Alan B

The Duke at Clifton which is half a mile or so away from the canal at Aynho is recommended. In this year’s Good Beer Guide and regularly serves Turpin’s beers

Should have watched the rugby final between Exeter and Saracens:it was a fantastic game.

I occasionally and irregularly buy one or other of the above magazines in my local WH Smith. Not having seen either publication on the shelves in the last few months, I enquired whether Smiths had stopped selling them. Apparently, these magazines along with half a dozen others are now kept behind the till as they are the most commonly stolen issues if kept on the usual magazine shelves. Two other titles which are obviously equally attractive are “Scooteristl” and “Runner”. Who’d a thought it ??

Pretty certain Droitwich marina would be OK.

In Droitwich the Gardeners Arms is not looked on too favourably. Better to try the Talbot or Hop Pole which is a regular Good Beer Guide entry.

£4.30 for Doom Bar in the Eagle and Sun !

If venturing into Stourbridge itself, then can recommend the Duke William, a Craddocks house.

The barge canal.

Walking along the Droitwich yesterday afternoon, I saw quite a large land slippage about 300 yards west of Bridge 3 on the non-towpath side. It doesn’t affect navigation at the moment but looking at it, trees, shrubs and earth look very unstable and could easily block the waterway. I reported this to CRT about 4pm and had a holding reply before 5. Then this morning, received a further communication saying the local chaps have been advised and will take a look. Quite impressed.

Further down the W & B, The Bridge at Tibberton has recently been refurbished and has a new landlord, previously at the Alma in Worcester. AlthoughI have not yet been in, initial reports are promising.

Our syndicate ( not Carefree ), holds an AGM and amongst general topics, where to base the boat is always discussed. It was decided to remain at our current base for one more year so undoubtedly we will move on in 2019. We are quite happy with the management company operation & their boats are based across a wide selection of marinas.

We have a managed boat share ( albeit not with Carefree ). This year we have two consecutive weeks in May and one at the end of September. There are usually winter weeks available on a first come first served basis. In fact, 2 years ago we spent a very pleasant Christmas on board and as Haggis said, with a fire and/or central heating going, there's no need to fear a bit of chill. Makes the weed hatch inspection fun though.