Sailing around outer and inner South Walsham Broads in this morning’s breeze after a long night’s sleep and recovery before heading for the River Ant, stopping at Ludham Bridge for fuel and provisions and then carrying on to moor at How Hill. There to be damaged by a rogue hire cruiser but with witnesses so that we could report the incident to the river inspectors. On to Sutton Staithe for a nice meal and bedtime for us all after hearing that fishing has been poor this year. The Law Lords were narrowly split 3-2 in upholding the government’s suppression of the Spy-Catcher revelations, news has emerged about Cleveland Child Abuse Dr Manelfa Higgs being at loggerheads with the police and 10% of the workforce remain unemployed
Had a sound and long night’s sleep and was the last awake for a change. Di used the excuse of my convalescence to keep the girls at bay, but I was fine this morning. I did take a while to get washed and dressed for breakfast, but this was only laziness. Joined the table last and adhered to my wheat & bran flakes to aid my figure and sustain my recovery. The breeze had sprung up this morning and so Daniel and I rigged up the Blue Peter and we got ready for sailing. I took it out first, but had to come back for my waterproofs when it first started to rain slowly and then poured. I was unaffected with this protection and sailed all over the outer and inner South Walsham Broads before the breeze died away.
This is truly a lovely resort, with herons, cormorants, as well as the common water birds. It is such a pity that the water quality supports little life. I then used the dinghy to clean round The Lady’s hull, weighed anchor and brushed the roofs and decks down, as Di took the helm and headed for the River Ant. Problems when we came to Ludham Bridge, where Di’s helmsmanship was again tested, but we moored at the boatyard after and bought diesel, calor gas and provisions. On to How Hill and, the rain now having eased, we took the nature walk and, despite Della moaning about the exertion and the gnats biting, we enjoyed it. Unfortunately, a rogue cruiser had ploughed through the mooring whilst we were away and crashed our boats together in its horrific wake. At least this was witnessed and we reported the matter to the River Inspectors. Slowly on to Sutton Staithe and had a nice meal at the Staithe Hotel before bedtime. Main news today is of a serious security breach, as the Irish holiday plans of the British Ambassador are published. Price announcements today on the new British Telecom telephone charges, which are increased at the end of the year when customers have been dissatisfied with their service and charges. Senior Lawlord, Lord Bridge, has said that the government’s plans to suppress news coverage of Spy Catcher is the first step down the road to totalitarianism. Lawlords were split 3-2 in narrowly upholding the government’s position. The Cleveland child abuse enquiry revealed today how Dr Manelfa Higgs had been at loggerheads with the local police. Unemployment trends remain downwards, but still 10%+ of the workforce are out of work and production levels are still not back up to their 1979 levels. US President Reagan has answered his critics in public for the first time in a while and, though he made a slick appearance, few people are converted in their views and original convictions are reinforced. The Gulf situation is unchanged with another mine being found today, just outside the straits of Harmuz. Work continues at Rosyth base on the preparations for the British minesweeping ships. Barclays bank have taken over the sponsorship of the Football League after Murdoch’s today’s takeover and cancellation of the advertising contract. After today’s rain, we are supposed to be in for a mild, if foggy, night and tomorrow is forecast to be mainly dry, which will be welcome. The rain returned again this evening after our meal for a while, which may do the water quality some good. Spoke to some anglers this evening that all tell of the poor sport this year, which is a shame for the youngsters.