Vice Chair mark has been writing a monthly column in 2018 for Towpath Talk. The item appears normally on the inside of the back page of the paper typically if 5-600 words. He has been responsible for the subject matter and keeps it topical focussing on the views of boaters he has met and NABO members. He aims to be constructive and thought provoking. Sometimes it is necessary to be critical of CRTs actions but where possible, alternative policy options are suggested . Topics often reflect those that appear in NABO’s Facebook page and other boating related social media. Areas covered over the year have been broad ranging from , dredging, visitor moorings, friends and volunteers, funding , enforcement, stoppages ,licensing, infrastructure, attracting new boaters. Hopefully following NABOs aim which is to be a critical friend of CRT.