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thomo
Barlick Born Old Salt
2021 Posts
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 Posted -
09/01/2008
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12:36
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This now supercedes the earlier topic and is specifically aimed at all who are involved, Plus I do not like making spelling mistakes. First of all the current weather forcast for Skipton is: Saturday; showers, high 5, low 2. Sunday; showers, high 7, low 3. Not brilliant, but not like last night when for the first time ever I saw snow being driven horizontaly and illuminated by violent lighting!. With the lack of traffic on the cut at this time we may not have to empty locks before entering. A few tech, bits next. Summit - the highest section of a canal, ours is the highest of all twixt Greenberfield and Barrowford. Top of flight, section above flight, bottom of flight, that section below. This of course becomes in turn the top if you are going down. The section between locks in a flight are called pounds.. Locks have a head; top, and a tail; bottom. Each lock has six "paddles" two of these are ground paddles and are situated at either side in the canal banking above the head gates. These allow water into the lock at low level and are always opened first, some are opened with a lever and the rest with a rack and pinion, operated with a windlass NOT TO BE DROPPED INTO THE CUT, Two more paddles are one in each of the head gates and should not be opened until the water has risen above them, windlass operated, the remaing two are in each of the tail gates. These two need not concern us on this trip When using a windlass, after raising the paddle, engage the "Pawl" on the gear before doing anything else. Never let the weight of the paddle take charge. Safety is paramount, know what you are doing first. Sadly a dropped windless was the cause of multiple deaths at Gargrave a few years ago. Swing bridges, there are quite few between Silsden and Gargrave, some are often open. To open these, first cross the bridge and using a "necklace key" remove the chain device which secures the bridge beam. push the beam to bring the bridge parallel to the cut reducing the effort before helps to prevent the bridge from bouncing back into the path of the oncoming boat, hold the beam until the boat is clear, this caution also aplies to lock gate beams. Returning the bridge is the reversal of this operation. Someone on a bike can be very useful when attempting a "fast passage" but if there are other people about, take your bike over the bridge with you, its not funny when your iron is off down the towpath in the hands of a stranger. Someone on a bike can go ahead and ready the bridge or lock two is even better. I hope that this is of some help to whoever comes along and is unsure of events. But to all who come, Welcome and thank you. Keep safe and as warm and dry as is possible.
thomo
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moh
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Posted - 20/03/2008 : 14:09
Am enjoying your blogs Cally - keep them coming, even if they are good or bad.
Say only a little but say it well  |
Callunna
Revolving Grey Blob
3044 Posts
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Posted - 20/03/2008 : 15:16
Thanks Moh. Writing a blog is quite therapeutic - gets things off your chest which otherwise might fester inside. Trying to put a bit of humour into it takes the edge off any doom & gloom, and when things are going well it's great to share it.
BTW: I've finished the book and really enjoyed reading it. What's the best way to return it to you? If you PM me with your address I could post it, perhaps? |
HerbSG
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Posted - 20/03/2008 : 18:08
Stroll to the Anchor is always a good plan, will do that myself, but not until May 24/25
HERB
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Doc
Keeper of the Scrolls
2010 Posts
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Posted - 20/03/2008 : 22:13
I have just gleaned this from the RYA site regarding Marine Diesel (Red Diesel) and the the pleasure boaters and how it will change from November 1st 2008
Original Link Here
the key features of the new scheme for charging duty on marine diesel to be introduced by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) with effect from 1 November 2008 will be:
• Private users can continue to use marked fuel (red diesel) providing they make a simple declaration to the supplier and pay the full duty rate for heavy oil;
• Registered Dealers in Controlled Oils (RDCOs) will be responsible for declaring the duty collected to HMRC; and,
• Fuel purchased for domestic use (i.e. not for propulsion of the craft) can continue to be purchased at the rebated rate.
HMRC have yet to issue a public statement but have released to the RYA its Impact Assessment which is available in related links above.
Under the new scheme, HMRC envisage that boaters will ‘self declare’ whether they are a commercial or recreational vessel and recreational vessels will pay the full duty rate. Fuel used for heating purposes on board will continue to be sold at the rebated rate of duty and the retailer will take the owner's word, again based on self declaration, on what proportion is for heating or lighting and what is for propulsion.
Dave Fitzgerald, HMRC confirmed that the core policy had been fixed but that they would be working closely with RYA, BMF and other stakeholders in relation to developing the detail of the declaration process and apportionment of fuel for domestic use. Following that consultation process, HMRC will produce comprehensive guidance.
Neil Northmore, the RYA’s Government Affairs Advisor, said: “Since the decision was made to charge a higher rate of duty on red diesel, which required a new regime, we have been working hard with HMRC to find a sensible solution for all.
“Our main concerns were availability and safety, and we were aware that there was a danger that some retailers in more remote areas would simply not bother selling to pleasure boats on the premise that it would be more trouble than it was worth to distinguish between private and commercial craft, and then process the paperwork.”
The onus will be on the owner of the boat to self-declare whether they are a commercial or recreational vessel and pay the appropriate rate of duty at the pump. Anyone falsely declaring they own a commercial vessel may be subject to enforcement action by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs.
Howard Pridding, Executive Director of the British Marine Federation, said:
“While no-one is going to pretend that the duty increase on red diesel is a good thing, we are pleased with how HMRC has managed the consultation process and the position that they have finally adopted. There were real fears that the marine industry would be hit with significantly increased costs and administrative burdens but HMRC has listened to our concerns and come up with a system which the BMF feels able to support.
“The proposed system spreads the burden between boaters and the industry in a fair way and hopefully will ensure that, with the industry able to keep the existing infrastructure, boaters will still be able to access fuel in convenient locations.”
The campaign to secure future diesel supplies for recreational boaters has been running since 2003.
The RYA and BMFs work with the HM Revenue and Customs has been instrumental in ensuring diesel remains available, particularly in remote areas where the priority has always been supplying commercial vessels.
“This solution ticks many of the boxes for recreational boaters. Availability will not be affected, which gets rid of the safety concern, and the potential for reams of paperwork or even registration of craft, to identify commercial vessels from recreational ones, has been minimised” Neil added.
The only real remaining issue is how the impact of increased diesel prices will affect the marine leisure industry and participation. The RYA will continue to work with the Government to assess the impact of this.
TTFN - Doc
Due to the current economic climate, the light at the end of the tunnel has now been switched off.
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Callunna
Revolving Grey Blob
3044 Posts
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Posted - 20/03/2008 : 22:37
It's not a bad solution and seems to have satisfied the canal boat community on the grounds that it could have been much worse. You have to remember that the government didn't introduce this - it was a directive from Brussels.
From our current activity, we probably use 90% of diesel for heating and lighting with the remainder used for the weekly dash to the water filling point, so our costs aren't going to increase dramatically.
Of course, one day we might even use the boat for pleasure ... |
Stanley
Local Historian & Old Fart
36804 Posts
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Posted - 21/03/2008 : 06:48
'seems to have satisfied the canal boat community on the grounds that it could have been much worse'
I think you've hit the nail on the head here Heather. I despair of the modern world when I see weasel legislation like this no matter where it originates. The onus of making this work is shuffled on to the consumers and suppliers and this cost doesn't fall on the legislators and can't be accurately quantified so, if challenged, the bureaucrats can say that there is an increase in revenue. I have little doubt that if the true figures could be used and a proper cost/benefit analysis done the result would be a net loss. The old system was dead easy and everyone understood it. If red diesel was used on the road it carried full duty. If it went in any other tank on a machine not used solely on the road it was rebated. Far too simple for the jobsworths and in the end just another way to get more money out of the pockets of the consumer into taxation revenue. If they came clean about that and raised the duty a penny a gallon they would have got a benefit without all the complication. If steam engines were still being used they'd tax you on the coal or waste wood you burned......
Stanley Challenger Graham
Barlick View
stanley at barnoldswick.freeserve.co.uk |
Stanley
Local Historian & Old Fart
36804 Posts
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Posted - 21/03/2008 : 06:52
PS. I'm still waiting for the first boat to install a heat pump and take advantage of the heat in the water in the canal. Even 'cold' water contains an enormous amount of heat. Now that would definitely work and I suspect the pay-back would be quite quick. As fuel prices go up it would get even more economical. All you need is a fridge unit and a coil in the water.... Blow the hot air from the fan into the boat.
Stanley Challenger Graham
Barlick View
stanley at barnoldswick.freeserve.co.uk |
Callunna
Revolving Grey Blob
3044 Posts
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Posted - 21/03/2008 : 10:21
All you need is a fridge unit and a coil in the water.... Blow the hot air from the fan into the boat.
I await your prototype with interest and anticipation. Patent the idea and you and the rest of your family are set up for life! |
moh
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Posted - 21/03/2008 : 11:48
Pass the book on Cally - let someone else enjoy it.
Say only a little but say it well |
Callunna
Revolving Grey Blob
3044 Posts
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Posted - 21/03/2008 : 19:14
Thanks, Moh. There's a sort of 'swapping library' at the marina so I'll add it to that. I'm sure plenty of fellow boaters will enjoy the book too.
BTW: We have had a whole day without any calamities, problems or even mild inconveniences. Just a pleasant stroll with BK and P down to the Anchor and back, squeezing a couple of pints of Theakston's Mild down me neck while we were there. |
softsuvner
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Posted - 21/03/2008 : 19:33
Call and Stanley
Usual disclaimer about speaking for myself and not for my employer who is only doing what they are told by the Government.
The abuse of rebated fuel ( "Red" diesel to you and me, although it is Green in the Irish Republic) has been a growth industry throughout the new century.
With more people using diesel cars and Chelsea taxis, the whole idea of paying less for your fuel has become very attractive. At one time, you could even buy cheap Irish gas oil (adulterated with various cheap chemicals) in the UK, and the proceeds were going to the usual (paramilitary) suspects.
A few years ago, it got so bad that even Brussels noticed and they had to come up with a "strategy" (we don't have "plans" anymore) to cope.
In the old days of course, checks were carried out by the police and the "gentlemen of the excise" with their vans and collecting bottles. In those days the chief suspects were farmers and the travelling community. These checks had been progressively reduced, in the interests of "value for money", so Government had to come up with new ideas which started with tighter and simpler controls on production and distribution.
This is a long-winded way of pointing out that the new controls for the boating fraternity come at the end of the push to control use of "red" for road vehicles. Any financial benefit to the Treasury will be seen as something of a bonus.
From what Call is saying, HMRC seem to have been unusually sensitive in this matter and should now be thinking as Basil Fawlty said:
" a satisfied customer....we should have him stuffed".
Malcolm
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Big Kev
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Posted - 21/03/2008 : 20:11
quote:
Callunna wrote:
Thanks, Moh. There's a sort of 'swapping library' at the marina so I'll add it to that. I'm sure plenty of fellow boaters will enjoy the book too.
BTW: We have had a whole day without any calamities, problems or even mild inconveniences. Just a pleasant stroll with BK and P down to the Anchor and back, squeezing a couple of pints of Theakston's Mild down me neck while we were there.
A very pleasant afternoon a couple of pints of Deuchars followed by hot cross buns back on board Frabjous Day. The cupboard doors, fitted by the man fron Solsden, look very smart and blend in well with the existing fittings.
Forgot to ask while we were there; any timescales on the bathroom refit?
Big Kev
It doesn't matter who you vote for, you always end up with the government. |
panbiker
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Posted - 21/03/2008 : 21:21
Just read you blog Cally, keep the faith all will be well.
Ian |
Stanley
Local Historian & Old Fart
36804 Posts
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Posted - 22/03/2008 : 06:51
The revenue men were very often seen at Cattle markets. We called them the water diviners.
Stanley Challenger Graham
Barlick View
stanley at barnoldswick.freeserve.co.uk |
Ringo
Site Administrator
3793 Posts
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Posted - 24/03/2008 : 18:36
Sounds like you have been having fun , I have been popping on to the site every now and then over the last month or so but I have only just read your blog as I have been busy knocking down walls, blocking up doorways, making new doorways etc............only a kitchen to fit now!!!
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FRABJOUS DAY, the homecoming.
