A critical time for the canals Mike Rodd is concerned about the very existence of some of our waterways. This is THE most critical time – not only for the future of the present canal operators, the Canal and River Trust – but indeed for the whole future of our amazing waterways. I was shaken […]

Mike Rodd contemplates future CRT funding, BSS examinations and ‘composite’ lock-gates during an extended cruise. How good it was to have another real meeting at Alvechurch, even if a few folk couldn’t make it – damn nuisance this boating! Good to see the pub flourishing and many boats moving. But strangely on the K&A we are […]

In the Chair Effects of ‘bonfire of the quangos’ start to hit home Mike Rodd analyses how DEFRA policy is driving the change in emphasis by CRT and the EA away from boating. We’ve seen many intriguing responses to our appeal for members to write to their MPs asking for support for CRT to continue […]

Crunch-time soon? Mike Rodd peers into a very uncertain future for the waterways. The coming months are going to be absolutely critical for all of us who boat on our inland waterways, as it is clear that reports into the futures of both CRT and the EA – as I have mentioned in my previous […]

In the Chair Mike Rodd takes part in the Defra consultation on Government funding. So far, a very mild winter has meant that we can all go out and do some lovely, quiet winter cruising. For my wife and me this always means – after her hectic Christmastime as our vicar – diving out straight […]

Mike Rodd’s 2020-21 Annual Report to the AGM This has been a particularly interesting year and especially a real joy to be working with so many new members of your Council, even if the bulk of meetings have had to be via the internet. It has also been encouraging to see a small increase in […]

Mike Rodd believes that this is what the new words in CRT’s terms and conditions are saying, even though CRT denies this. At last we were able to have a real NABO Council meeting and it was such a pleasure to meet our new councillors physically! It is amazing how we have coped over the […]

Mike Rodd compares and contrasts the BSS with navigation authorities. I must be terribly naïve! In my simple mind, if I were applying to the Government to continue/extend a multimillion ongoing annual grant, I would want my most influential and committed customers to be supporting my application and giving it as much positive publicity as […]

Mike Rodd reports on the work of an active NABO Council. At last – back on our boat for a week – it was wonderful; and good to see the hire fleets starting to operate again. Of course, being based in Wales, we were always slightly out of line with England, but at last the […]

Mike Rodd describes just two of the issues facing NABO. I hope that some of you might be able to get out on your boats soon – it has been so frustrating and worrying, especially if your boat is not safe in a well-managed marina. I had to handle a report last week of a […]