In the Chair
Beasts and Breaches
Well winter seems like it is really cross, it keeps storming out and then storming back in shouting “and another thing”. We have six inches of snow again, although we are not iced in this time. Last week was fun going for water, with frozen snow on top of ice. Our poor engine did not like it at all; she overheated twice. Who said boating life was boring?
We are still waiting to meet Jon Horsfall, the Interim Head of Boating; having had to cancel our meeting. However, there is a Council meeting on March 21st and I am hoping that there will be further clarity on the reorganisation. We can then rearrange the meeting and get quarterly meetings in the diary.
Licence Review: both the previous Head of Boating and Head of Customer Service have left the Trust and one wonders why, given that they were instrumental in organising the survey. The major changes are the removal of the 10% reduction for prompt payment, although they have introduced a 2.5% discount for all those who pay by Direct Debit, to help those boaters on limited incomes who maybe can only pay monthly – this is possibly a fairer outcome. Just as we were digesting that, the breach happened on the Middlewich Arm. This will cost thousands to repair and the contingency fund will probably be used.
Another item that has been introduced on a trial basis is a ‘reasonable adjustment’ form to complete when asking for changes to your cruising pattern. It has been designed to comply with the Equality Act 2010. I am now working with the Trust to ensure that it complies as, in its current form, it appears intrusive and does not explain the need for some of the questions. The draft form is available at https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/refresh/media/thumbnail/35483-capability-to-cruise-questionnaire.pdf. If you have any comments, please email me and I can compile them for the Trust.
With the breach at Stanthorne closing the Middlewich Arm and the Marple Flight now being out of action until the May Bank Holiday at the earliest, Bosley Flight is passable with care and by liaising with the contractors on site. But the capacity to cruise the northern canals is severely limited. So take care over Easter; if you are cruising enjoy yourselves and hopefully the weather will be a bit better.
Happy Boating
Stella Ridgway
