14th December 2008
December 14th I thought I would just pen a few words before the Christmas holidays are upon us. We finished hiring middle of November which on reflection was a good thing as we have had some nasty cold and extremely wet weather since. I don’t think I have known it to be so wet for so long. We have had the car park flooded for weeks and we are all heartily sick and tired of slouching around in wellies all day long. As always it is a combination of numerous things which brings the water up – of course lots of rain, high tides off the coast, full moons and North Westerley winds. We are now resigned to having to build the car park up even higher sometime next year. We said goodbye to Catherine (Nigel's Auntie/Janet's Sister) who has been with us for many years. She retired at the end of November - Thanks Catherine for all your hard work over the years - we hope you enjoy your retirement!!
 Catherine on her last day Everyone is beavering away on the fleet. Royall Continental is pulled out over the otherside and Steven has a massive job on with a complete paint job all 42 ft of her! Diamond, Amb 2 and Satin have now been pulled out and done, lots more boats to come out yet though! Royall Oak is pulled out on the car park and Paul has just finished fitting a bow thruster in her, so that is two he has fitted this winter – he is a dab hand at it now!
 Bow Thruster being fitted Royall Ambassador 2 Nigel is working on the wherry and accompanying craft and also working throughout the fleet doing repairs and replacements. First boat was Royall Stuart. He had to replace some rotten bulkheads and work tops in the bathrooms and Steven manufactured some new basins. Next boat for work on is Royall Commander 2. Again new basins and other bits and pieces. Also Nigel is putting a new side on to the Retreat. It is let for 2 weeks at Christmas and New Year and then we close for January for hiring as a new boiler is going in and other jobs to do. There are very few weeks left available in Royall Retreat and please hurry if you are thinking about 2009!
 New planking in the tender to Solace
 New side in Royall Retreat The prices on the website don’t reflect the change in vat – This will be changed once you are invoiced. It is too mammoth a job to change it on the website so I am leaving well alone. Bookings have slowed up as they do at this time of year but once Christmas is over let’s hope they pick up again. We managed to get a few days away in Derbyshire at the beginning of the month and went walking in the dales and moors in the snow. Whilst there we visited Sam in Sheffield where he is at University.
 Derbyshire Dec 2008 All quiet on the greyhound front at the moment as most of the dogs coming over are not cat friendly and as we have Ali the cat we are unable to foster them. Tillie has been busy with collections and Christmas sales and is recovering from all the PR work by trying to catch up on some well deserved sleep!
 Tillie & Reggie
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