plaicemat

Congratulations, you've caught Tony up; I'm your next target. There's a bottle of red with your name on it for tonight.

Have a good one, Brian. Cake and wine are recommended, nay, obligatory.

For those who are interested in writing, the Ministers address is: George Eustace, M.P., Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3JR. I have also appended a personal preface to the letter which I think is important to avoid the 'snowstorm' approach; it actually has to be read. Here is mine: Dear Sir, I would be obliged if you could answer the following points for me please. This stems from my personal disgust at the way that the Government in particular and the EU in general have treated the matter of bass stocks around our shores. It has been stated that they are in a state of serious decline yet absolutely nothing will be achieved by the new regulations to change this. As a recreational angler who spends a lot of money on his hobby, I feel that we are being forced to limit our catches, which I have no problem with, to ensure greater catches by the fishing industry. Not fair, not justifiable and definitely not in the interests of bass stocks!

So can I!

O/k, update. I have spoken to the marine director at Indespension and he informs me that I can get the complete kit, which includes side and front marker lights (these have to be included to keep the integrity of the wiring loom). It will, apparently, utilise the threaded hole that at present holds the bolt with the round handle that clamps the lighting board brackets. So far, all good. Downside, £320 plus v.a.t! As I can get a set of submersible lights, loom etc (without marker lights which I have managed without so far) for about £65, I think I am probably back to manufacturing my own system. More to follow.

Done, awaiting replies.

The petition has failed. Well, there's a surprise then! Apparently, we've all got it wrong and everything is o/k. Phew, that's a relief.

I'll see what I can do Rob.

Thanks for that info Sam, I am now looking at making plastic brackets attached with S/S fixings. I'll keep you informed how I get on, others may be interested.

Thanks for your input Ian, very informative. I am now going to check to see if the square number plates that used to be used on vans quite a lot are still legal, I think one of these would be easier to fit than the usual rectangular one. TrailerTek seem to do a kit that would answer, about £65.00 for the kit.

Thanks for the input Sam. Rob, what I'm trying to avoid is just another trailer board which I have to remove. The ones I am talking about are permanent brackets that bolt to the trailer and then tuck out of the way when launching.

O/k, I'm probably the last to work this out but I've just discovered there are LED lights for trailers which you leave on the trailer when launching/retrieving. I wonder if these can be fitted retrospectively to my older Indespension trailer as Indespension sell them on a board which will presumably have to be removed for launching. On their new trailers they are fitted to a bracket which tucks away when launching http://www.indespension.co.uk/25-boat-trailers. I can't seem to get any sense out of Indespension as to whether or not I can fit these. Can I get something made and galvanised?

There has always been legislation to stop these buggers, to sell fish, one's boat has to be licenced so they are breaking the law. I wait with baited breath to see if the authorities stop every recreational fishing boat (or even a few of them) going into Christchurch harbour to check how many bass they have. I would imagine that the first person who spots them checking will broadcast this on the marine band so any wrongdoers will just ditch their catch.

You have to come to the Fishermen's Christmas Party to learn those sort of secrets, Dave.

I could be tempted Martin except for the fact I've got a throat lurgie which I'm sure our esteemed chairman's wife, Lorraine, passed on to me. Thanks!! Keep me informed.

A very merry Christmas to all you folks who are members of the forum but not the club (why not?). You will have missed the jollity of the members part of the forum but you're not forgotten. Have a great day.

And combined with pureed chestnuts, hyperfart! It's worth it though and the effects soon pass (as it were).

..........and Lo! it was good. Followed by whisky fruit cake accompanied by a nice single malt supplied by No.1. daughter. Mmmmmm!

Only a 'normal' birthday but enjoyable all the same. Tonight I get to cook for the family to celebrate MY birthday, how does that work? Jerusalem artichoke and chestnut soup, duck breasts and rillettes of confit duck leg with butter softened savoy cabbage and creamed potatoes. I do spoil them.

Aw! Thanks you guys, you're the best. Had a great day including lunch with some young friends and their new bairn and yes, cake and beer have been consumed. No change there then. Now I just want to go fishing, is that too much to ask?

Regretably, I'm promised to my daughter this weekend for a major garden refit at her house.

Total time taken about 3½ hours so not too onerous.

Just given the trailer it's annual service, a big one this year, decided to give it a treat. As well as all the usual stuff I also fitted new drums, brake shoes and bearings. The drums were absolutely held together with rust but the bearings, the originals from 2001, were still pristine. Hopefully, this will keep things going for a bit longer.

..........and Rob buys new members drinks for the night.

...............and one at Mudeford quay, there are a few 'dodgy' characters fishing out of there. Alun excluded, of course.