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Category: NN Chairman's Column
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Getting to know you

Stella Ridgway is concerned about the disconnect between boaters and local communities.

In the July issue, I expressed a desire that the sun we had in June would be extended, but we have had one of the worst Augusts on record for cloud, rain and cold weather. We have had our stove lit and we are still awaiting the chance of an Indian summer up here. I have been envious of those able to travel, as there seems to have been plenty of sunshine elsewhere. It’s been so bad that we have had to run the engine instead of using our solar panel to charge the batteries sufficiently.

Read more: In the Chair Oct 17

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Category: Current Consultations
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Mark Tizard has read the 44-page report …. so that you don’t have to!

CRT is investing a considerable amount of time and expense in reviewing boat licensing. At the outset, it said it wanted the review to cover all aspects of licensing and that the outcome was intended to be revenue neutral and to simplify the current process. CRT has just published the Stage 2 report from the recent workshops, which is the main focus of this article. To recap, using an external consultancy, Involve, the review is a three-stage process that is intended to operate as follows:

Read more: CRT Licensing Consultation

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Category: Latest News
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Winter moorings

CRT’s winter moorings will be available from 1st November to 16th March 2018, finishing ahead of the Easter holidays.  Boaters will be able to book the sites in increments of one month, or two weeks in March 2018. The moorings are divided into four price bands according to each site’s location and facilities, with most mooring prices held at 2016/17 levels. Some popular sites have increased in price and less popular sites have had a price cut in response to the high or low levels of demand last year. The highest price band has increased by 50p per metre per month to £15.50 (a 3.5% rise). Facilities have been improved at a couple of sites and this is also reflected in the pricing. Boaters have been able to view sites on the CRT website since September and will be able to make a booking from 6 am on 2nd October through the CRT boat licensing site at https://licensing.canalrivertrust.org.uk/Account/Register. A list of the sites and prices can be found at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/winter-moorings and further information is available from CRT Customer Services on 0303 0404040 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Category: NN Editorials
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Coping with canoes

Editor, Peter Fellows welcomes clarification by CRT

 

Canoeists feature more prominently in this issue than previously, with news of new canoe slipways on the Llangollen, the opening of Foulridge Tunnel on the L&L to canoeists, and problems with some canoeists wanting to share locks with boats. While NABO welcomes the increased use of the waterways by as many people as possible, its main concern in relation to canoeists is safety ‒ it doesn’t take much imagination to see who will come off worse in situations where a canoe and a 12-tonne boat are in too close proximity ‒ such as a lock or a tunnel. So it is welcome that Jon Horsfall, CRT’s interim head of boating, has restated its policy on unpowered craft and has begun a process with British Canoeing to promote clear and straightforward information to increase awareness of what canoeists can and cannot do.

Although we have had occasional articles over the years on technical aspects of boating, I would like to print more, so I have introduced the first of a new series with a look at safety aspects of fuels on board. If you have specialist knowledge of any aspect of boat design, construction, equipment, facilities or maintenance, or just some handy technical tips that you’ve come across, please let me know. I’ve also repeated my request in the last issue for cartoons and a crossword compiler, but I’m pleased to report that we will hopefully soon have a new ‘Rewind’ column in each issue.

Elsewhere, there are reports from three of NABO’s regional reps; Howard Anguish in the North-east, Mike Rodd in Wales and Alison Tuck in the West Midlands. Mark Tizard has views on how boaters can be better ‘friends’ with CRT, which would be in the interests of both parties, and Helen Hutt recounts her first experience of boating along the Mon & Brec. Enjoy the summer (as I write this, I can’t believe it will already be mid-summer in a few days time). The next issue will be in October, so give me a wave if we pass on the north-west canals over the coming weeks.