'Overboard and other Canalling Mishaps' hilariously explains how true this statement can be, and even has some helpful advice such as:- "One of the first lessons lock-workers need to learn is which is the right side of a balance beam to stand. Loitering in the wrong place can lead to pain, a sudden ducking and instant notoriety."

This book is as must read if only to find out how stupid you might have been.

softback approx A5 117 pages

Follows Mr Lewis' characters through the early post - war years until September 1948. seeing them through the long winter of 1947 and the advent of Nationalisation.

But D. I. David Russell is uncomfortable with this conclusion. As he delves into the man's background, and the circumstances surrounding his death, he is led into a shady world of drugs and prostitution, until the ripples of a seemingly-simple crime overlap with those of a covert international operation. But the answer, when it comes, is surpisingly close to home.

Is cooking sometimes a chore? Are you lost for ideas. pushed for time or just disinclined when it comes to preparing meals?

Whether you are a boater, caravanner or student "Reluctant Cook" will bring the inspiration you need:

A helping hand across the hob.

A combination of overwork and jet lag propels Julia Fairfax into becoming engaged to a golf-playing wine buff called Oscar. When she realises that she has fonder feelings for his adorable Labrador than for Oscar himself. She decides to dirtch her fiance and jacking in her job revolutionises her life.

Her new career as a cook on a pair of hotel boats is certainly a departure from the old Julia, and teaches her more about life than how to get a pair of narrowboats through a lock.

'The Worst Journey in the Midlands' is a hilarious tribute to human endurance, not to mention British eccentricity

Terry and Monica Dalington, both pensioners, decided to sail their canal narrowboat 'Phyllis May' across the English Channel through Belguim and France to the Mediterranean with their whippet Jim.

Marnie Walker had no desire to get involved with an ageing narrowboat. Soon she discovered that there was much more to taking care of a canal boat than she ever imagined. Taking off for the summer, Marnie embarked on her travels blissfully ignorant of the malevolent forces following in her wake.

The journey, with its strange encounters, its triumphs and disasters, its humour and its pathos would change her life forever. And this is where her new life begins.

"Kiss and Tell" is a classic crime fiction with a difference.

When Steve Haywood hits 50, he is galvanised into action. Exploring the English canals on this trusty narrowboat, and the countryside in his classic Triumph Herald, he attempts to delve into what it is that makes the English so, well, English. Happily mixing with the eccentric array of characters he meets along the way, Steve experiences more than his fair share of mayhem, mishaps and of course torrential rain.

Interspersed with the fascinating story of Tom Rolt, whose own book Narrow Boat inspired the founding of the Inland Waterways Association, this funny and forthright tale is travel writing at its best.

Now here, at last, is a wonderful collection of Mike Peyton's light hearted and amusing recollections of time spent messing about in boats, all illustrated in his unique cartoon style.

A perfect bunkside read for seafarers and landlubbers alike.

Comment:-

'I have just picked myslef up from the floor and wiped the tears from my eyes after reading another gem from Des'

Paperback 96 pages 110x190mm illustrations and cartoons.

This time turning his humorous eye to the scrapes people get into when let loose on the open water, Jake has us chuckling, blushing and recognising ourselves or fellow crew coming unstuck in the maritime mayhem he highlights with his witty pen and captures so admirable with his hilarious illustrations.

A great read for the armchair sailor- but you may decide that the armchair is the safest place to stay.

Paperback 128 pages 198x130mm