Aqueduct Marina News archive

Welcome

We are delighted to welcome Nick Beech to our office team. Nick has plenty of boating experience and has previously worked at the Anderton Boat Lift, Harrall Brokerage and Orchard Marina. We are sure he will soon feel at home at Aqueduct Marina and we hope he will soon settle in. Nick will be working around the brokerage as well as helping out in other areas as necessary. He has already been seen with a hard hat lifting a boat with the gantry.

Fond farewell but not goodbye

David Owen-Roberts retired on 14th of September. During the past 2½ years David has, through his IT and management skills, helped with the design of our website and brochures and was instrumental in setting up both the brokerage and the trade shows. David’s wife Chris has worked in the background improving and constructing the monthly newsletter and getting us on the map with various articles and press releases, which she will continue to do. Our thanks to them for both their commitment and enthusiasm; enjoy your retirement and don’t be strangers.

Entrance Widening

The contractors have arrived on site and initial site works have started. A roadway is being laid to give access to the Marina entrance from the driveway. Once the access track had been finished, work will start with sheet piles being driven into the ground on the western side of the entrance. The concrete capping will then be formed over the new sheet pile and the clay between the old and new entrance sheet piles will then be removed.

The final, most intricate and difficult bit will start on 7th November when the entrance will be closed for 4 weeks. During this time a clay dam will be formed on the inside and outside of the entrance, the water pumped out of the entrance gap and a new concrete base will be laid in the bottom of the new widened entrance. If all goes according to plan the entrance should be open again on Monday 5th December.

If you plan to take your boat out cruising during the closure the canal bank along the marina front will be available for mooring. We will be able to carry out pump outs and diesel refuelling on the canal front using our mobile diesel bowser and tanker. If you would like your boat to be moored on the canal during the closure please get in touch so that we can ensure it is moved before the entrance is closed.

Your cooperation during this period is very much appreciated and hopefully the work can be carried out with as little disturbance as possible. The reception, cafe, workshops, storage yard, boat painting, boat repairs, blacking, chandlery in workshop 1 and every other aspect of the Marina business will still be operating during the closure. If you require anything please call.

Dates for your Diary

Return of the Jam Night
Saturday 24th September, 7.30 pm - midnight with music from The Marina Blues Band and Rob Adair’s Rock Band, free entrance, food and bar available.

The Crafters’ Halloween Party
Sunday 30th October 4pm ‘til late, bring along food and drink. This is a fancy dress affair so a donation to charity will apply if you chose not to dust off your witch’s outfit. It will be held in the room to the left of The Galley and everyone is welcome.

The Crafters’ Christmas Fair
Saturday 12th November 10.00 am – 4.00 pm. A great opportunity to do a little Christmas shopping in a calm and pleasant environment, again this will be held in the room to the left of The Galley.

Boat Painting

Stephen Wallace has been getting steadily more booked up over the summer and our next available slot is in April 2012. In addition, we have several quotes out with potential customers.

If you are considering a complete boat repaint or even just a partial roof and decks repaint, we are happy to quote for any work large or small and can schedule around your boating calendar. However, for painting jobs, please plan ahead.

Hull Blackings, gunwale painting (preferably matt black) and tunnel bands repainting we can still do as required without much notice.

Monthly Winter Boat Checks

Please let us know if you would like to use this service. It covers topping up of your electric meter and checking engine bilges on uncovered semi-trads and cruisers. There is no charge so if you would like to take advantage of this service, please e-mail Sue on sue.m@aqueductmarina.co.uk

Winterisation

Where did the summer go? Yes, it is time to think about winterising your boat if you intend leaving it empty for any lengthy period over the winter. Remember, last year the cold weather came quite early and several people were caught out.

One or two overnight frosts are unlikely to do any damage, but it is wise to isolate your water supply and leave all taps open. In our experience the most vulnerable parts of the system are shower mixer taps and water filter cartridges. The former can usually be safe if they are fully opened and the water allowed to drain out. The same goes for mixer taps. Make sure the shower head is empty too. Water filters are either a screw-in cartridge type or a screw-in container with a cartridge within. In either case remove and drain out the water. Put the cartridge somewhere obvious so you don’t turn on the water with it unattached!

If you are planning to leave you boat for an extended period then a full winterisation is recommended. This comprises draining the system including the calorifier and water pumps. The main water tank is normally safe but it is safer to remove most of the water.

The Marina offers a full winterisation service and if you would like more details please contact reception or Workshop One.

Boat Cleaning

Following the rigours of a Summer’s boating, you may like to take advantage of our boat interior cleaning service. Anything from a good clean-through to a more vigorous deep-clean by our own experienced Hygiene Technician (Julie). Please contact Reception for details.

Workshop One

Need something for your boat? Workshop One stocks a comprehensive range of items for your boat including service items such as filters etc. for a wide range of engines. We also stock electrical and plumbing fittings as well as mechanical spares. Anything not in stock can be obtained in a few days and delivered to the Marina. Discuss your requirements with Paul, Joe or Phil who also have an extensive range of skills between them and will be more than happy to help you.

Find us on the corner of the workshop block nearest the car park. Workshop one is probably Aqueduct Marina’s best kept secret!

Car Park Repairs

The overflow car park behind the bin compound is being re-graded with a view to hopefully being tarmacked in the near future.

If you have a vehicle in this area, please leave your keys and registration number with reception

Brokerage Update

It has been another busy month for Aqueduct Brokerage with high sales and an increase in our customer base. With steady growth since opening in 2009, we now have 20 boats on brokerage at any one time compared with 12 - 16 this time last year. Our Direct Dial number is 01270 525046.

Woody's Winning Dogs

Woody is very proud of his dogs, Ted and Dee, who both had second place at the Lurcher Show in August.

New Equipment

We have purchased new equipment and software that enables us check and amend the factory setting of Victron chargers & inverters. In particular we can check if it is set for gel batteries rather than lead acid.  If set wrongly the batteries never reaching the fully charged status.  If you are experiencing problems with your batteries please ask at reception.

We also now have the equipment to carry out Webasto diagnostics to enable us to pin down faults and optimise the settings.

Staff Change

Phil Langley, who has been working for us part time while he completed his education at Reaseheath College, has joined us on a full-time basis from 18th July. His skills range from engineering to carpentry and he will be working alongside Joe and Paul.

Fender Workshop

Following the success of last year’s fender workshop Dave Walker will be holding another on the 17th September 2011. Dave will supply tools and materials, the fee is £40 and at the end of the day you will walk away with a small button fender hand crafted by yourself. Please contact reception to book a place.

Capping Beam Repairs

The repairs to the capping beams will be completed very soon, weather permitting. Thank you to everyone on D and C jetties for your co-operation.

Boaters’ Bash and Open Day

Boaters’ Bash

The musicians who played at the Boaters’ Bash went down very well. Russ Smith, BSC surveyor and his new band Fire On The Mountain, had only performed twice before. With the exception of Russ and Dave the 3 other members of the band are all in their 20’s so they should have a very successful musical career ahead of them. Chris Moran with his band The Jacks played popular covers which, during the second set, found the audience moving from toe tapping to full on John Travolta. Where’s the camera when you need it most... The Galley provided a wonderful buffet and regardless of how many times you replenished your plate there were plenty of leftovers. Thank you to the Galley team for a great buffet.

Open Day

On the Open Day we were blessed with lovely weather and a fantastic turnout. There are no words to express how amazing the volunteers were and all of the stands were much enjoyed by everyone who attended. Many of the demonstrations were of waterway related and other crafts as well as many other activities and hobbies that interested adults and children alike. The food stalls, boat trips, birds of prey and model boats all helped to add colour and interest to a truly fabulous day out. Altogether the day helped to raise a massive £2,572.22 for the chosen charity, Alzheimer’s Society and we would like to express our grateful thanks to all those who took part and helped to make the 2011 Open Day such a success.

Apart from the fun and frolics, the boat jumble, for those who participated, went well – Andy Peever had a very diverse collection!! This is the second annual Open day and we have had a lot of kind comments. If you have any suggestions for improvements or additions for next year please let us know.

Eureauweb

We now have a copy of “Water-Way” running in Reception.  This programme is a detailed waterways map and route planner for the canals and covers the whole country.  It is based on the Nicholson’s maps, with the advantage of being updated on a monthly basis.  You are welcome to try it out and if you are interested in your own copy we have all the details.

IMPORTANT NEWS: Marina Developments

Over the next few months we will be carrying out a few works around the marina that you need to be aware of. Some are ‘snags’ from the construction projects (the capping beam and entrance widening), some are improvements (car parking) and some due to business growth (more boat storage yard space). Please read this letter and if you have any concerns or require any more information please get in touch.  

Capping Beams Repair
The concrete capping beams which edge D and C jetties are to be repaired in the middle of July. The operation will involve scabbling back the loose top layer and recapping. We will move boats on these jetties away from the edges while the scabbling is taking place to ensure there is no risk to boats and boaters. Our main request is that any safety notices are respected.

Marina Entrance
We have secured an agreement from the parties involved allowing for widening of the marina entrance. This is predicted to be a 12 week programme with the marina entrance being closed for 3 - 4 weeks. The contractors are due to arrive on site in early September with the entrance being closed in November to coincide with the BW winter closure season. If you are planning to leave on, or return from, a cruise during November we will be using the canal side linear mooring temporarily to hold boats; we will also be able to get to the canal bank with diesel and pump out as required.

All the entrance widening works will take place on the western side of the existing entrance, with construction traffic having access across the pony paddock to the main driveway. Obviously this means the area to the west of the entrance and next to the wetland area will be fenced off and not accessible during the construction period. There will be some noise/vibration from the sheet piling that will be taking place and the general noise of plant and machinery in operation. We have asked that all works are carried out at sensible times so as not to spoil everyone’s enjoyment of the marina. We are sure that everyone will agree that the existing entrance is a bit tight and that the short term inconvenience of the entrance closure will be worthwhile. If you have any cruising planned in November or any other concerns please get in touch. The marina, cafe, boat storage and boat repair services will all remain open during the entire period. With a fair wind, good planning and flexibility by everyone we should be able to carry out the works without too many problems!

Car Parks
The car park nearest the bin compound is due to be tidied up, regraded and hopefully tarmaced in September, by the same contractors who are doing the entrance widening. This should increase the amount of car parking spaces we have within the marina by 20 -30 spaces. If you intend leaving your car there while you are away cruising please check with reception and leave a key. The short-term (up to 2 hours) car park by A + B jetty will be resurfaced at a later date, finances allowing!

We ask that everyone respects any safety signs limiting access in the interest of the contractors, yours and our own welfare. All the marina staff have attended a basic first aid course and we hope not to have to use the training. Thank you for your cooperation in advance.

Boaters’ Bash

Saturday 23rd July 2011 sees this year’s summer event. Tickets on sale now, £17.50, to include welcoming drink plus extensive buffet. Music by “Fire on the Mountain” (country) and “The Jacks” (“60’s to Naughties”). The event profits will go towards sponsoring Tony and Sarah Greenwood (Miss Eva) on their charity walk in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society. The last two years were sold out so please book early to confirm your tickets.

Marina Open Day

As in 2010, the Boaters’ Bash will be followed on Sunday 24th July 2011 by the Marina Open Day. This year we will have a Boat Jumble - 20 places available, £5.00 per table.

Engineering Training

Paul, Joe and Phil have been on a Vetus training day and are now approved service engineers. Paul and Joe have also been on a Webasto training day.

James’ Boat Trip

James Harris invited his college friends from Reaseheath to join him on a trip from the marina to Cholmondeston Lock and back. They had a photo treasure hunt quiz to complete along the way, which meant they had to pay attention all of the time. Two of James’s friends turned out to be keen helmsmen, steering The Lady Ann to give Geoff a break. Some brought a picnic to eat on the boat, others had a meal in the galley afterwards. Everyone is looking forward to doing it again and also coming to the marina’s Open Day in July (Lady Ann D11).

Farewell and Welcome

A warm welcome to: Ron Handfield nb Nefoedd BN11 and Mr Naden nb Dame Wanda BS14.

New Benches

We have ordered a large bench and a picnic table with wheelchair access, paid for with money raised by the Crafters. Both the bench and the table are made from recycled rubber and plastic, which is a great way of re-using two products that are a huge environmental problem – a big thank you to the Aqueduct Crafters group.

Canal Map software on display in reception

Purchased at Crick, it is a great piece of software enabling you to plan cruising routes, find services, street maps and much more. It is based on the Nicholson’s Guides but gives you more information and by simply emailing the company, any additions or corrections can be added instantly rather than waiting for the next publication. We will shortly have it on display in reception.

Annual Boaters’ Bash

Saturday 23rd July 2011 sees this year’s summer event. Tickets on sale soon, £17.50, to include welcoming drink plus extensive buffet. Music by “Fire on the Mountain” (country) and “The JAKS” (“60's to Naughties”). The event profits will go towards sponsoring Tony and Sarah Greenwood (Miss Eva) on their charity walk in aid of the Alzheimer's Society.

Marina Open Day

As in 2010, the Boaters’ Bash will be followed on Sunday 24th July 2011 by the Marina Open Day. This year we will have a Boat Jumble - 20 places available, £5.00 per table.

Other Events

17 & 18th September - Dave Walker fender-making course. 6 people per day, 10.00 am – 3.00 pm, £40 per day. If you would like to attend please advise the office.

Congratulations

Drew and Alison Monroe (Dawn Adventure on hard standing) on the birth of their daughter, Shauna born on 26th April 2011 and Judith Lowe nb Kalamazoo C3 on becoming a grandma, Elvie 7lbs 9ozs born on the 11th May 2011.

Farewell and Welcome

A warm welcome to: Sue Meads and Colin Shearer nb Thats D’ericulous, Mr and Mrs Trimmings nb Second Time Around A9, Robin and Helen Jones nb Beattie BS16.

Fond farewell to: Andy and Jane Taylor nb The Edge have left the marina to start a new career managing a 9 boat hire fleet in Oxford, we wish them well and will miss them both.

Holiday Cottage and B & B

Brook Cottage, a traditional, 3 bedroomed, black & white Cheshire cottage close to the village of Church Minshull and run by Robert and Andrea, is available for short breaks and holidays. B & B is also available in the farmhouse. Contact the office for more information and booking.

Boat Cleaning Service

Need a good clean after cruising, or want to prepare your boat for sale? We can offer a boat cleaning service to prepare the inside of your boat; anything from a basic dusting and vacuuming to deep cleaning. Prices from £30. Please ask at reception.

Crafters' Wedding Party

This proved very popular among both royalists and republicans alike and a good party spirit was enjoyed by all. The weather held, the bunting stayed attached and the gazebos held fast. The crafters supplied a sumptuous buffet in addition to the jugs of Pimm's and picnic hampers brought along the guests. It was a lovely way for both new and old moorers to get to know one another. The crafters would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who attended, they were very pleasantly surprised by the numbers.

Boat Services Available at Aqueduct Marina

Painting: Although Steve is kept busy with full boat painting we are happy to quote for part painting jobs such as:
Repainting the roof
Name panels and sign writing
Gunwales repainted in gloss or matt black (ideally done when reblacked)
Tunnel bands and bow name panels with decoration and/or sign-writing
Please ask at reception if you require a quote.

Boat amendments: In addition to repairs, we can also do a number of other jobs to enhance the enjoyment of your boat. These include:
Replacing or moving radiators
Fitting water filters
Extra internal lighting and sockets
Pull-out bed extensions
Dinettes
Boat Stretching
And much much more...

Changes to the Marina Site

Car Park Surfacing: The short term car park by A & B jetties and the long term car park to the east of the marina are to be surfaced in the near future. If you are leaving a car in the long term car park while you are away please leave a key with Reception. We will put up notices on the car parks in advance of the work being started.

Entrance Structure: Plans are moving ahead for the marina entrance from the canal to be widened from its current 3 metres to 5 metres to make it much easier to get in and out. Work is likely to go ahead well after the cruising season ends, probably in November. It will require the entrance to be closed to boats for a short period; plenty of notice will be given nearer the time assuming we get a final agreement.

Boat Storage Extension: The yard is currently being surveyed in preparation for the changes in layout. The storage/shot blasting shed is due to be taken down shortly and the area prepared for more boat storage. It is hoped that disruption will be kept to a minimum. For the time being, please do not park close to the shed unless you are on site.

Lonely Hearts

Swan update: Our resident swan still hasn't managed to pull – perhaps we should send him into Nantwich on a Friday night, or a singles night in the cafe. David Cookson 'the swan man' came along just after Easter to enquire if the female had returned and armed with a loaf of bread and his hook attempted to catch our swan to ring him. Bread was gratefully received but he was told by the swan in no uncertain terms what he could do with the hook

Laundry and Shower Facilities

During the Galley opening times, when reception is closed, can we ask all moorers to please use the rear entrance for access to the toilet/shower and laundry facilities. The Galley staff have received a complaint from a customer who was enjoying an evening meal when several people used the café entrance as a short cut, passing his table with bags of laundry and shower bags/towels.

Gentle Reminders

Following the marina's anniversary in February we are pleased to welcome a number of new moorers. This is therefore a good time to mention a few points to help prevent anyone falling out with their neighbours.

Maintenance Berths: If you are planning on doing any work on your boat, please arrange for the use of a maintenance berth near the slipway. These are available free of charge for up to a week. Out of respect for your neighbours, please do not do any dirty, dusty or noisy jobs on berths within the marina, particularly sanding and grinding the boat exterior.

Dogs: Please keep dogs on a lead at all times within the marina. Dogs can be let off their leads in the field on the eastern side. Please always pick up after your dog and use the dog waste bins provided.

Car Parking: The narrow car park by jetties A & B is for short term use only, primarily for loading and unloading. Please use the long-term car park behind the bin compound or the main central car park. If you own a camper van please tell us which one is yours so we can check we are not being used for unauthorised storage.

Showers: Please keep the shower area clean, in particular please don't put shoes up on the stools. No showering of dogs! We were disappointed to note the disappearance one night of some of the shower fittings from the gents and we hope there will not be a recurrence of such theft.

Reception opening times
Monday to Friday 9-5
Saturday and Bank Holidays 9 – 4.30
Sunday 10 – 4

Rubbish compound: Whilst we appreciate Bank Holidays are going to result in more refuse than normal, if the bins are full please do not simply leave your bags and bottles on the ground. Please keep them on board your boat or arrange to deposit them at an official waste collection site. In addition we are still being left with items that are not domestic rubbish; this week's item that stood out was an old and well used Porta Potty. Please take items such as these to your nearest Council Refuse Depot.

Chandlery/Stores

We are now stocking a wide range of items in Workshop One. These include plumbing and electrical fittings, filters, engineering supplies, anodes, batteries and much, much more. A few items are also held in reception. If we don't have what you need in stock we can usually get items from the main suppliers within a few days, so please just ask.

Monthly Boat Checks

Over the winter we carried out monthly boat checks for those who requested them. This consisted of checking the electrical supply and meter balance and doing an external check on the boat. We will continue to do this throughout the summer if required, and will also top up meters on your behalf if they are running low. Please see Sue if you would like to join this service, either every month or just for a few months when you are away.

Brokerage Update

Brokerage: Boat sales continue to go very well with six boats sold in March and three boats sold in the week up to Easter alone. The new Aqueduct Aintree boat continues to generate a lot of interest, so if you know anyone who is looking for a boat, send them in to Chris. He would love to talk with you. Our new Direct Dial number is 01270 525046.

New Boat Services Website

In addition to our Marina and Brokerage websites, we now have a new website dedicated to Boat Services. Do take a look at www.aqueductboatservices.co.uk. If you have any comments, good or bad, please contact David.

Staff Training Day

All full-time staff will be attending an “Emergency First Aid” course on 21st April. The Marina Reception will be covered by Andrew and David on that day.

The Galley

Weekend Opening Hours
The Galley is now open from 10.00 am - 10.30 pm Fridays and Saturdays and 10.00 am - 5.00 pm on Sundays. On Friday and Saturday The Galley closes for food between 4.30 pm and 6.30 pm - drinks available throughout. New menu now available. Booking is always advisable, phone 01270 525043.

Jam Night
On Saturday 7th May there will be another of our successful Jam Nights in the Galley. Meals will be served from 7.30 pm, entertainment starts at 8.30 pm, prebooking required, phone 01270 525043.

Workshops and Recent Work

The Marina has seen a busy month with the sale of six boats completed by Aqueduct Brokerage during March. Other work includes a new shell being prepared for lining out, the roof painted on Turks Head, a repaint for Charlotte Bunn, new matt black gunwales for All Day Breakfast and Mark Sherratt doing some internal work on Serengeti. The workshops are fairly well booked over the next couple of months so if you are planning any work on your boat get it booked in now.

Lonely Hearts

Swan update! The nest is built but the missus has so far failed to turn up...

Tigger the Cat

Elizabeth (Robert’s nine year old daughter) has a new kitten, Tigger. He is just getting used to life on the outside so please, if he ventures along to your boat, do not feed him and please check your speed especially on the corner by the farmhouse...

Bins

We will soon be changing to a new collection company that recycles over 60% of the waste, so saving on landfills. Therefore please put domestic waste only into the large bins and not off-cuts of wood or metal and definitely not oil fired heaters!

New Legal Requirement

If your boat is your primary residence, i.e. you spend more than 6 months of the year aboard, to ensure you are fully covered by your insurance it is essential that you have a bubble tester fitted in your gas locker or a gas detector with remote bilge sensor.

Failure to comply with this will result in your insurance becoming null and void. Therefore should a gas incident occur your, and any other boat you may damage, would not be covered.

Whilst bubble testers are cheaper than a good gas alarm, there is usually much more involved in their fitting than installing an alarm. Also a gas alarm will monitor the boat continuously whilst a bubble tester will only give an indication when it is actually checked.

The requirement for gas monitoring equipment has been drawn to our attention by two BSC examiners recently; if you think you might need one please discuss it with your examiner.

Bins

We will soon be changing to a new collection company that recycles over 60% of the waste, so saving on landfills. Therefore please put domestic waste only into the large bins and not off-cuts of wood or metal and definitely not oil fired heaters!

Aqueduct Crafters

On Wednesday 2nd March the Aqueduct Crafters put on a lovely spread to bid farewell to 2 of their members, Vicki Roberts and Olwen Southern. In addition to the crafters husbands, Sue and Robert were invited. Sue was presented with a lovely bouquet and an even lovelier bottle of whiskey and Robert was given £100 towards either plants or a bench for the Marina. Vicki and Olwen were founder members of Aqueduct Crafters and will be missed, not only by the crafters but by many others on the Marina. Can we say the same of their spouses? Yes we can! Best wishes to David and Robbie, too. Don’t be strangers, or should that read, don’t be any stranger?

Planning Permission for the Marina Workshops Extension

Planning permission now been granted for the new workshops and extension of the boat storage yard as shown above. Work will start with the removal of the old agricultural building on the far side of the main car park followed by construction of the new workshop in the south east corner of the site. It is hoped that the work will not cause any disruption to your enjoyment of the Marina.

If you have any queries or concerns, please speak to Robert.

Brokerage Update

Aqueduct Brokerage has had a great start to 2011. After a cold Christmas period the sun has started to shine bringing in four sales during March and a steady flow of new boats for sale including a new Aqueduct 57 shell and a brand new Aintree boat.

Our new shell and sailaway range and Aqueduct assisted service is proving to be very popular, providing a cost effective and secure way to build the boat of your dreams and with all the facilities and expertise on site it couldn’t be easier. So, if you fancy having a go at building your own boat, call in for a chat or browse our new Boat Services website. We would love to talk with you. Our new Direct Dial number is 01270 525046.