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Category: NABO Reports
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NINF met via a teleconference on Saturday 28th March 2020 with most member bodies represented, together with the General Secretary, Michael Stimpson. This Forum continues to be a useful meeting point bringing together navigational bodies involved in CRT, EA and other waterways.  Present active members include DBA, AWCC, NABO, GOBA, HNBC, CBOA, IWA and RBOA.

Attempting to look positively toward the future, but recognising that the present crisis would both be with us for longer than presently anticipated and also would inevitably impact on the years ahead, the situation regarding the future funding by government for all waterways authorities meant that we, as the representatives of most boating organisations, needed to be seen to be joined up and getting behind the bids by CRT and EA.

Read more: National Inland Navigation Forum Meeting, March 2020

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Category: NN Chairman's Column
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Mike Rodd compares the attitudes of two navigation authorities.

Although being on a boat is a good place to self-isolate, if you are not a liveaboard, going to your boat is no longer an option. If you are already on board, CRT and the EA are asking boaters to stop all travel on the waterways, with the exception of accessing facilities. The suspension will be kept under review, applying initially until 14th April. During this period they are suspending the requirement to move every 14 days. These are challenging and changing times for all of us and we must all do what is best to ensure the virus is contained, and that you and I do not overload the NHS – which is doing an amazing job. Incidentally, CRT’s advice is at

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/safety-on-our-waterways/coronavirus.

It has been a busy time for meetings with the senior EA management and it is very important to acknowledge that, as they look to make their navigational responsibilities less dependent on the public purse and explore becoming more commercially viable, they are making every possible effort to consult all the boating and water-related organisations that are involved. While the outcomes are not yet clear, my own view is that the new senior folk, who have experience of making other organisations move towards becoming less government-dependent, are being very realistic in analysing potential funding sources. And they accept the responsibilities they have, to maintain their historically-precious infrastructures. I also have a strong feeling that they are determined to make themselves ready to become part of CRT!

Read more: The need for representation

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Category: NABO Regional Reports
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A very positive meeting at the Crofton Pumping Station was held with Mark Evans, recently appointed as the Waterways Director. I emphasised how pleased NABO was, and indeed most boaters were, that Mark was now in this position, especially as he would be building on his previous excellent work running the K&A & B&T. Mark was very positive about the future, although noting that there were many staffing changes that needed to bed in. He also acknowledged that CRT's management of its contractors often needed attention. I could only agree with this, especially noting the dreadful mess their vegetation cutters had left the Mon & Brec towpath in – over long sections (and for over three months now) it was a mud-path, so bad that many of its regular users had to avoid it.

I did though take the opportunity to also congratulate Mark on CRT's (and indeed its contractors!) work at Crofton, where major engineering is taking place, largely related to improving the water feed for the K&A. Here the collaboration between CRT and the K&A Canal Trust, responsible for restoring and now running the accompanying historic pumping station, was excellent. Part of this work included relocating underground the historically-unsightly CRT pipeline - presently located right across the front of the station. It is responsible for moving water from the Wilton Water reservoir up to the feeder leat, which then provides water for the canal from its highest point.

Mike Rodd

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Category: NN Editorials
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Editor, Peter Fellows, has a wide range of news in these uncertain times.

Unsurprisingly, Covid-19 is foremost in most people’s minds and this is reflected in this issue. Mike Rodd has been attending EA and Thames User Group meetings on behalf of NABO. This is in addition to his many other jobs as Chair (such as responding to the Bridgewater tidal barrier consultation) and reporting as the Regional Rep for Wales and the South-West, both included in this issue. If one or more members in the general Thames catchment area would be willing to share the workload, it would greatly help Mike.

Treasurer, Helen Hutt was elected to CRT’s Council and another boating rep, Dave Mendes de Costa has sent NABO News a report on their first meeting with CRT’s National Boating Manager. Elsewhere, David Fletcher considers what might happen to red diesel, following an announcement in last month’s budget. He also reviews the recently published reports on the Toddbrook Reservoir near-disaster. Ken Hylins reflects on his first couple of years on NABO Council, with a plea for more involvement in council work by members. Mark Tizard gives CRT a pat on the back for dealing with all the damage and fallen trees, caused by this winter’s storms and floods. And finally, Tony Brooks casts a balanced eye over the suitability of lithium batteries in Techie’s Corner.

With the uncertainty around the effects of Coronavirus, boating could reasonably be said to be one of the safer places to be, so enjoy the better weather and keep well.