AWCC

The latest version of ALERT is now available on this website here as a down-loadable PDF file.

We have distributed this version in advance of the receipt of the paper versions normally delivered to AWCC Clubs and other interested parties to alleviate the possibility that the paper version may be delayed due to the current postal dispute.

If you have any comments or experience downloading or using the file, please let us know via the contact form on this website.

David Pearce, National Chairman of the AWCC, has written to Gerry Grimstone and Yvette Cooper, expressing concern at the possibility of BW losing control of it’s Non-operational Property Portfolio and the income that generates for BW. Copies of the letters are attached below.

We understand that a number of AWCC members have also written to their MPs and to other Government Ministers in a similar vein.

The Budget on Wednesday 22nd April will tell all.

Gerry_Grimstone.pdf

Yvette_Cooper.pdf

The BSS have just released the attached alert on a specific type of portable stove with an integral gas canister.

“The release is made following incidents where people have been seriously burnt and is issued by the Boat Safety Scheme in association with Hampshire County Council Trading Standards.

There are many variants of such stoves and no single model or brand is implicated.

We have attached a generic image for your use and which is intended to reflect no one brand or model, but just a typical design.”

The alert discusses the possibilty of incorrect assembly which can result in the integral gas canister overheating with the possibility of a subsequent explosion.

The full information from the BSS is downloadable here nr00109-portable-gas-stoves-safety-alert-apr-09

The latest version of ALERT is now available as a PDF file here. (7.3 Mb)

alert200901

From 1 November 2008 it will be illegal for red diesel to be used for propulsion of private pleasure craft unless the purchaser of the fuel declares that is their intent and pays the full rate of duty due on it.

The declaration need only be  short and may be in the following format -

‘I declare that [  ] % of the fuel purchased will be used for propelling a private pleasure craft’,

The purchaser must provide their name and address and sign and date the declaration.

There is no standard form and it will be up to the fuel supplier to incorporate this into his existing records as appropriate.

National Inland Navigation Forum

Michael Stimpson chaired this first meeting of the reconstituted N.I.N.F. In the future there will be one meeting per year in February and ad hoc meetings when necessary.

Basingstoke Canal B.C.

They have a new committee and have decided to continue with AWCC membership, I have sent them membership cards, Mrs J. Byrnes their new their new secretary has posted the subs.

Gas Installer Registration

Capita has been appointed to run the scheme for the H.S.E. starting 1st April 2009. Unfortunately this will involve creation of a new logo. CORGI offered the existing logo, but this was rejected. There will have to be an expensive advertising campaign to roll out the new name.  I wonder who’s going to pay for it. April the
first-all fools day!

Meet Robin Evans

Not many people wanted to at 5-30 pm on a Friday evening – not good planning.   A developer of the Paddington basin has asked for seventeen more business barges in Paddington Basin, the L.A. have a vested interest in granting planning permission as they receive the rates.

Slough Arm

Several club members went to the slough festival, however the reeds were about 6ft.high and it was almost impossible to moor. BW is talking about mooring 100 boats on the arm I don’t know where.  Robin Evans said BW would not allow any development of the basin that would prejudice the construction of a Thames Link.

Trevor Gilham

The “summer” boating on the waterways of the region has been quiet, limited by flow conditions on the rivers and presumably overall by the weather. The clubs have been largely undeterred with a fine selection of rallies, cruising and social events throughout the period. There has been little dealing with authority as most groups suspend activity at this time of the year. A few points worthy of note: -

Developments at Aylesbury.

A visit to the area of the canal basin will make an immediate impression as to the scale of the redevelopment.   Many of the old buildings have disappeared. The canal basin and Canal Society lie at the
centre of this which makes the detail of it’s future uncertain. The society remains as active and welcoming as ever and we hope those uncertainties are soon resolved giving the Lionhearts Cruising Club.
The club celebrates the fortieth anniversary of its foundation this year. A dinner dance has been organised next month to celebrate the occasion. The club occupies a site in Milton Keynes and is a noticeably quiet area in that city. AWCC SE Region would like to offer our congratulations to the club and best wishes for the future.

Waterway Rallies.

Several successful rallies have taken place in the region over the summer. The ANRC Rally, held over
the May Bank Holiday at the Middle Nene Cruising Club attracted 88 visiting boats and 30 campers and caravans. A full weekend of events was held despite the weather. AWCC was represented at the rally and thanks are due to those who manned the stall. The rally will be held at Peterborough Cruising Club in 2009.

The Northampton Boat Gathering attracted 46 boats and distributed £1200 amongst local charities. Those
attending this rally, from river and canal speak highly of the content and organisation of event and Region would like to offer congratulations to those involved.

Stoke Bruerne Museum

Not a boat club of course but well worth a visit. The museum, housed in a restored corn mill, tells the story of our canals, the people who worked on them and provides an insight into the development of the system. Supported by a Group of Friends, the museum organises several special events during the year and are involved with an annual Museum Open Weekend in June to help promote the museum. The museum is open daily and full details are available by telephoning 01604 862 229 or visit the website www.nwm.org.uk.

Paul Le Blique

The Mayor cuts the cake

Normanton on Soar based Soar Boating Club celebrated its 55th birthday along with local villagers recently.

Ian Baker, the Club Commodore welcomed the Mayor of Rushcliffe, Barrie Cooper and the Mayoress Jean Cooper as honoured guests. Ian said “This is another important milestone in the growth of the Soar Boating Club.  We are delighted that so many villagers have joined us to celebrate the occasion.”  A flotilla of Narrow Boats and a Steel Cruiser made an impressive spectacle carrying the guests of honour, the boat clubs Flag Officers and President along with the Vicar Steve Osman, the church choir and Boat Club members to St. James church in the village.

Following a thought provoking church service which has come to be a traditional part of the anniversary festivities, the boats took their guests along with some villagers for a short cruise to the outskirts of Loughborough before returning to the Boating Club for a celebratory lunch.  Other members of the Club and local villagers made a less aquatic entrance by walking to the church and back.  With the clubhouse bursting at the seams with over 100 people, many from the village attending the event, the Mayor kindly proposed a toast to the Club on its birthday and cut the cake.

The Boat Club was formed in 1953 at The White House in Kegworth, to promote and encourage boating on the River Soar.  It later moved to its present location in Normanton and has in excess of 250 members and is still growing.  Membership is open to all with an interest in boating.

The Soar Boating Club is unique in its location with beautiful grounds and surrounding country side and has impressive facilities and welcomes visiting boats.   For more information visit our web site at www.soarboatingclub.co.uk

Ivor Lucas on his appointment as Mayor of Cheadle

Stoke on Trent Boat Club member, Ivor Lucas, has been appointed Mayor of Cheadle in Staffordshire.  His Deputy is Mike Maryon, also a member of SOTBC.

Mike’s wife, Karen, has just completed a year as Chairman of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.  Although these are prestigious appointments, they do have a down-side, when their official duties interfere with boating!

From Erica Martin at  Stoke-on-Trent BC

Quiet period with no regional meeting. Hopefully everyone cruising and njoying the warm, dry weather.

Numbers up, standards down Around the system it is very noticeable and often
commented on, that congestion is increasing and maintenance is decreasing. Some of the congestion is no doubt due to rivers liable to flooding being avoided. The latest breach at Stourbridge will not improve the maintenance level.

What a Bollard Fiasco!

The other main talking point has been the ‘3 bollards per narrow lock’ fiasco. The square wooden posts in the Midlands rightly coming in for most criticism. Simon Salem now admits they were a mistake. (A £1.75m mistake). Hopefully the new Customer Service Standards Advisory Panel can stop this sort of
action. I shall be doing my best.

Meeting the Chief

I managed to get invited to two of the Robin Evans (BW Chief Exec.) meetings. Quite an advantage as I had chance to find some holes in his answers from the first and ask supplementary questions at the second.

Enthusiasm and Tenacity

Finally congratulations to ECP&DA on receiving one of the BW “acknowledgement awards” for their work on the Erewash & Cromford canals. The following is a quote from a letter Stoke-on-Trent BC sent to ECP&DA following their visit to Langley Mill in May -

Graham Myatt