Editorial

It’s nice to end the year on several positive notes: I’m pleased that £2 million has been earmarked to restore the historic Mile Wharf on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in Burnley. We cruised past it in the summer and commented then on the disgraceful state it’s in. Although there are some big improvements taking place in Burnley, there is plenty more to do so this is welcome news. There was other positive news at the AGM last month, with Mike Rodd giving a summary of the year’s achievements, reported in this issue. Dean Davies gave us his views on how CRT can improve its customer service in an engaging and refreshingly candid way. Also at the AGM, River Canal Rescue’s Charlotte Perry and Jay Forman gave a very good presentation on their work and answered some very technical questions from the members who were present – it’s a pity there weren’t more attending. I was familiar with RCR’s breakdown service, but not with its technical courses and online chandlery. NABO has negotiated a reduced RCR membership fee for our members and this discount applies to parts bought in the chandlery too (details in the next issue).

Further positive news in this issue: the HS2 diversion away from Fradley; new facilities for visiting boaters in Aylesbury; and a round-up of developments at CRT. Louis Jankel has written the first of an occasional series of articles on frequently-asked questions about narrowboats, and there are updates on the K&A mooring trial from Geoffrey Rogerson. The debate over towpath winter mooring permits is summarised by Mark Tizard.  So altogether, plenty to get your teeth into during the coming cold winter evenings.

NABO News was favourably commented on by members at the AGM and, in this last issue of the year, I would like to thank the team of proof-readers who correct my wayward grammar, Chris Pink for working his design magic, and of course all the members who send me photos, letters and articles – without these contributions it would be a much poorer newsletter. Until the next issue in February, have an enjoyable Christmas and best wishes from all the Council members for 2015.

Peter