I’ve spoken previously about having storage built into my cratch.  Well here is the finished splendour!

Again, it was thanks to Bryan of Myram Carpentry (07830 627578) but it was tinged with a little melancholy due to this being his finale in terms of my boat.  It’s been around a 4 month commission and I couldn’t have chosen a nicer, skilled tradesman If I’d tried.  10/10!

The storage doubles up as seating so I’m off to look for some nice cushions to sit on now but meanwhile I’ve ordered a nice fold-down table that will fit beautifully in the small area allowing Lottie and I to sit there and eat in warmer months.

The same day found the man from Wilsons of Kinver arrive to fit my new cratch and helm covers.  Right from my first conversation with the Boss man to my repeated conversations with Vicky who saw to the smooth process of ordering through to fitting down to the lovely young men that saw the job through.  Timely, great value for money, and no additional charges for travelling that one company wanted.  Moreover, they look fantastic!

So that’s it!  All my work is now complete and I’m very much looking forward to actually moving Towpath Townie for trips in the near future

Prior to my maiden voyage I really need to secure employment.  Wish me luck with the jobs I’m applying for

Before I take to the waterways I think it’s responsible and ’safe’ to undertake a course of some kind.  Yes, anyone can jump on a boat and take it out but if you don’t know what you’re doing it can all go horribly wrong I’m sure whether you’re laden with oodles of common sense or not.

Therefore, as I am not ready to die a watery death just yet, and do not want to see my gorgeous Daughter harmed in any way, I’ve booked a two day course with Terry Robertson of T R Boat Handling.  I’d had a recommendation about him from the previous owner of my boat plus I’d seen good things written about him on various canal web sites.

Not only does he ‘qualify’ us at/in/for good helmsmanship but also equips us, hopefully, with the knowledge and knowhow to confidently maintain the engine basics and other necessary regular checks etc.

In readiness we went out to buy supplies today.  A windlass and key together with a couple of nice new shiny tethering poles!

So, by 21 March Lottie and I will be the proud holders of an ‘ Inland Waterways Helmsman Certificate’!

If you’re on the K&A on 20 or 21 March, you’ve been warned!

YEEHAAA

I’ve not been working since my relocation and have enjoyed the relatively short period in ‘holiday’ mode.  Thoughts must now turn to my securing employment in my new home Town.

I thought, stupidly, the best place to start would be at my local Job Centre.  Upon walking in the first thing I noticed was how full it was.  A real hive of activity… not job seeking activity mind!  Idle gossip by young mothers with babes-in-arms and foreign couples with toddles running riot.  Chavs giving verbal to their mates on their mobile phones and many foreign language speaking people that seemed louder than the English.

I edged my way toward the ‘help desk’.  They should rename that in a more simple manner.  Something like ‘desk’ would do as it wasn’t very helpful.

I stood in front of it whilst an elderly staff member busied himself with something… filling in a card of some kind.  A few minutes passed and eventually he said ‘I won’t be a moment’.  Many moments passed until he enquired as to what I wanted.  ‘I want a job please’ I replied.

What came next made me roll my eyes skyward and wimper.  He said ‘Right’, and swivelling round to grab a small pamphlet from behind him he thrust it forward toward me.  ‘To claim benefits you’ll need to call this number’ and he pointed to the telephone number on the pamphlet.  ‘I’m not looking to claim benefits, I’m looking for a job and this is my first visit to your job centre!’ I exclaimed.

Without further ado he beckoned his rather tall, elderly, colleague who was stood on the shop floor with a clip-board.  He reminded me of the Bus Inspector from On The Buses…  ‘Show this lady how to locate jobs’ he muttered.  His colleague looked flustered and replied that he was due to go upstairs any moment.  He indicated for me to follow him which I did.  We stood before a large computerised station when he started jabbing at the touch-screen monitor mumbling inanely about what to press.

I told him I could manage and he flounced off entering a lift to go upstairs to what ever it was that flustered him.

You’re probably thinking I sound like a right snob and wondering why I’m telling you all this.  Well, what I expected was a chat with someone regarding employment opportunities in my area.  Not to have ‘benefits’ claim information thrust at me.

So, lesson learned… I’ll not bother visiting the shop again; I’ll use the .gov website instead which I might add is far more user-friendly than their shop computer stations.  Plus I get to make tea and watch Jeremy Kyle

Well watching JK is a great example of how ‘NOT’ to live your life as the majority of his guests seem to be the amoeba’s of society who aren’t employed and who don’t have any direction in life except to the nearest pub.  Plus they don’t speak properly… that really gets my goat.  Well, that and text-speak on the internet.  Unnecessary and irritating to the core

Anyhow, I’ve applied for a part-time job in the NHS… not a clinical post, you’re all quite safe haha.  Fingers crossed I’m selected for an interview.