thames barrier

thames barrier
Originally uploaded by AndyRob

This is one of my favourite pictures of the Thames barrier, taken whilst going through on the 3rd of May in 2005, five years ago.

Forth Road Bridge Scotland

Forth Road Bridge Scotland
Originally uploaded by AndyRob

Road bridge over the Firth of Forth, Scotland. The rail bridge is of course much more impressive, but the road bridge is quite difficult to photograph so I was pleased with this one.

Roll Over Beethoven

British Waterways Hive Off Affects Canal Boat Holidays

Well this is the press release from British Waterways, but what are the longer term implications for canal boat holidays?

British Waterways welcomes the UK Government’s announcement today (14/10/10) of its intention to transfer British Waterways’ inland waterways in England and Wales into a new charitable body. The move, promoted by British Waterways for the last 18 months, will be the biggest shake up of the waterways since nationalisation in 1948. It will attract new investment, secure jobs and give the public greater involvement in the running of canals and rivers.

The announcement by the Cabinet Office that British Waterways will be replaced with a new civil society body builds on recommendations by British Waterways for the establishment of a ‘national trust’ for the waterways, as waterway minister, Richard Benyon MP, explains:

Waterways Minister, Richard Benyon said, "Our waterways are a cherished feature of the British landscape and a source of joy to many. Transferring British Waterways from Government to a charitable body will give users of the waterways a greater say in their future management and help to ensure they remain a wonderful part of our natural and cultural heritage of value to society and the economy. 

"This change reflects the confidence we have that the engagement of local communities and interest groups will ensure the success of this transfer to civil society, building on the good work of British Waterways and countless waterways enthusiasts. It’s a great example of Government giving power back to the people."

BW have been promoting a move to charitable status for more than a year saying that it will attract new investment, secure jobs and give greater involvement in the running of canals and rivers to the public.

BW chairman, Tony Hales,  welcomed the announcement saying, "This is excellent news and something we have been urging all political parties to support since last year". 

The Government intends to have the new body up and running by April 2012 but no decision has been made yet about including the Environment Agency navigations  or the Scottish canals in the new body.

So the government has announced a BW move to charity status by 2012. The Cabinet Office announced today that British Waterways will  be replaced with a new civil society — as recommended by BW — to become in effect a 'national trust' for the waterways.

BW cares for 2,200 miles of historic canals, rivers and docks in England, Scotland and Wales. It funds its work through a combination of commercial income from property and licences, Government and third party grants, and partnerships with a broad range of public, private and voluntary sector partners.

Since May 2009, BW has been calling for the creation of a new ‘national trust’ for the waterways as a way of encouraging greater public engagement and creating new funding opportunities.

New 500-berth marina plan should bring extra canal boat holdays to South Yorkshire

If the plan goes through tomorrow, as is reported likely, then this should eventually bring more canal boat holidays to South Yorkshire.

PLANS for a 500-berth marina on a canal in South Yorkshire are set to win approval from planners tomorrow after changes were made to the scheme to make it more wildlife-friendly.

Developers Waystone Ltd submitted plans to Doncaster Council several months ago for a marina project on the Stainforth and Keadby Canal at Stainforth, north-east of the town centre.

But those plans were withdrawn after groups including Natural England spoke of their concern over the effect of the massive building project on wildlife on the rural site and in marine habitats. If Doncaster Council's planning committee gives outline approval to the scheme at a meeting at the Mansion House tomorrow, further work will be carried out on the ambitious scheme.

Blueprints submitted to the authority show a marina with four newly-dug basins, which would provide pontoons with room for 500 pleasure boats, as well as a pub and restaurants, a visitor centre and shop units.

via yorkshirepost.co.uk

I'm not sure if part of the marina will be used by hire boat companies but just having 500 berths in one place is sure to create a focal point for canal boating in general and that includes holidays too.

Ratho 'canal village' Edinburgh canal boat marina

THE first images were today unveiled showing how the Ratho area will be transformed into a thriving "canal village".

SPECTACULAR: An artist's impression of how the marina at the Mooring development will appear when completed

via news.scotsman.com

One day we will be having canal boat holidays in Edinburgh?

Narrowboat For Sale Pix - Illustrate Canal Boating Holidays

These high quality pictures of a private narrowboat for sale show exactly how the interior is laid out and give a very good impression of what to expect from canal boating holidays in an English narrowboat. Many live aboard boats are quite different, but this one really is just like a hire boat.

Northern Pride

For Sale

₤29,500

Built in 1989
45 ft Traditional style narrowboat
2+2 berth (fixed double and convertable dinnette)
Shower and macerator pump-out toilet
35hp Barrus diesel engine (5 yrs old and 1150 hrs)
Webasto central heating (3 radiators)
1800W 240V power inverter (new July 09)
3 domestic & 1 starter battery
Gas cooker and microwave
Bottom blacked June 09
BSC to July 2013
Anchor and life jackets
BW canal and river license to end January 2011
Includes all crockery, cutlery, pans, etc

"Hop aboard and cruise away"

TEL: 07544893274

or email: sandralouise59@hotmail.com 

Boat available from the end of October 2010

 

via nbnorthernpride.blogspot.com

This is quite tempting really, the sort pf boat that gets hired out for narrowboat canal holidays, but in this case for sale after having been used by a couple for six months. The boat looks immaculate , but was in fact built in 1989 so it's 21 years old and they do tend to depreciate with age, so at less than full length for just under £30,000 maybe a bargain, or it may be just a bit steep. Not sure about this one.