rock is one of the first new funding ideas from the 'Branded Items Directorate'. The initial order was placed with the Blackpool Tower Rock Company for two kilometres of rock with the name of each of the Waterways Partnerships prominently displayed all the way through. 

However when the sticks of rock were delivered. It was discovered to contain the wrong phrase which was 'Utter Bollocks'. After checking the order, it seems that a former disgruntled waterways employee who was working her period of notice at the trust had altered the phrase on the order. The Trust has now agreed to accept the consignment of rock because the sentiment contained, although different from what was wanted, is factually correct. 

Mr and Mrs Nob-Head

I'm moored up overnight, on the visitor moorings at Willington. I get up early this morning and think to myself, I'll have my biennial shower. I get myself suitably sodden all over and soap up a good lather. I'm enjoying myself while at the same time humming to myself in more ways than one - Scrub in all the crevices - with the new conscripts military preparation - the much famed and feared regimental bath usually conducted with a wire brush and dettol.

It's now time to wash the first few layers off. The pump is running but the shower ain't. Budgerigar the twatters gone. So I get myself washed down with the remains of what was in the kettle. I look across at the water point. There is a boat moored up in a fetching two tone 'Red Oxide and  Bitumen'. But there is nothing much happening, in the way of activity - must be about ready to go. I'll make a cup of coffee while I'm waiting - shit no water in the kettle.

An hour later, and still nothing has moved. Gasping for a coffee and at the head of a line of boats forming up for the water-point. Half an hour later Mrs Nobhead arrives. She must have been in the village. She proceeds to get the hose pipe out and connect it up. Agggh I'm keeping myself occupied chanting and casting ancient runes (Anglo Saxon swear words) and at the same time pushing pins into a voodoo doll. Its a belts and braces thing with me.

Twenty minuets later Mr Nobhead arrives, also from the direction of the village. One of the people in the queue waiting to use the waterpoint says, I seen him shopping in the Co-Op in Willington must be about an hour ago.

Question: How much urine should I pour in the diesel tank or is there another more suitable tank option available.

Spring Summer Cruse 2015 ❶❽

Black Country Museum to Hawne Basin

Date 24 May 2015

Overnight the weather was overcast with a few light showers.

Morning:  What a strange sort of day its been. We stayed overnight at the Black Country Museum. This morning a leisurely cruise was planned as we set off to go along the Gower Line and to go down the Tipton Factory locks then out onto the Birmingham Level of the BCN. 

Afternoon: Just after noon, we dropped down the first lock and entered the lower  pound in between the first and second lock. We were waiting for a boat doing the BCN challenge coming up the flight to clear lock two. However, the lock gate would not fully open. CaRT staff were quickly on site to clear the problem. We put Rosie into the lock so the CaRT staff could work inside the lock from the front of our boat. Richard Parry came aboard for a chat while we were waiting .After an hour or so the problem could not be cleared. So we reversed back up the flight and went via the Wolverhampton level and Bradeshall locks and the Gower Branch. Then the Netherton Tunnel Branch. We observed a number of Daubentons bats inside the tunnel.

Evening: We arrived via the Dudley Number two Canal. It was early evening - after navigating Gosty Hill Tunnel. We then booked in and settled down for the night.

Wildlife:

Birds: House Sparrow, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Rook, Starling, Blackbird, Mallard, Mute Swan, Robin, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Pied Wagtail,  Long Tailed Tit,  Coot, Moorhen, Grey Lag Goose, Canadian Goose, Grey Heron, Wood Pigeon, Buzzard, Herring Gull, Greater Black Backed Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Black Headed Gull, Swallow, House Martin and Swift.

Butterflies: Meadow Brown
Bats: Daubentons,

 

Today's Total.

Miles: 10.9
Locks: 5
Swing / Lift Bridges: 0
Tunnels: 2
Pump Outs: 0
Engine Hours: 8.2
Solar Panels: 38 Ah

Accumulated Total.
Miles: 2205.3
Locks: 1355
Swing / Lift Bridges: 299
Tunnels: 41
Pump Outs: 22
Engine Hours: 3171.1
Solar Panels: 20737 Ah

Outstanding

Dear Bill.

Well its been some time since my last letter. Because there has not been a great deal to report about from the back deck of the Nb Dulwich Dishwasher. 

However, as is usual the Memsahib is a bit agitated this morning. I thought it might have been down to the bran. However, it's because unlike the elected council representatives to the Canal and River Trust. The bloody nosy busy bodies at the inland revenue have been in touch. They have written to say that my tax return for 2013/14 is 'outstanding'. I have written back to the inland revenue thanking them for their most kind remarks. But to be perfectly honest it was a bit of a puzzle, as I can't remember sending in a tax return in the first place.

Talking about puzzles, I have been for a saunter along the towpath for another visit to Mr Khan's corner shop and emporium of everything. The old Punjabi pundit was his usual ebullient self. He asked me if I liked riddles. I said that it was not something I was in the habit of enjoying. Though I sometimes did the odd crossword when not having a cross word with the Memsahib.  So I said I was willing to give it a go. So he asked 'Why do boaters refer to Tony Hales the chair of trustees at the Canal and River Trust as the A433'. To be honest I had absolutely no idea. But I played along with a few random guesses like 'its the road to ruin'. So eventually I said, 'OK Khan, why do boaters refer to Tony Hales as the A433?' He said, 'it's because he's known as the Milton Keynes turn off.'

I ran into old Digby Snopes another one of the trusts 'secret IWA trustees' down in the bar of the Ferret and Trousers.  He was regaling all with a story about a new young member of the enforcement staff. It seems that a mate of 'Digger' had been in the Lock and Windless for a few sherbert's. Apparently he takes a fishing rod with him, because he tells the wife he is going to see if he can catch a few.  So the man returns back to the marina after his 'fishing trip' and feels the need to take a nap. So his wife takes the boat out onto the cut, moors up and starts to read a book. One of the trusts finest enforcement dudes, being in nick-nick mode comes up alongside. He says 'you're in a restricted fishing area'. To which she replies 'but I'm not fishing'. Dude says 'No, but you have all the equipment. I'll have to issue a section 8 notice.' The lady looking puzzled says 'for reading a book?' No says Dude. 'For being in a restricted fishing area with all the equipment. For all I know you could start the moment I have gone.' He then announced 'Its a section 8 for you.' The lady replies. 'Then I'll have to report you with sexual assault.' Dude says, 'But I haven't touched you!' 'No', says the lady 'but you have all the equipment and for all I know you could start at any moment.'

The Memsahib ran into Ms Antonia 'tonker' Pailes the erstwhile part time charwoman of the bored. She was in Khan's new 'Kut Kabin' down by the lock. She was telling a story about a group of American Surgeons who were enjoying a relaxing narrowboat holiday along the Beirut section of the Rochdale canal.  The surgeons were comparing notes about their favourite clients. The first surgeon, from New York, said 'I like to see accountants on my operating table because, when you open them up, everything inside is numbered.' The second surgeon, who was from Chicago said 'Yeah, but you should try electricians! Everything inside them is colour-coded.' The third surgeon, from Dallas, says. 'No, I really think librarians are the best. Everything inside them is in alphabetical order.' The fourth surgeon, from Los Angeles, said 'You know, I like building workers. Those guys always understand when you have a few parts left over." But the fifth surgeon, from Washington, DC, shut them all up when he observed. 'You're all wrong. Its CaRT trustees which are the easiest to operate on. There's no guts, no heart, no balls, no brains and no spine, and the head and the arse are fully interchangeable.'

Bugger! I have just remembered why I went to Kahn's corner shop and vintners. It was for a bottle of Chateau à chier soûlerie which is number 2 on Kahn's wine list.

Well I must run, toodle pip old boy.

Cap't Bob

"The events depicted in this series of letters are fictitious. Any similarity to any person living or dead is merely coincidental. No person should without the prior permission of the author assume the identity of any character. These letters are a story that could be based on actual events. In certain cases incidents, characters and timelines have been changed for dramatic purposes. Certain characters may be accidental composites, or entirely fictitious. I was helped in my creative endeavour by my friend's telepathic cat named Huxley. Huxley assumes all responsibility for any mistakes and errors."

Experience is a Wonderful Thing

Its often said that age is a high price to pay for maturity. With maturity comes experience which is a wonderful thing. After all, experience enables you to recognise the same mistake when you make it again.

One day the director in charge of Corporate Thinking at the Canal and River Trust decided to retire. He was wealthy from all the bonus payments and the more than generous final salary pension. He did not want to buy a narrowboat, to retire on.  But he did not want to leave the life of the worlds waterways behind. So he booked himself on a round the World cruise and proceeded to have the time of his life. On deck lazing in the sunshine and eating at the captains table of an evening. Soon he became something of a celebrity on board the Titanic II. That is until, like its name sake the ship foundered and sank.

For several days and nights he was clinging on to a bit of debris. He was constantly being circled by sharks - but the sharks knew a bigger shark when they saw one. He was in the water for days until he found himself washed up on an island beach. The island was completely deserted. He had no supplies, nothing, only the wild bananas and coconuts. He knew it was going to be a difficult task to survive. After about four months, he had built a rough lean to shelter and a signal fire on the beach ready to attract the attention of any passing ship. He felt good about his achievements and the way that he had adapted to the solitary island life.

He was lying in the shade close to the beach one day. Drinking from a fresh coconut and munching on a few bananas.  When the most gorgeous woman he has ever seen rows up to the shore. In stunned disbelief, he watched as she walked up the beach towards him. He asked her, "Where did you come from? How did you get here?" She replied, "I rowed round from the other side of the island where I landed when my cruise ship the Titanic II sank." he said 'That's is amazing you were really lucky to have a row boat wash up with you.' 'Oh, this thing?' explains the woman. 'I made the boat out of some raw material I found on the island. The oars were whittled from gum tree branches. I wove the bottom from palm tree branches, and the sides and the transom came from a Eucalyptus tree.'

Wow that's amazing he said, but where did you get the tools? 'Oh, that was no problem' she replied 'On the south side of the island, is a very unusual stratum of alluvial rock that is exposed at low tide. I found that if I fired it to a certain temperature in my kiln, it melted into ductile iron. Which I used to make tools and used the tools to make the hardware.'

He was stunned at her ingenuity. 'Why don't we row over to my place' she says. So, after a short time of expert rowing, she soon docks the boat at a small wharf she had constructed. As the ex corporate thinking director at CaRT look to the shore, he nearly falls off the boat. Before him is a long stone walk leading to a cabin and a above that was a luxurious tree house. While the woman ties up the row boat with an expertly woven hemp rope, the man can only stare ahead, dumb struck. As they walk into the house, she says casually, 'It's not much, but I call it home. Sit down, please. Would you like a drink?'

No! No thank you, the CaRT man blurts out, still dazed. I can't take another drop of coconut juice. Oh, she smiles 'It's not coconut juice' then adds with a wink. 'I have a still. How would you like a Tropical Rum Runner Spritz?' Trying to hide his continued amazement, the man accepts, and they sit down on her couch to talk. After they exchange their individual survival stories, the woman announces, 'I'm going to slip into something more comfortable. Would you like to take a shower and shave? There's a razor in the bathroom cabinet upstairs.'

No longer questioning anything, the man goes upstairs into the bathroom. There, in the cabinet is a razor made from a piece of tortoise bone. Two shells honed to a hollow ground edge are fastened on to its end inside a swivel mechanism. This woman is amazing, he thought to himself, whatever next. When he returns to the living room, she greets him wearing nothing but some flimsey diaphanous material, with small flowers on tiny vines, each strategically positioned. 

She smelled faintly of gardenias and she beckons for him to sit down next to her. 'Tell me, she begins suggestively, sliding much closer to him. She stares longingly into his eyes.' She said 'We've both been out here for many months. You must have been lonely. When was the last time you... played around?' He can't believe what he's hearing, he was excited and a bit breatless at the same time. You mean... 'he swallows excitedly as tears start to form in his eyes... You've built a Golf Course?'

And so now you understand exactly why he was qualified to be the director in charge of corporate thinking at the Canal and River Trust.

Spring Summer Cruse 2015 ❶❼

Autherley Junction to Black Country Museum

Date 22 May 2015

Overnight the weather was clear with a light breeze.

Morning: An early start for us and we were at the first lock by 9am. We followed someone up the flight who was single handing. Which meant with the exception of two descending all the locks were set against us.

Afternoon: By 12:30 we were at the top with all 21 locks done. We eat our lunch on the move. The BCN is a canal system full of contrasts. Some sections are in dire need of a good clear up. Under the next bridge and the whole appearance would change once again to something much better.
 
Evening: Light rain and an overcast sky. So we decided to have a quiet night on the boat. 
 
Wildlife:
Birds: House Sparrow, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Rook, Jackdaw, Starling, Blackbird, Mallard, Mute Swan, Chiffchaff, Chaffinch, Robin, Blue Tit,  Coot, Moorhen, Grey Lag Goose, Canadian Goose, Grey Heron, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Kestrel, Buzzard, Herring Gull, Black Headed Gull, Sedge Warbler, Swallow, House Martin, Swift and Jay.

Butterflies: Meadow Brown,  Comma and Orange Tip 
Dragonflies: Common Damselfly.

 

Today's Total.

Miles: 8.8
Locks: 21
Swing / Lift Bridges: 0
Tunnels: 2
Pump Outs: 0
Engine Hours: 7.0
Solar Panels: 34 Ah

 

Accumulated Total.
Miles: 2194.4
Locks: 1350
Swing / Lift Bridges: 299
Tunnels: 39
Pump Outs: 22
Engine Hours: 3162.9
Solar Panels: 20699 Ah

The View From Over Here (1)

The View From Over Here. Is an occasional series of observations of life along the canal and river network. It gives this writers perceptions of what he sees, hears and learns from other people and sources.

Originally intended as a place for horses to tow laden boats and barges, full of the raw materials and the finished products of industry. The canals provided a giant step forward when compared to the capacity of the roads in carrying coal to markets by packhorse or the cart load. As in all things - progress eventually caught up and overtook the canals. The railways arrived and the road infrastructure improved. The canals purpose has fundamentally changed over a protracted period. From the fading of one into the growth of another use. The change of transport to one of leisure. This change came about almost by accident rather than as a planned change of use.

From the very first day of the take over in 1948 from the old owners by the British Transport Commission. Through all the various management incarnations right up to the latest Canal and River Trust. The waterways were already well past their sell by date as an integral and efficient part of the transport industry. There were plans, made similar in size and scale to the later Beeching axe. Which did for a large part of the railway network.  It was the planned closure and abandonment of much of the inland waterways. Bitterly opposed by opponents such as Rolt and Aickman. In some cases that loss of a route still came around, but much was saved. There is little to gain from a retrospective view of the canal infrastructure beyond the historical and heritage one. But the restoration and repair still continues to this day in the hands of small groups of dedicated people. 

Today we have the remainder of a much depleted resource. The Canal and River Trust should be managing both the waterway and the towpath. The problem now is that the waterway is falling further into disrepair through a policy of underspending on maintenance. I'm sure that you, like me would like to know the issues as to why the inland waterways are deliberately managed by a policy of under funded maintenance. However as always the Canal and River Trust (from a position of its self declared new era of openness and transparency) is less than forthcoming with anything beyond the balance sheet. So writers have to ruminate, cogitate and even second guess what the issues are.  

The View From Over Here looks as if they don't want us to know - or because the trust apparently don't know themselves. Leading to a what seems to be a silo mentality of silence. That looks remarkably like a hand crafted disaster of their own making. There is nothing wrong with telling it like it is - Now where have we heard that before?

The View From Over Here is that the mystery of the management structure has seen an exponential rise in the number of levels and the number of participants. To the point where a management hierarchical plan does not exist or is a tightly managed secret. In industry and from my experience in education - levels of bureaucracy are the first thing that is removed. This is quickly followed by a pruning session as the dead wood is thinned out. The outcome is intended to provide a lean and proactive management structure. It seems that the time tested business policy of slimming down, has been turned on its head by the Canal and River Trust.

As for the towpath - it has now taken on a life of its own. The towpath is now out of kilter with its original time sphere. In the main, I'm perfectly happy to see more people attracted to the waterways. As a place for a leisurely stroll, or as a place to walk your dog, maybe do a bit of rambling or jogging, even the more leisurely fishing and for me its a place where I can moor up my boat.  

The View From Over Here looks as if the towpath is a part of the infrastructure that's undergoing a dramatic change. Seemingly metamorphosing into a part of a national cycle route. The trust itself says that there are soon to be 500 million visits by people to the towpath. But as the towpath is improved, the cyclist are coming more and more into conflict with the general public. The public who enjoy a leisurely stroll, or walking the dog, or rambling and jogging, even a spot of fishing. But for me, its becoming a place where I don't always feel safe when I moor up my boat. 

The View From Over Here is that as a boat owner I come increasingly more and more under pressure to conform to the stringent rules. By comparison the cyclists are a minority in the bigger picture. Yet, everything is being done to encourage them. The trust has its own cycling section on its website. However, there are no speed limits on the towpath, no compulsory third party insurance, not even a requirement to have a warning bell. There is no speed calming, and certainly no segregation.

The View From Over Here looks as if for a cyclist, its hands off, do as you like, its an unregulated free for all.  Now we even see that unregulated cycling time trials are going on (as recorded for all to see and compete against on strava.) High speed commuter sections of towpath have been identified, but they also remain unregulated and unmanaged. We are told that the canal and River trust is going to educate the cycling fraternity. The View From Over Here looks as if that's a bit of the finest work of a spin doctor.

Spring Summer Cruse 2015 ❶❻

Penkridge  to Autherley junction
Date 21 May 2015

Overnight the weather was clear with a light breeze.

Morning: A late start after a leisurely breakfast. This is something fast approaching the norm for us! Just a few locks to negotiate before we arrive at the junction of the Shropshire Canal at Autherley.

Afternoon: Pottering along enjoying a mixture of sunshine and the occasional showers. A few boats travelling in the other direction. However, in a way when compared to previous trips. its eerily quiet on the canals. Bit of an altercation with a pair of hooligan cyclists.

Evening: More of the same, relaxation and watching TV. Yet another end of day norm for us.

Wildlife:
Birds: House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Dunnock, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Rook, Jackdaw, Starling, Blackbird, Mallard, Mute Swan, Goldfinch, Chiffchaff, Chaffinch, Robin, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Pied Wagtail,  Long Tailed Tit,  Coot, Moorhen, Cormorant, Grey Lag Goose, Canadian Goose, Kingfisher, Great Crested Grebe, Grey Heron, Wood Pigeon,  Collared Dove, Kestrel, Lapwing, Skylark,  Green Shank, Buzzard, Hen Harrier, Thrush, Cuckoo, Herring Gull, Greater Black Backed Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Black Headed Gull, Common Tern, Arctic Tern, Sedge Warbler, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin, Swift, Pheasant, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Whooper Swan, Oyster Catcher, Jay, Green Woodpecker and Egyptian Goose the highlight being a .


Butterflies: Meadow Brown, Skipper, Comma, Red Admiral and Orange Tip 
Bats: Pipistrelle,  Daubentons,
Dragonflies: Banded Damselfly, Common Damselfly.

 

Today's Total.

Miles: 10.4
Locks: 6
Swing / Lift Bridges: 0
Tunnels: 0
Pump Outs: 0
Engine Hours: 5.3
Solar Panels: 18 Ah

 

Accumulated Total.
Miles: 2185.6
Locks: 1339
Swing / Lift Bridges: 299
Tunnels: 37
Pump Outs: 22
Engine Hours: 3155.9
Solar Panels: 20665 Ah

Its the thought that counts.

There I was, walking along the road on my way back from the village shop. We were out of toilet paper, so I had been out to buy a copy of the Daily Mail. When out of the blue, one of those American tourists folk (who are much favoured by those hire boat businesses) stopped me.

Apparently it seems he was looking for 'Hire Boats 'R' Us'  He asked me 'hey buddy, what is the quickest way to the to the Hire Boats 'R' Us marina? So I put on one of my extra thoughtful looks for a few moments.  (the look of extra thoughtful is something I have perfected over time) So then I enquired 'are you walking or driving?' to which he replied. 'I’m driving.' Looking extra thoughtful again but just for a moment, I said 'that buddy, is without a doubt the quickest way!' and set off strolling back to the boat. I do enjoy being able to help.  

Now I have the urge to whistle a bit of Mahalia Jackson: 'If I can show somebody, how they're travelling wrong, then my living shall not be in vain.'

IWA Top Tip: When using a visitor mooring, a tuba placed on your boat roof will keep the mooring spaces on either side vacant for your IWA friends.

Spring Summer Cruse 2015 ❶❺

Haywood Lock (22)  to Penkridge VM
Date 20 May 2015

Overnight the weather was frequent showers.

Morning: Overcast and a few showers, decided to take our time before setting off. After a late and leisurely traditional full English breakfast we were on our way. Do the first lock and turn left onto the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal. The first lock we came to was Tixall Lock and CaRT had just placed a stoppage on the waterway.  So  we had to wait for the lock ground paddle to be fixed - cut a long story short - a large heavy duty  builders bag - the type used to carry a ton of gravel was stuck inside and blocking the water channel.

Afternoon: By mid afternoon the lock ground paddle was partially working again. A further repair had been made to a lock crossing board that was loose. We were on our way once more. Then we decided to cruise a bit later than usual to make up a bit of time. Arrived on the Penkridge Visitor Moorings which we had all to ourselves.

Evening: Went in the 'Boat' at Penkridge Lock for a meal. A good dog friendly place to eat. Wednesday is pie night and so we had two lamb pies with all the trimmings and a couple of beers. The meal was very tasty the staff were attentive - however the service was slow However we would quite happily eat there again.

Wildlife:
Birds: House Sparrow, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Rook, Jackdaw, Starling, Blackbird, Mallard, Mute Swan, Goldfinch, Chiffchaff, Chaffinch, Robin, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Pied Wagtail,  Long Tailed Tit,  Coot, Moorhen, Canadian Goose, Kingfisher, Grey Heron, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Kestrel, Buzzard, Thrush, Black Headed Gull, Common Tern, Sedge Warbler, Swallow, House Martin, Swift, Pheasant and Oyster Catcher.

Butterflies: Meadow Brown, Comma, Sulphur, Common White.

 

Today's Total.

Miles: 10.1
Locks: 5
Swing / Lift Bridges: 0
Tunnels: 0
Pump Outs: 0
Engine Hours: 3.6
Solar Panels: 39 Ah

 

Accumulated Total.
Miles: 2185.6
Locks: 1339
Swing / Lift Bridges: 299
Tunnels: 37
Pump Outs: 22
Engine Hours: 3150.6
Solar Panels: 20647Ah

Hire Boats 'R' Us

There I was, walking along the road on my way back from the village shop. We were out of toilet paper, so I had been out to buy a copy of the Daily Mail. When out of the blue, one of those American tourists (who are much favoured by those hire boat folks) stopped me.

Apparently it seems he was looking for 'Hire Boats 'R' Us' He asked me 'hey buddy, what is the quickest way to the to the Hire Boats 'R' Us marina?' So I put on one of my extra thoughtful looks for a few moments. (Extra thoughtful is something I have perfected over time) So then I enquired 'are you walking or driving?' to which he replied.'I’m driving'.

Looking extra thoughtful again, for a moment, I said 'that buddy, is without a doubt the quickest way!' and set off strolling back to the boat. I do enjoy being able to help. Now I have the urge to whistle a bit of Mahalia Jacksons: 'If I can show somebody, how they're travelling wrong, then my living shall not be in vain.'

Spring Summer Cruse 2015 ❶❹

Rugley to Haywood Lock
Date19 May 2015

Overnight the weather was mainly showers of rain.

Morning: Woke up to hear rain falling on the boat. So we had a leisurely start to the day.  A break in the rain allowed us to make a belated start. However, the rain when it came back soon after was coming down in torrents. We were just bimbling along and occasionally dropping the pram cover for low bridges. At one point pea sized hail stones were falling.

Afternoon: The rain was sometimes very heavy and the weather felt quite wintery. Between the heavy rain short periods of sunshine gave a pleasant feel. The only boats on the move were the hire boats who unlike us had time constraints.  By late afternoon it was time to call it a draw.

Evening: We had kept the fire ticking over today, so the boat was warm and welcoming. No need to light the fire and wait for the warmth to arrive. A night watching the television.

Wildlife:
Birds: House Sparrow, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Rook, Jackdaw, Starling, Blackbird, Mallard, Mute Swan, Goldfinch, Chiffchaff, Chaffinch, Robin, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Pied Wagtail,  Long Tailed Tit,  Coot, Moorhen, Canadian Goose, Kingfisher, Grey Heron, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Kestrel, Buzzard, Thrush, Black Headed Gull, Common Tern, Sedge Warbler, Swallow, House Martin, Swift, Pheasant and Oyster Catcher.

Butterflies: Meadow Brown, Comma, Sulphur and Common White.

 

Today's Total.

Miles: 4.8
Locks: 1
Swing / Lift Bridges: 0
Tunnels: 0
Pump Outs: 0
Engine Hours: 3.6
Solar Panels: 38 Ah

 

Accumulated Total.
Miles: 2175.5
Locks: 1334
Swing / Lift Bridges: 299
Tunnels: 37
Pump Outs: 22
Engine Hours: 3147.3
Solar Panels: 20608 Ah

How do I satisfy the Board

I suppose At a time when the Trust is seeing a significant fall in the number of boats on the inland waterways. (5000 less boats on the waterways) Add to this a significant number of boats who are changing from having a home mooring to elect to go constant cruising. Both of which will reduce further one or more of the more significant funding streams. 

When financial targets are based upon licensing and moorings. (CaRT's 58 million loss) It seems that the losses made by CaRT are because the trust has unsurprisingly taken its eye off the fund raising ball. Only to spend all of its time on scoring home goals on non issues. 

When it come to the Canal and River Trust nothing should ever come as a surprise. Well the draconian changes made to the 'Terms and Conditions' of boat licensing and the sweeping changes made to 'Visitor Moorings' have now taken place. Add into the mix the latest release of the 'Guidelines' for boaters without a home mooring. All of which are intended to deal with what is on the face of it a small problem.  With a reduction to 31,000 licensed boats and their numbers continuing to falling. It should be remembered that the huge majority of remaining boaters are compliant boaters cruising within the meaning of the 1995 Waterway Act.

It has to be acknowledged that a tiny fraction of boaters have chosen to ignore the generous nature of the 1995 waterways act and openly flaunt the rules.  This is a simple case of enforcement which the 1995 act adequately defines. It is certainly not rocket science, to understand, scope and manage the issue effectively.

On The Nod

With the notable exception of NABO (National Association of Boat Owners). (NABO slams CaRT's T&C's) Most of the changes went through on the nod, if not enthusiastically encouraged and supported by all the other boating associations. But then its well know that some of those associations have 'gone over to the dark side' so to speak. Giving up their once great rallying point of independence, championing causes of the waterways and the representation of their members aspirations. All give away by who, who has benefited and more questionably, for what purpose exactly?

Fair, Proportionate and Necessary?

You may be like me, querying and questioning the need for all the changes. First of all, the terms and conditions must have been put together by a non boater. Because the language used has been couched in such a way. As to make what had been for many years a well known and perfectly well understood process. Now metamorphosed not into a butterfly, but  into a confusing nightmare. But you might also question if the changes are actually fair, proportionate and at all necessary. There is even some doubt about the 'validity in law' of the changes.  I feel as a compliant boater that signing the terms and conditions actually place me under duress. After all, the alternative is obviously totally disproportionate option and in a reasonable world such an outcome would be unthinkable. 

Problem, What Problem?

Secondly in five years I have yet to encounter a problem of finding a visitor mooring. I could never be in a position to raise a complaint as such anyway. (NABO against mooring proposals) Simply because as a compliant boater, I would have no reason whatsoever to know how long other boats had been on a mooring prior to our arrival. This overstaying which is reported as a widespread problem has been seen for what it is - a load of old tosh. With little real evidence (as admitted by the trust) beyond hearsay to back up the claims. However, this did not stop the trust from changing time limits on moorings throughout the whole of the waterways. 

Now we see time and again on social media real evidence in the form of pictures taken at the mythical 'honeypot' visitor mooring sites. Which show them to be almost empty at what would be the traditional busy times of the year. All to evidence and truth now being conveniently ignored by the trust.

Get a Grip

Lets get a grip on the reality of the situation faced by the trust. The vast majority of boaters are law abiding and just want to get on with enjoying the cut. Their view of the rules was such that they were generally adhered to. Not strictly to the letter, but also where necessary the boater applied a bit of common sense. If moored waiting to go on a river and it was rising in flood they would overstay for a few days while conditions improved. If it was blowing a gale, they would overstay for a day or so while conditions improved before moving on. If it was torrential rain, they might overstay for a day. We can't legislate for the vagaries of the English weather. So the rules of common sense were applied.

It was a relaxed way of cruising, which did so much for the pleasure and enjoyment. The system worked without any real problems for decades. Now we see the start of sweeping changes to visitor moorings. And the imposition of a penalty or a fine whichever way you choose to look at it. Changes which have needlessly been put into place to address a virtually non existent problem.  A problem that the trust is patently unable to manage.

Vexatious use of the law

There is already a great deal of speculation that this is a 'vexatious' manipulation of the law to engineer a situation which is outside of the 1995 act. It could also call into question if the trust was trying to engineer that situation to its own ends.  Essentially setting up a scapegoat or whipping boy. One where there is an inequality of arms. One where the it can revert to its regular companions (the non contributing) "M'learned" friends of the Trust.  With the promise of further rounds of expensive litigation. It should be remembered that recently the trust has not faired to well in going to law. One has to wonder why there was even a need for a gagging clause. (Why the lack of publication of the judgement) in one recent case. (Community Law Partnership on Mayers) Maybe it was because the publicity of the judgement would undermine what the trust was trying to do.

Their in lies the nub of the problem. There are people who don't just overstay for a day or two because of weather or flooding problems. They want to do their own thing. They are a tiny almost insignificant number of individuals. They are anti-social boaters with their own agenda. They are not sticking to the spirit of the act. I also don't think that they will stick to the new rules either. So rather than addressing the problem - the trust introduces even more confusion. The non compliant boaters are extremely easy to find and identify. They are not moving. They are in the same location day in day out, week in week out, month in month out and unsurprisingly year in year out.

Draconian Change
Now we have the situation where a draconian change in the licence terms and conditions, time restrictions on visitor moorings and guidelines for boaters without a home mooring, has been brought about. Caused by a lack of ability by the trust to manage its own waterways systems. A huge sledge hammer that is being wielded to crack a peanut sized issue.

Now we can expect a set of guidelines to explain what the changes to the terms and conditions actually mean. Typical of the Trust who have already tried to define and then redefine the word 'place'. We now have the Kafkaesque situation  where the phrase 'satisfaction of the trust' will have to be defined.  If ever a phrase was loaded with intent - its
'satisfaction of the trust'.  

Satisfaction what's that?

How will satisfaction come about and will it apply equally to all boaters. I ask this question because the trust has already admitted that its 'guidance for boaters without a mooring' is exempted from those boaters with a mooring. Even when away from their mooring and are cruising the system. So if you purchase a home mooring from the trust. Even if you never intend to use it. You can essentially purchase an exemption from litigation. Its a popular ploy called a ghost mooring.

But now there is a great deal of additional speculation about the record keeping credentials of the Trust. Boaters have asked for sightings records held by the trust to find glaring holes in the records that present a false view of boat movements. (Guilty until proved innocent)  Through presenting a distorted view due to the lack of insufficient sighting records. There is discussion on social media of some boaters concern that they may now be travelling further than previously. But that this additional movement is not being captured by the trust. 

Openness and Transparency.

How can a boater correct the missing data and the false impression created by the inaccuracies and omissions.  I have tried to get information out of the trust - as usual it is less than forthcoming. Even though in the words of Richard Parry - the trust will be embracing a policy of openness and transparency. (Openness and Transparency)

I submitted a Freedom of Information act request on the24th of March 2015.

Dear Canal and River Trust.

This freedom of information request is being submitted as a boat licence holder and mooring holder. I have read the Canal and River Trust Guidance for boaters without a home mooring. However I understand that the guidance is equally applicable to boats with a home mooring.

From my reading of the Canal and River Trust Guidance for boaters without a home mooring. The Canal and River Trust has not not published, what the trust considers to be a system or methodology by which a boat owner can keep an acceptable record their movements. Such that the records would be unambiguous and in a form that would be perfectly acceptable to the trust.

Notwithstanding the preamble above. To enable me to satisfy myself and yourself that I am fully compliant with the Canal and River Trust Guidance for boaters without a home mooring.

1) Can you describe a system or methodology whereby a boat owner can record their boat movements that conforms with the requirements that the Canal and River Trust Guidance for boaters without a home mooring. So that the records would be unambiguous and in a form that would be perfectly acceptable to the trust.

2) Can you describe a system or methodology whereby a boat owner can check their individual boat movements against the records held by the Canal and River Trust. So that the records would continue to be unambiguous and in a form that would be perfectly acceptable to the trust.

3) Can you describe a system or methodology whereby a boat owner can correct any errors highlighted in the records of their individual boat movements. When checked against the records held by the Canal and River Trust. So that the records would continue to be unambiguous and in a form that would be perfectly acceptable to the trust.

 The trust replied on the same day the 24th of march.

I know that you intend this as a 'Freedom of Information Act request' but, having read through the detail of your e-mail, you haven't asked us for any information that would be already recorded; instead you request that we describe systems and methodologies relating to your three points.

I do not have any already recorded information which would address the three points in your request. So, to answer your e-mail I would suggest that I direct it to a member of our Enforcement team.

 I replied on the 3rd of April 2015.

As the trust states that boaters should be able to 'satisfy the trust' that they are bona fide navigating the inland waterways. Therefore without knowing the format of the records it would be hard for a boater to second guess how to record boat movements in a way that would be acceptable to the trust. I am sure that the trust would want to share what the trust consider to be acceptable ways of making such recordings.

On social media there is already much conjecture and confusion as to what is an acceptable form of recording of boat movements. Photographs with times and dates. Global positioning data. The trust has been somewhat vague in using the term 'satisfy the trust' without actually revealing what would be a proportionate, reasonable and acceptable form of recording.

People are already talking on social media about what are being described as 'glaring errors' in the trusts boat sighting records. Errors highlighted where individual boaters have requested copies of the sighting the trust has on file.

The popular workaround being espoused seems to be to make regular requests to the trust, for copies of the trusts sighting records. Then to dispute any errors through the trusts complaints procedures. This seems to me to be totally a totally inappropriate way of correcting sighting errors.

I wish to request a formal review of my FoI request.

The trust replied 13 days later on the 15th of April.

Thank you for your e-mail, which we received last Tuesday. I'm sorry not to have replied to you sooner.

My response to your pervious [previous?] e-mail explained why you had not made a request for information to the Trust, despite your correspondence coming to us via the Whatdotheyknow.com website. I offered to forward your correspondence to my colleagues in our Enforcement team for them to give you the explanation you seek. My offer still stands so please do let me know if you would like me to do this for you.

I replied the next day on the 16th of April 2015.

It may be me that's a bit old fashioned, but I had assumed that any request would have been passed on to an appropriate person within the trust, for actioning, as a matter of course. So yes please do pass on the FoI request to the enforcement team. 

The trust replied on the 20th of April 2015

Thank you for your e-mail and for letting me know that you're happy for me to forward your enquiry to our enforcement team. They'll respond to you directly.

Here we are as I write almost a month later. My formal request for a FoI review has been totally ignored. The request to pass on the FoI request internally has not generated a response. Neither has it generated any further acknowledgement. The trust has made new terms and conditions and refuses to tell me how I can be compliant in keeping a record of my boat movements.

Deafening Silence

The trust has pulled up the drawbridge and the deafening silence continues. So now I will have to hand over the Freedom of Information request to the appropriate authority for actioning. You might think that the 'pseudo' boating associations would be up in arms about what is after all a simple problem. But with the one notable exception of NABO - their collective silence continues to be deafening.