KEEPING WARM ON YOUR NARROW BOAT!

FOLLOW OUR TOP TIPS TO KEEP WARM ON YOUR BOAT

It's important that your boat is kitted out with a good heating system that will provide adequate heat and hot water, or you may find that your boat is inhabitable over the winter due to the fact it's too cold to stay aboard.

If you haven't serviced your heating system then now is a good time to give it some TLC, especially if you intend to use your boat over the winter.

Here are some heating options you can consider;

Multi-fuel stoves are still the most popular option for boaters and they come in a variety of prices, shapes and sizes. They are easy to install and even easier to use. Using coal or wood, a multi-fuel stove works through dry heat and the fire will draw in much of the condensation from the boat.

*Diesel-fired central heating works the same as a domestic boiler found in a house. Simple to use and compatible with a timer, it will heat the radiators and provide hot water. Popular choices to choose from are Eberspächer, Webasto or Mikuni. 

*Gas central heating this option will allow you to heat your radiators and will provide hot water, however it is not compatible with a timer. Gas central heating will run from your gas bottles. 

*Both diesel and gas central heating need a yearly service by a qualified engineer

If you’ll be having a firework party at home, you can make the occasion fun and safe for everyone by following the Firework Code.....

Follow these top tips for a safer fireworks party:   

Only adults should deal with setting up firework displays, the lighting of fireworks and the safe disposal of fireworks once they have been used. Children and young people should watch and enjoy fireworks at a safe distance.

• Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable
• Keep fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time
• Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary
• Light the firework at arm's length with a taper and stand well back
• Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks
• Never return to a firework once it has been lit
• Don't put fireworks in pockets and never throw them
• Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators
• Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire
• Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving.

Sparkler safety

Sparklers are often viewed as being harmless but they burn at fierce temperatures, equivalent to a welding torch.

Follow these top tips for sparkler safety:

• It is recommended that sparklers are not given to under-5s
• Make sure everyone handling sparklers wears gloves
• Hold sparklers at arm’s length while being lit
• Don’t wave sparklers about close to other people
• Never hold a baby in your arms while you are holding a sparkler
• When the sparkler has finished put it in a bucket of cold water.

Bonfire safety

• One person should be responsible for the bonfire and children should be supervised
• Choose a site away from wooden fences, sheds and where children will be playing
• Never pour petrol, paraffin or meths on to a fire - it’s safer to use fire lighters to prevent flare-ups
• Keep a bucket of water handy in case of an accident
• Avoid loose clothing and tie back long hair.
• After the party, pour water on the fire, rather than leaving it to burn out.

IN THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER WE CELEBRATE..

BOATING EVENTS IN NOVEMBER

Banbury Lock Open Weekend 
18th November 2017 to 19th November 2017 
Lock 29 Banbury Lock
Come along to Banbury Lock Open Day and see first hand how we're refurbing this lock.

Shifting Loyalties - Idle Women residential conference 2017 
27th November 2017 to 4th December 2017 
Coldwell Activity Centre
Head along to Shifting Loyalties, Idle Women's residential conference.

WE HOPE YOU HAVE A FABULOUS SPARKLY NOVEMBER!