In the Chair
It’s been a funny old summer. We’ve cruised new waterways, made new friends, I’ve been able to colour in a bit more of the map, but like a lot of boaters, our cruising plans have been interrupted — by low water levels, stoppages, a peat fire and now, unfortunately just when I should be casting off and heading back upstream towards the GU, heavy rain is forecast and I’m on a river that’s prone to flood.
Add hubby’s medical appointments into the mix and it’s almost a perfect storm! The waterways are facing their own perfect storm.
Back-to-back drought, failing infrastructure coupled with dwindling funding and the general malaise amongst the boating community doesn’t bode well. The Canal and River Trust are making an effort now with Campbell Robb at the helm but is it too late? Is the network facing terminal decline? I’d like to think not, but we are nearing a tipping point.
Talking about CRT, remember the report that was published late last year on the Future of Boat Licensing? Well the Trust are now in the process of running a pre-consultation engagement programme which will lead to a major 14 week public consultation on national boat licensing and waterways management starting this December. We shouldn’t be too surprised it’s taken so long for the Trust to consult on the Commission’s recommendations, after all inland boating is slow travel, and it’s no surprise CRT is a rather cumbersome machine. NABO, along with other prominent boating organisations, were invited to take part in the pre-consultation process, helping to decide the recommendations that should be put to public consultation, what could be implemented immediately without consultation and what recommendations need more work to be undertaken by the Trust before being put to consultation. As you would expect we didn’t immediately agree but, because everyone was willing to compromise, by the end of the day a general consensus was reached. It will be interesting to see if the Trust acts on the advice given or simply decides to go their own way.
Our AGM is only 9 weeks away. It was due to be held at Tamworth CC but unfortunately, due to a family bereavement, I would have been unable to attend. It will now be held on the 7th of November at Stafford Boat Club instead. If you would like to attend please get in touch so we can finalise numbers.
Finally we have a new Vice Chair. Jacqui Lund has kindly taken over the mantle from Andy Williams who, as stated in the Bulletin, is going to remain involved representing NABO but will no longer be a member of Council. Andy has been a font of all knowledge to me this year, he has steered me through stormy waters and stopped me from beaching myself on several occasions. He does most of his boating in and around Shropshire so if you’re cruising that way, please look out for him and his lovely dog Layla.
