Warm Knockers

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 27 Jun 13 - 03:10 PM

Like I said, don't use the plumbing until the kitchen tap is fixed. It exploded and water sprayed everywhere at 2011 Piggies.

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: GUEST,CS
Date: 27 Jun 13 - 10:23 AM

Cheers Richard, I'll keep a note of your comments about maintenance.

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 27 Jun 13 - 08:08 AM

No worries Sally - I thought you didn't want the fridge. Don't junk it with the van when the time comes, it is quite new and self-lighting which is a boon.

Tam has the sealing procedure right. Spray the seam in the middle of the roof right over as far as the skylight too. Do NOT use silicon sealant. Use mastic - indeed if you lift part of the roof rail off preferably use Sikkaflex inside it when you put it back - and then the spray mastic over the lot from outside. And don't put an awning on it that side at all. If all else fails you can put a tarpaulin (that only comes a little way down the sidewalls) over the roof although that would occlude the skylight.

Use the heater for heating - it should light fine, I put a new piezo on it and checked all the gas seals, just make sure all the gas is turned on as there is a hidden gas tap in the bottom of the wardrobe under the wardrobe false floor (if the false floor is still there).

If you can't make the piezo work open the bottom flap of the fire (one screw) and then unscrew the sight glass and you can get a very long match or a taper down there to light the burner. Also make sure you have the heater control knob in the "light" position when you are trying to light it! When all is alight, do NOT forget to put the sight glass back in - reason follows!

You can light the stove burners to draw gas through the gas lines but do not use them or the cooker for heating - those flames are inside the van so do produce moisture and carbon dioxide and risk producing carbon monoxide. The gas fire is so arranged that the flame is in a sealed path from the air intake underneath the van and out the chimney on top of the van - so NO fumes can EVER get into the van (and the flue warms and dries your clothes in the wardrobe too). The flame bed heats a finned metal casing - and that is what warms the van.

You have to get the right tap - they are only about £20 on ebay, but getting the hoses to connect properly is quite a game. The shower was perfect when I had the van but the shower tray was cracking so if you want to use it it would be worth trying to seal the tray - I bet you cannot get a replacement. I had vague plans to take the tray up, put some quarter inch WBP ply at a slight angle across the floor (to improve the way the water ran out) then put the shower tray back on a complete bed of mastic - but I never did it.

You need to prime the electric water pump using the foot pump - and make sure the non-return valves are working. I found using another non-return valve (the right way round) in the pickup pipe usually kept the system full-ish so water flowed pretty well instantly when a tap was turned.

There is an inline fuse for the Cascade water heater's brains under the seat near the heater. I think it is a paltry rating, maybe 0.2 amps.

Making up the large double bed is complex but it does work if you persevere although it is simpler to use two singles.

Re-gluing the floor is not that complicated (as Tam says, Google will find you instructions) but will be time consuming.

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: GUEST,CS
Date: 27 Jun 13 - 07:58 AM

By the way Tam, yes we do keep the van aired on sunny days. But you're right about needing to sort out the floor, it is rather spongey (why does it do that??) As for the plumbing, he doesn't have any on the boat so I think he could manage without. I'll try to get him on board for a van spritzer weekend late this summer, after he returns from his canal adventures.

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: GUEST,CS
Date: 27 Jun 13 - 07:43 AM

"I don't know if I offered the fridge back to Richard or not. I think I left it between you 2 to sort out the fridge and built in shelves yourselves.
The leak fix is not difficult at all. Just carefully clean the roof, side wall around the awning rail as well as the inside of rail. Peel off and out loose and deteriorating mastic, clean out moss all over van as it tends to put pressure on the seal around the rail and windows. Then when dry, liberally spray with Mastic (leak spray). We may have left a can with you, but by now it would be old."


Thanks for your input Tam. We'll definitely get the leak sorted this Summer, before the Autumn sets in.

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: GUEST,VaTam at lunch
Date: 27 Jun 13 - 07:36 AM

I don't know if I offered the fridge back to Richard or not. I think I left it between you 2 to sort out the fridge and built in shelves yourselves.

The leak fix is not difficult at all. Just carefully clean the roof, side wall around the awning rail as well as the inside of rail. Peel off and out loose and deteriorating mastic, clean out moss all over van as it tends to put pressure on the seal around the rail and windows. Then when dry, liberally spray with Mastic (leak spray). We may have left a can with you, but by now it would be old.

Make certain you air out the inside of van as often as possible to get the damp out. Store the cushions away from the walls of van and keep all cupboard doors open when not in use.

You should also have 2 gas bottles. Would be a good idea to hook them up every now and then and start stove burners and the heater. This keeps the gas line and burners primed and will help dry inside of van.

The floor. Eventually this will need repair as it was getting very spongey when we had it. It is a bit complex job but doable by you and your Dad and partner if needed. Google the instrux.

I believe the kitchen tap is blown so wouldn't run water through any of the plumbing until that is checked and fixed. We never used the bathroom /shower plumbing. Always drain the plumbing before cold weather.

As you are not likely to need the spare tire, you might want to sell it on ebay to raise some funds for fixing up the van into habitable condition.

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: GUEST,CS
Date: 27 Jun 13 - 07:01 AM

Richard, I think Tam actually gave you the fridge, so as such you're welcome to come and claim it. However, I was kind of hoping to keep the van as a self contained mini 'flat' for Dad in case he finds this coming Winter too hard going on a boat (he's not a youth any more and is effectively homeless at present with no likely hood of being granted a roof from the council) - in which case the fridge would be an asset, though not essential. How much is it worth now? I guess as Tam gave it to you, I could pay you something for it. If you decide you want to come and get it though, maybe you could show us how to fix the leak - not major but it does let in some wet in heavy rains - as I seem to recall you telling Tam & Chris that it was something of a complicated operation.

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 26 Jun 13 - 11:34 AM

Sure, sure...

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 26 Jun 13 - 08:13 AM

Still need the TP2 to transport the battery from van to first floor flat and back.

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 26 Jun 13 - 02:13 AM

Oh, funny, that guest was me!

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Jun 13 - 06:05 PM

1. Makes sense but remember the TP2 is not a smart charger and you MAY want to get a modern battery charger.

2. I did not know that about Joy. Sad.

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 25 Jun 13 - 04:08 PM

It does, but as caravan is stored away from home, we keep the battery in the flat and charged between outings using the TP2.

As L remember, Joy's apartment and contents were destroyed in fire just before the last Knockholt she attended.

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: GUEST,Woodie
Date: 25 Jun 13 - 10:55 AM

Joy was a regular at Blackheath a few years ago. She lives in Deptford. I lent her my sleeping bag and stuff for Knockholt two or three years ago and haven't seen her since. I have a few live recordings of her - very good stuff.

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 24 Jun 13 - 02:12 PM

Ah, shucks. I thought your newer van had onboard electrics.

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 24 Jun 13 - 01:38 PM

Richard we kept the TP2 battery pack for the new(er) van.

CS - yes that was Carol with lap harp.

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 24 Jun 13 - 07:01 AM

Yes, I have Joy identified now thanks. No she was not there. I think I now remember Carol as well - she was fun. She was not there either.

The weather was not nearly as bad as forecast. Thursday was nice, bits of Friday was nice. There was rain after I had gone to bed one night and apparently strong winds too, and there was quite a bit of wind on Saturday but only a couple of very light showers. We sat round the fire just fine, and did not erect marquee first because some bits were missing and then when they turned up fear of parascending took over.

By the way, would your dad sell me the TP2 battery pack (and connections) out of the old caravan AND the battery-ignition (NOT piezo) fridge?

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: GUEST,CS
Date: 24 Jun 13 - 04:31 AM

Joy is a black girl 30's, London based of West Indian background and has a sweet singing voice. She was doing a few religious songs and drawing from early black female American singers like Elizabeth Cotton last time I saw her. She was always great company in the early hours of the morning, I've really missed her presence the last times I've been at Knockers.

If Carol is who I think she was then Carol was great too! Tam, was that the 'rocker' lady - wore denim, nose pierced, a couple of tatoos - with the lap harp and the boyfriend probs from last year?

Thanks for the heads-up on the date, I'll let the folks know. Glad to know you covered costs - it was pretty wet here in Essex I wondered how many folks might not go because of the weather..

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 24 Jun 13 - 03:32 AM

I don't remember seeing anyone of that description.

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: GUEST,VaTam on her Tab
Date: 24 Jun 13 - 12:04 AM

That might have been Carol Knott. Very tiny woman. Was at autumn knockers. Kind of bluesy vocal style. I reminded her on facbook of date.

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 23 Jun 13 - 08:02 PM

Yes, well covered on the cost front, thanks. Autumn is 12th to 15th Sept. Is Joy the young girl (probably mixed-race) who does quite a number of religious songs? She was not there.

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: GUEST,CS
Date: 23 Jun 13 - 04:39 PM

Glad to hear it Richard. Did you manage to cover costs and ensure September's event? I'm hoping to bring a few of my old'uns with me this Sept. If you have the date of Sept knockers to share, that would be great! By the way did you see Joy? I was rather hoping to catch up with her, Jim the shanteyman said she was coming this June, but then I didn't go.

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 23 Jun 13 - 04:23 PM

It was great.

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Jun 13 - 04:24 PM

'I'm drinking the beer I bought!!

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 21 Jun 13 - 03:14 PM

So bummed out to be missing this too. Weather is playing havoc with my joints. Now weighing up benefits of restarting heavy pain killers or opening bottle of Malbec.

Wine tastes nicer, works quicker, but has no staying power and makes me feel awful the next day. Lyrica and tramadol have rather scary side effects, panic and paranoia being the most alarming and uncontrollable.

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: Abdul The Bul Bul
Date: 21 Jun 13 - 04:32 AM

That's me out of it. Antibiotics not working, chest/coughing worse so not subjecting it to a weekend in a cold damp field.
Bugger.
Al

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 19 Jun 13 - 01:25 PM

I have just bought the ingredients for Harissa paste. I will make it tomorrow.

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 19 Jun 13 - 12:27 PM

Well one of our party has changed plans. And give the weather forecast it looks like we might too. My arthritis does not play well with rain.

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: Bert
Date: 19 Jun 13 - 08:12 AM

And contrary to popular opinion, Witches' are warm.

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: GUEST,Abdul on iPhone
Date: 19 Jun 13 - 12:58 AM

Work looks ok to allow Friday off so hope to be there just after lunchtime.
Have to attend family trip to Manston air show so will disappear Saturday daylight hours unless it's raining.
Al

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 18 Jun 13 - 06:57 PM

It isn't power, it's traction that is the problem. Open the gate wide, put a man with a red flag in the road, and take it steady as fast as you dare and as straight as you can.

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 18 Jun 13 - 02:39 PM

Worried we won't be able to pull caravan into or out of sodden field. Our car is not very powerful.

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 18 Jun 13 - 07:29 AM

No improvement so far!

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: Don Firth
Date: 17 Jun 13 - 06:54 PM

Visual image to play with:

". . . and a nervous titter ran through the crowd."

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 17 Jun 13 - 06:23 PM

Ah, I don't like either. Predicted so far not hot but not REALLY cold, temps hovering about 20 degrees. Maybe 19. During the day. We've had worse. Pull up a sheep and keep warm! I think maybe I cba to bring awning(s) since there will be the marquis. But I will bring chainsaw and generator!

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: GUEST,Abdul on iPhone
Date: 17 Jun 13 - 06:01 PM

Don't mind the wet so long as it's not cold as well.
Al

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 17 Jun 13 - 10:55 AM

Hmm. Wevva generally thought likely to be wet - but BBC is indicating mostly bright on Friday.

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 14 Jun 13 - 11:15 AM

Hi there Abdul, wet knockers, I prefere well oiled knockers which I am most of the event anyway : )

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: Abdul The Bul Bul
Date: 14 Jun 13 - 11:04 AM

Ey up Pete, how's it going? It's susposed to rain most days twixt now and then innit and not many of them days with much of a temp. Anyroad, I intend to arrive the Friday.
Al

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 14 Jun 13 - 06:57 AM

Tweek a nipple, may has well add to the thread

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 14 Jun 13 - 06:56 AM

Warm Knockers who thought that one up has if I didnt know, The whole thread is tits up, nothing about weather camping music or the normal jibber jabber loads abouts warm knockers, anyway I will be there wednesday hopefully or Saturday if I cannot get abreast of the family matters that are happening at the same time.

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 13 Jun 13 - 03:09 PM

There is some out of date information here -

https://sites.google.com/site/folkmobonline/knockholt-camp-in-september

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 13 Jun 13 - 01:57 PM

I don't know how warm they are, but will be on the look out for the infamous giant yellow breasted women who traditionally make an appearance just the other side of the hedge from the camping field.

Yeah I am just a recent invitee who happens to know the score.

I am ordering same weather we had Friday - Sunday am at Piggies.

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 13 Jun 13 - 01:12 PM

Accuweather is not TOO dismal...

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 13 Jun 13 - 01:00 PM

It is not really run by VT or by me, but by others who only occasionally look into the 'cat these days. It is in the South East, so Midlanders and those from further afield would find it inconvenient, but they can I think still find some details on (or via) the FOLKMOB website.

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: Michael
Date: 13 Jun 13 - 11:39 AM

By keeping abreast of events and writing to the titular head.

Mike

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: GUEST,gillymor
Date: 13 Jun 13 - 10:12 AM

How does one wangle an invitation to nuzzle in the bosom of that buxom festival?

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: Rapparee
Date: 13 Jun 13 - 10:09 AM

Are these like the Tommy Knockers?

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: Michael
Date: 13 Jun 13 - 09:43 AM

Cold knockers result in peanuts (or so I'm told)

Mike

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 13 Jun 13 - 08:12 AM

The plot thickens! Virginia Tam and Richard Bridge have the benefit of warm knockers but the rest of us can stay out in the cold. Is that it?

Sounds like a conspiracy to me. (Light blue touchpaper and run...)

Cheers

:D tG

Subject: RE: Warm Knockers
From: GUEST,VaTam on lunch break
Date: 13 Jun 13 - 07:44 AM

Knockers is a private (by invitation) camp and music event, which is why we do not post about it on public forum.

Alan - PM me or Richard Bridge on FB for more details.