plaicemat

Now that really is a useful link, Thank you. Terry

I've got one here waiting for you, Adam, just got to get it down. Couldn't make the meeting so will be down when the weather bucks up and for the BBQ. Are you going? Let me know if you've changed your mind. Terry.

Taken. Terry.

I know it's a bit late but I've been let down by my crew for tomorrow and unless I can get a replacement PDQ, will have to cancel the day, which would be a shame. Anyone fancy a day out from Christchurch tomorrow, probably targetting bass? Terry.

Happy as a dog with two tails (or dragon in your case). Come on, wake up! Even I got that one. Terry.

I'm surpised Deb lets you get away with stinking the place out, Alun. I throw mine in the freezer until bin day. However, yours is probably too full of fish! Terry.

Did you tell them you are a member of PBSBAC and get the discount? Terry.

I paid

I can get you Max Milers (dedicated trailer tyres), 8 ply (stronger than re-inforced, apparently) at

Must have more years,

Also, you may have got hold of a welding kit but , can you weld. To do it properly is not just a case of touch the two together and away it goes. You don't want it falling apart when you subject it to the weight of the boat. Of course, if you are a skilled welder, then, orft you jolly well go. Terry.

Rob, contact Geoff at adou34@ukgateway.net, he has all the spares you could need. He will need the plate size of your tabs. He is very helpful and obliging. Terry.

Good Lord! A bit like buses, they all come at once. The 18th June must traditionally be a bad night on the telly to account for this ugly rush of birthdays. Have a very happy day chaps; those who do, take a day off work and Alun, well, just another day really. Have you played with those new reels yet? Terry.

Well, I've certainly got a lot to be going on with there and I'm sure some others have learnt something too. Yes, Charlie, I know we have testing fish over here but I don't tend to fish for them; congers and the like really don't do it for me but, hey, we're all different. I just tend to prefer lighter weight sport fishing which has probably developed from my game fishing pursuits. I used to enjoy a good tug but not so much these days. I'll leave them to the alpha hunters like the Chapman clan. As I am having to keep my leg elevated this week, I will have plenty of time to practice sigs, yukatons et al to my hearts content and give them a good testing. There is no doubt that knot development has certainly marched on compared to a few years ago when we all managed with two or three. Thanks again everyone. Terry.

I think Adam has summed up the weekend very well, apart from the fact that I missed out on the turbot; bugger! Well, I'll make up for it next time if and when it happens. Dave tried really hard to make it happen for me but I let him down. Sorry. Also, apologies for the skip diving episode at the end of the trip. I would like to thank Dave and Phil for being so considerate to my incapacity, I was really suffering with my knee and am beginning to despair of it improving; I hope I'm proved wrong. Dave proved to be a first class and knowledgeable skipper who didn't put a foot wrong the whole 3 days. Very impressed. If anyone is looking for company on a return trip, put me down without even checking, I'll be there. Terry.

A New International Alert Level Has Been Reached The British are feeling the pinch in relation to recent terrorist threats in Islamabad and have raised their security level from "Miffed" to "Peeved." Soon, though, security levels may be raised yet again to "Irritated" or even "A Bit Cross." Brits have not been "A Bit Cross" since the blitz in 1940 when tea supplies all but ran out. Terrorists have been re-categorized from "Tiresome" to a "Bloody Nuisance." The last time the British issued a "Bloody Nuisance" warning level was during the great fire of 1666. The French government announced yesterday that it has raised its terror alert level from "Run" to "Hide". The only two higher levels in France are "Collaborate" and "Surrender." The rise was precipitated by a recent fire that destroyed France 's white flag factory, effectively paralysing the country's military capability. It's not only the French who are on a heightened level of alert. Italy has increased the alert level from "Shout loudly and excitedly" to "Elaborate Military Posturing." Two more levels remain: "Ineffective Combat Operations" and "Change Sides." The Germans also increased their alert state from "Disdainful Arrogance" to "Dress in Uniform and Sing Marching Songs." They also have two higher levels: "Invade a Neighbour" and "Lose". Belgians, on the other hand, are all on holiday as usual, and the only threat they are worried about is NATO pulling out of Brussels . The Spanish are all excited to see their new submarines ready to deploy. These beautifully designed subs have glass bottoms so the new Spanish navy can get a really good look at the old Spanish navy. Americans meanwhile are carrying out pre-emptive strikes, on all of their allies, just in case. And at a local level... New Zealand has also raised its security levels

You've been busy and I'm sure will be even more elated when you finally get afloat. And it looks like you've been spoilt as well with the new toys. I look forward to seeing the finished result out in the bay somewhere. Terry.

Right, thanks for all that good advise chaps, as usual. I think I will reverse the line to be sure (good money saving tip which I had forgotten) and double the knot for extra strength. I'll let you know if it doesn't work. I would prefer to continue with the albright knot as I know how to tie it, the one Dave gave me being a bit more complex therefore increasing the chance of messing it up. So, when anyone's ready to go to Alderney again, I would like to give it a good testing. Terry.

Nice thought Alun but it was a different reel on the heavier outfit. The more I think about it, it was not the knot undoing, it was the braid snapping. Perhaps the line isn't as heavy as I thought and the nylon is too much for it. Dave showed me a knot, with instructions, and I tried it and it was fine but quite bulky. Don't know what it was called. Terry.

That's uncanny, must be a clone. Great outfit and what a superb trailer. I'd be happy to own a boat like that. Terry.

This could be construed about casting aspersions, though. I've got your number, Mr. Francis! Terry. I knew you would be so cruel, Charlie, so relax, I won't be sending the boys round.

I can assure you Tom that I am tying it right, I've been a knot man for more years than I care to remember and can follow instructions. Some of my mountain knots have to be reliable for more than a big fish. I put 10 turns around, perhaps not enough, and am very particular about where the tag end goes. Perhaps there is too much discrepancy between the two breaking strains; I dont know but have never had one part before. One further thought that just occured to me, perhaps the braid has degarded and become weaker, it's been on there about 4 years, and it is always the braid that parts; I don't even get any twisted bits back that shows the knot has unravelled. Isn't it great when you can discuss these things. Thank you. Terry.

O/k, what knots do you bright sparks use for joining braid to nylon. I have been using an Albright knot for years which has always proved adequate but not, apparently when dealing with tope. I had several break-offs in Alderney and need a substitute. Terry.

Try here, Adam, Gelcoat repairs.. If it's a little deeper, go to Fibreglass repairs. Fill first, then gel coat; as in everything, to get the best results requires good preparation. Good luck. Terry. By the way, the examples are from producers of the materials so substitute the brand you get here.

Someone is trying to be contentious. She hasn't been anywhere apart with me since she left the Norfolk Broads and her first owner. It's just that when I bought my Warrior, everyone assumed I would do the normal thing and sell the other one. I forgot! There was talk of my son taking her over but, as nothing was done, I decided to sell. And with such a good and loving home for her to go to, I'm not at all sad to see her go. Enjoy with a clear mind, Adam, and don't listen to the stirrers, especially the ones who don't remember her from when I was using her! Terry.