Definite second for the River Cottage Bread book. Well worth the investment if you want to make *really* gooood bread.

The flour tortillas are just brilliant.

It was indeed may moons ago Ted. Hadn’t realized that you’d sailed with Glyn. Thought you were with Stu, Lawrie and Russel. So this is where you lurk these days. Have you heard Nipper’s sad news?

Here’s a few pictures of the boats I sailed on.

Babbalass – ’94 Commodores Cup

Christie Cancer Care 1st Scottish Series Overall, 1st Dun Laoghaire Regatta 2009 as part of the Checkmate Sailing Team
Yes, we did drink in the Cornerhouse too.

Campaigend a 49er for 5 years on the UK circuit. (Not my picture, but nice anyway)

Another Ultra 30, this time David McLean. Haven’t got any digital images though. Sailed the ’98 series, the first with trapezes.

Loads more but can’t find images.

Also the SAP calculation should be a very conservative estimation of the generation potential of an installation. In a typical installation, the actual amount generated would be higher.

FIT Feed in Tariff. Or as it should be termed a generation tariff.
Currently for installations up to 4kW, £0.431 per Kilowatt hour (kWh) tax free and index linked for 25 years. Paid for by the electricity companies and backed by government guarantee. The FIT will drop to £0.378 from 1/4/13 for installations commissioned on or after this date.
It is expected that the FIT will decrease by 7% annually (for new installations) from 2013.
The current export tariff is £0.03 per kWh

Generation potential is based on a calculation called SAP (Standard Assessment Criteria)
0.8 x kWp x S x ZPV

kWp = the peak power of the PV array
S = the annual solar radiation based the orientation and pitch of the collector
ZPE = Overshading factor

I don’t have a link for the tables.

To calculate savings / income from a solar PV installation, the SAP will give a generated yield. Based on the largest domestic PV array of 3.78KW on south facing 35 deg roof the SAP would be

0.8 x 3.78 x 1073 x 1 giving 3244 kWh of generation

Financially, this equates to:-

3244 x £0.413 = £1340 (this is the amount your array will generate annually). This amount is earned whether you use the electricity generated or not.

Plus, lets assume you use half the electricity you generate 3244/2 = 1622 kWh.

Assume you buy electricity at £0.12 per kWh.
Therefore by using the electricity you generate (as it’s generated) you are saving (because you aren’t buying it) £0.12 x 1622 = £194

Plus, £0.03 (the export tariff) for electricity you generate but do not use. 1622 x 0.03 = £48.66

So using this example, you would earn:
£1340 + 194 + 48 = £1582 per year. Tax free.

Only systems that are installed by accredited MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) companies can attract the FIT. MCS accredited companies should provide a full quotation and SAP allowing a potential customer to evaluate the generation potential of their PV installation.

Simply the best.

I’m thinking synthetic too. It will give more options too for different weather conditions. ie Rain.

Emailed you with phone number. Give me a call.

There isn’t a neutral in the switch that you’ve described. All the wires are live from you description.

The two wires that were twisted together and red are the ‘loop’ circut, carrying the live supply to each fitting on the circuit. The switch for a light is in the live, so when a light is switched off, there is no live current in the external part of the fitting providing it has be installed correctly.

The second black wire is the switched live that carries the ‘live’ back to the light fitting with the switch is closed.

The twisted wires should be inserted into the ‘Com’ (top centre) and the single black wire should go in L1. L2 will work, but the light will operate when the switch is up.

There should be an earth in the circuit too. If not, that should be checked out too.

All conductors in switches and elsewhere should clearly identified to indicated their type. The black wire (was load, now L1) should have some brown sleeving or tape for the current wiring regs, or red for the old regs.

PM me if you want me to talk you through it, or contact details are on my website http://www.eco-electrics.co.uk

I agree, there is no need to carry water on these distances, but if it makes your gf feel more comfortable and relaxed then it can only be a good thing.

Whilst there is no *need* to have a trainer, the structure and motivation that one can provide may be the impetus that an individual needs to make that leap into regular and fun excercise. Them's of us on here have much more personal motivation than the great unwashed at large. I can't fault people wanting to start down the route of excercise and all the benifits that brings.

Back to the water thing again. Water loss during excercise in heat can be significant. I can't remember the water loss rate due to sweating in heat, but it can be large. I recall when in the forces, that the requirement was to drink a litre an hour when on excercise. Possibly more that is required but not far off. When you feel thirsty it's too late.

I'm a spark. I'd charge it at my day rate. £75 per half day, plus materials at cost.

Simple pipework shouldn't take any extra time. If pipes need to be re-routed etc, it could be a day.

A 13KW shower would draw approx 56Amps, subject to the actual voltage at our house. A 10mm cable the standard shower cable will not carry that current. I don't have my current carrying capacity tables to hand so can't give you the exact figures.

Mira do seem to be good though. Have fitted an 8.5KW shower that was far better than the Redring one it replaced.

What size cable is supplying the shower?

Write. Email / letter. And phone. Their insurance will cover any damage. But they'll try and squirm out of any responsibility.

Firstly, don't take the front of the consumer unit off if you aren't entirely sure what is going on in there.

As has been mentioned already, switch all the circuits off that are protected by the RCD. If entirely unsure, switch all the circuits off. Try resetting the RCD. If it dosen't reset, there is is a neutral earth fault, or a faulty RCD.

Unplug all appliances from socket circuits and switch off any fused spurs. Does this work? If not, I suggest getting an electrician who can check properly which circuit has the fault, of indeed if the RCD is at fault. You can't do this properly without the proper test meter.

If you happen to be in the Sheffield area, do a search for Eco Electrics and give me a call. I can get out to you tomorrow to sort it out.

Verbation of the noun 'Medal'.

Wha'ever

Loath it.

Homemade running sandals.

I've got 3 pairs of running shoes, all from a proper running shop. Innov8 Mudclaw 330s for the winter mud, New Balance 840 for BMF and New Balance 758 for road running. For both the NB shoes, I spent quite a bit of time trying on different shoes and brands and going through the process of watching my gait on screen after running on a treadmill. They are both very comfortable and suited my [then] style of running.

However, this changed after listening to Christopher McDougall on the radio talking about his life changing experience with the Tarahumara Indians, and his subsequent book, Born to Run. I started barefooting almost immediately and have never enjoyed the experience of running as much as I now do.
Running of roads and footpaths is certainly far more comfortable as a novice barefooter. Having said that, the 'country road' surface of stones poured on wet tar is not good.
In addition to pure barefoot, I've been running in VFFs that certainly make running on stony tracks much more comfortable.
Thought I'd try some traditional running sandals, 'Huraches'. I made these on Monday afternoon for £8 for the pair and did 8 miles of mixed terrain around the Dark Peak in them that evening. I had to re-tie them once almost certainly because the cordage (dyneema that was lying around is not the most suitable) is far from idea. Am off to find some leather later today. Barefoot Ted has the instructions on his website, showing how to make them. The hardest part was trying to get the sole rubber from a cobbler!

I am currently using the NB 840s for BMF and will continue to do so because of the other activities that could be harsh to bare feet. The Mudclaws will still be used for winter duties, but I just don't see the NB758s getting much use at all.

Bare feet or sandals from now on.

It might sound odd, but try running barefoot. Do a search for barefoot running. There's loads of stuff about it.

I've been doing it for a while now and it's fantastic. Liberating is the best word I've found to describe it.

It changes your gait very rapidly to something far more efficient and relaxing. However, you should take your time before trying any large distances. Loads of stuff out there if you want to read it.

Would also recommend 'Born to Run' as a fantastic read.

His work sounds dangerous. Would you let your family live in the place. If not, you *need* to report it. Your bosses would not be happy to get the reputation as cowboys. How about an anonamous note voicing your concerns. No names, just events times and genuine test results.
The company would be 100% liable for his negligence.

Just find a reason to check a Zs from said circuit. As there won't be one…, Bingo. It can be reported as a genuine fault. Either he finds it, or you get brownie points for pointing it out to your boss.
They wouldn't want their company name associated with dodgy work.

It's likely to be a N/E fault if it's only tripping the RCD, and if it's a new ring it will be easy enough to trace the fault and rectify.

OK Prediction Time

I think that Sam Tyler returned to unconciousness (at the end on Life on Mars), and the Alex Drake is Sam Tyler.

Apparently, there are enough clues in the series(s) to work out what happens.

Yes. DOT4 is DOT4.

Write to the school detailing your concerns, copies of letter to Head of Govenors, local authority, Police and OFSTED. Send them by
RECORDED DELIVERY. That way no-one can say they were not aware of the situation.

Good luck to you and your daughter.

Inform the Police. The go round, ask the neighbour and family round for a BBQ, beer etc. At some point in the evening, let slip how upset you were that the tree has been destroyed. How you thought it was too tall and were going to ask you neighbour if it would have been OK to prune it. Tell them how concerned you are that there may be some unscrupulous folk in the neighbourhood. Do they have any ideas who it might be, because the Police might be interested.

Do it properly and you'll have a very good neighbour.

it iz wot cumz ov skim reading ve OS map upside down an' not finkin' ov me geeografee. innit.

Thanks SFB.

And pub suggestions?

Will tri better next tyme! 😉

Slugwash, a definite lack of mainsheet going on there?

Carrying any form of artificial weight has been outlawed in sailing for years.
Rule 43:
43 COMPETITOR CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT
43.1 (a) Competitors shall not wear or carry clothing or equipment for
the purpose of increasing their weight.
(b) Furthermore, a competitor’s clothing and equipment shall not
weigh more than 8 kilograms, excluding a hiking or trapeze
harness and clothing (including footwear) worn only below the
knee. Class rules or sailing instructions may specify a lower
weight or a higher weight up to 10 kilograms. Class rules may
include footwear and other clothing worn below the knee
within that weight. A hiking or trapeze harness shall have
positive buoyancy and shall not weigh more than 2 kilograms,
except that class rules may specify a higher weight up to
4 kilograms. Weights shall be determined as required by
Appendix H.

I had some Asics something or other, bought because they fitted and felt good in Decathlon.

The best thing I've done for my running was got to a running shop [Accelerate in Sheffield] for a proper gait analysis, coupled with trying approx 6 different pairs of shoes to match fit and running style. The difference even for a recreational runner like me is unbelievable. I'd suggest that rather than guessing / relying on other's advice.

As has already been posted, it looks like you have replaced a non operating 8.5KW shower with your new 9.5KW unit.

The current drawn by a 9.5KW shower is 39.6 Amps. The maximun current carrying capacity of a 6mm cable is 34 Amps*. A 10mm cable has a capacity of 45 Amps*.

* both these can be reduced depending on how the cable is routed!

Under no circumstances should you change the breaker for a 40A version if you have a 6mm cable. I have seen melted cables at 2 properties that I have been to sort out. Not only is it downright dangerous, but, may invalidate your insurance if you have a fire.

Any work carried out in a bathroom must be carried out by a Part P registered sparky, tested, certified and notified to LABC. Additionally, the shower must be protected by a 30mA RCD or RCBO.

I've just bought my second pair of Mudclaw 330s. Awsome in the winter mud and grass. Also good in the summer on grass and dry earth paths. However, they are quite soft and don't like any long road work.

They performed faultlessly at the super muddy Tough Guy at the end of January, and also at last year's Mighty Deerstalker. They get used all year round for any off road running duties. I haven't owned any other trail shoe, so can't compare with anything else, but from my limited experience, they work phoenomenally.

Only just had a look at the PC website to learn this is cancelled. GUTTED. I was really looking forward to this too. I've spoken to my riding partner, and since we've both got the weekend booked in for some proper riding, we are going to pull choose an old Polaris map out at random, and ride effectively 'do' a ghost Polaris. Checkpoints and all!

It's a real shame that they haven't put a reason for the cancellation on the site. As has already been mentioned, the communication from Polaris Apparel is appaulling. The PC forum is indicative of the state of the whole thing. I've been doing the PC for quite a few years, and have to say the organisation and communications from Detail Events was very good, as were all their events.

I really hope that this isn't the final nail in the coffin for the event because it really was fantastic.

Can't remember where I read this, but it might be relevant.
The human body has evolved to travel by foot. Walking, loping and running. The body is well evolved for absorbing impacts and stresses from these evolution 'design' speeds and falls. The body has not adapted to absorb or concentrate for falls at mechanically enhanced or speeds.

Whilst injuries do occur from walking and running these are generally minor injuries, sprains, twists and breaks. Bike and other higher velocity mechanical injuries tend to involve more intense minor injuries (road rash, rather than a grazed knee / elbow), more breakages and head injuries as a result of rapid deceleration from speed (rather than speed its-self). It's the same reason why motorcyclist wear leathers, drivers [should] wear seat belts and racing drives now employ HANS devices.

OK, a little bit removed from the OPs question, but it basically comes down to the same thing. It's just an order of magnitude. Personally, I choose to wear a helmet whenever our riding. Roads and kerb stones are much harder than skulls, and I choose to give mine the best chance it can get, on the unlikely event of an incident.

I don't think changing solutions would be a good idea if it's all TU at the moment. At my last place we used Datafile which was very good and completely flexible in how it is applied. Contact Terry Moore at Sense for more details. 0115 9646 646

Did the TG on Sunday and finished in just over 2 hours. The entry of £100 might sound a bit steep, but as has been mentioned above, it's worth every penny.

I don't think there is anything else in civi land where you can experience the physical and mental challenges of such extremes in a relatively safe environment. Don't know the number of broken bones this year, nor the cases of hypothermia. At least there wasn't the wind chill this year, even though the ground and water were much colder. Crawling over shattered 1" thick ice, under barbed wire was the worst bit for me. Just beating the excruciating pain and disorientation of the underwater sections.

Already entered for next year. Lovin' it!

Many routers have the password / code printed on the base. If all else fails and you don't have the admin password or network password you may have to reset the router.

Find the manual online and download before starting. You may find your answers in the manual!! If that doesn't work, follow the instructions to reset back to factory settings. You will then have to reconfigure the network, including setting new passwords.

Also before doing it, check with your service providers support page and make a note of all the settings you need for logging on. Most routers require initial setup using a cable, so make sure one is to hand before resetting anything!

Good luck. If it's any consolation, I've just spent the best part of the day sorting out networking problems on my parents machines. Boxing Day fun. Not.

Died of electricity, or otherwise? Either way, not a good way to go.

As has already been mentioned, electrical work outdoors is covered by Part P of the building regs. You will need to have an installation certificate, and work in a garden is notifiable to LABC.

If you are in the Sheffield area, give me a call for a quote, or email jerry A T eco-electrics.co.uk or call 07967 093026

Thanks for posting that. Strange as it may seem, I haven't seen, nor heard (I refuse on principle to watch dumbed down TV).

I now understand what all the hype has been about. A truly remarkable voice. Also been inspired to watch her first audition. The look on everyone's faces and the comments afterwards were so genuine.