19 Dec 2014. <GB-ENG> Gloucester (Friar Tuck's), Glos —

It's almost Christmas and we're STILL in Gloucester. Report on the van: The last part required finally arrived yesterday — what a saga of inefficiency and ineptitude! — so the engine is being installed. But Richard has informed us that it will not be finished before the weekend, so it will be at least Monday before we get moving again.

This throws a couple of other arrangements into disarray. We had arranged for a firm in Tewkesbury to check a couple of problems with the van -- the gas heater and the grey water disposal -- before we left for the Continent, but they will be closed from December 23 through January 2, so we have decided to proceed with these problems still with us, and get them fixed across the Channel. We've done without them working till now, so a couple more weeks won't hurt us. And we just want to get moving!!!

Kelly doing bar duty

Sharon policing the rabbit
hutch in the back yard

We've got to say that our hosts here at Friar Tucks, Mark and Sharon, have been wonderful. Mark is a passionate Liverpool FC supporter, so with Warren's leanings towards Manchester United, we had to be careful a few days ago, but Liverpool had a good win a couple of days later, so all's well. And Sean, a sort of jack-of-all-trades, and Kelly, the girl who has been servicing our room, have been delightfully friendly. So the delay hasn't been as traumatic as it could have been!

We've also had an invitation from Kay to spend Christmas in Lochcarron. Thanks, Kay, but we cannot afford to overstay our visa any longer — so long as it's been totally out of our control we've had a justifiable excuse, but as soon as the van is mobile and we regain control, we really have to leave the UK!

Distance driven — today, nil ; to date, 9,889 miles ( 15,915 km )

11 Dec 2014. <GB-ENG> Gloucester (Friar Tuck's), Glos —

We're still in Gloucester, marking time, so have decided to report on the last few days in a single post.

Update on the van...

Richard with the van

Tuesday Dec 9

— went up to Hulin's to find that the engine supplied is a post 1996 engine, and the one taken out is a 1994 engine. This means that all the parts Richards had so carefully preserved to put back on the engine are useless. Bust the good news is that parts are readily available for this engine, so we were able to contact the crowd who supplied the engine and get everything required.

Richard has looked at our old engine, and has estimated that it has done at least 200,000 miles — not the 70,000 we were told by Motorlands. And as extra evidence of this, the clutch in the van has been rebuilt at least once — and clutches in this type of vehicle typically have a long life! So Motorlands have a lot to answer for! We are collecting the evidence, and will take appropriate steps when we can. By the way, it is true that the van was first registered in the UK in 1997, but according to the chassis number, it was built in 1974!

Wednesday Dec 10

— the parts are on order and should be here some time today. In the meantime, Richard is looking at our leisure battery issues. It turns out that the 'leisure battery' fitted in the van has a rating of 60 Amp hours, and the specification for leisure batteries is that they should have a rating of at least 100 Amp hours, and preferably more! The main battery for the van is nearly twice the rating of the 'leisure battery', which should never be the case. No wonder we have been having problems! Another issue to be taken up with Motorlands! Richard will try to fit a larger battery tray under the bonnet, but if there is not enough space, the new leisure battery will go under the bed (where there is sufficient space — but it means the battery needs to be a sealed unit or else there will be issues with hydrogen production).

Thursday Dec 11

— Called Richard to find that the parts still haven't arrived from Cornwall. Got him to get on the phone to push them a little harder. On top of this, Richard tells us that he ordered a full engine, but what they sent (and what they say was ordered) was a bare engine, which is why the problem with the ancillary parts! — The incompetence of some of the dealers here in the UK really has to be seen to be believed!

The old engine — very tired!

The new engine, partially built

In the meantime, we've been gong in to Gloucester to browse the shops, or simply hibernating in our room. We've been getting a bit of walking in — Suzie has been walking up to McDonald's (about a mile) to have a cup of coffee and get some Facebook time without being interrupted by Warren. And she has knitted a jumper!

Warren blogging in the room

We're going back into Gloucester tomorrow and on Saturday, as there is a 'Festive Fayre' at Gloucester Quays from Friday to Sunday. And the last film in the Hobbit Trilogy opens on Friday! And on Saturday there is a Festive Christmas Market and carols at Gloucester Cathedral, and in the Cathedral itself the Cathedral Junior Choir, Cathedral Youth Choir and Cathedral Choir will be singing carols on the hour from 11am. Warren was cunning, as when he paid for the privilege of photographing in the Cathedral when we first went in, he stuck the permit on the camera — and it's still there, so we can continue taking photos whenever we visit the Cathedral!

There have been major storms around the UK over the past few days, but Gloucester has been the place to be — the weather here has been pleasant and mild.

Distance driven — today, nil ; to date, 9,889 miles ( 15,915 km )

5 Dec 2014. <GB-ENG> Gloucester, Glos —

Quite cool, but sunny. Must point out that here in early December at noon, the sun is only about 24.5° above the horizon, so it doesn't do much in the way of heating up the world!

We took a bus half-way in to town, where we found a hairdresser for Suzie. Then we walked in to Gloucester Quays, where we did a little shopping — Suzie got two very nice knitted tops and a scarf at the Marks and Spencer Outlet (where you can do discount shopping for major brands). A light lunch at Costa, then we wandered about the Docks, as it was quite a nice day for exploring. We then went in to Cineworld at Gloucester Quays, bought tickets for St. Vincent, the new Bill Murray movie — not earth-shattering, but quite enjoyable.

Finally, back to Friar Tucks, where Warren had a curry for tea (more good pub food), and Suzie had a light snack in the room. We had the entertainment of a disco downstairs for much of the night.

Distance driven — today, nil ; to date, 9,889 miles ( 15,915 km )

4 Dec 2014. <GB-ENG> Gloucester (Friar Tuck's), Glos —

The last hanger-on of Autumn!

Don't they know it's Winter?

4°, drab and gloomy. No van, so a day in — Warren documenting the problems with the van to present to Motorlands, and doing a bit of revision on the Windows 8.1 on his tablet. Suzie, as usual, went for a walk during the day (and over to McDonald's to Facebook uninterrupted on her phone). Knitting has become part of her day!

Ate in at the Inn tonight — Warren had a steak with pepper sauce, Suzie opted for eggs and chips — she loves her eggs! The pub food is great!

Distance driven — today, nil ; to date, 9,889 miles ( 15,915 km )

3 Dec 2014. <GB-ENG> Gloucester (Friar Tuck's), Glos —

Aaaargh! We're turning into locals! Still at Friar Tucks.

We went round to the shops, posted off a couple of cards. Suzie went for a long walk around the neighbourhood, Warren did some tidying up in the van in preparation for handing it over to Richard.

Dropped the van in to Hulin's at 6pm — we're now in the lap of the gods!

Distance driven — today, nil ; to date, 9,889 miles ( 15,915 km )

2 Dec 2014. <GB-ENG> Gloucester (Friar Tuck's), Glos —

Still at Friar Tuck's - probably will be here till next Monday. Starting to chill down -- we've had a couple of frosts -- and any wind makes it feel colder.

Started the day by Skyping Jonno, Gemma and Ashwyn. Got shown around their new digs -- it looks a lot more comfortable than the old place. And they have a swimming pool in the complex! And we had a visitation from Xanthe (the cat) during the call. Ashwyn is a little cutie!

Did a little local shopping today, and Warren is enjoying the chance to do a little concentrated computing!

Distance driven — today, 1 miles ( 1 km ); to date, 9,889 miles ( 15,915 km )

1 Dec 2014. <GB-ENG> Gloucester (Friar Tuck's), Glos —

The first day of winter! Another lazy day. Called out to the Winfield Hospital to collect Suzie's last prescription — we're now ready for the Continent!

Checked with Richard. He wants the van on Wednesday at about 6pm. Most likely we'll get it back on Monday!

Distance driven — today, nil ; to date, 9,888 miles ( 15,914 km )