The minutes of this meeting are attached as a PDF file
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Archive for the “Minutes” CategoryThe minutes of this meeting are attached as a PDF file
Oct
26
2008
Minutes from NW Region Meetings for Sept 2008Posted by awcceditor in Minutes, North West, RegionsThe minutes for the NW General Meeting for September 2008 are now available.
Oct
26
2008
Minutes from NW Region Meetings for early 2008Posted by awcceditor in Minutes, North West, RegionsThe minutes of the North West General Meetings on 10th January, 13th March and 15th May are attached below.
Oct
21
2008
Meeting held at Coventry Canal Society on 11 Oct 2008Posted by awcceditor in Midlands, MinutesA Meeting of the Midlands Region was held at Coventry Canal Society on Saturday 11th October 2008 The minutes are available here as a PDF document
May
10
2008
Meeting held at Swarkestone Boat Club on 10 May 08Posted by awcceditor in Midlands, Minutes, RegionsAttendingGraham Myatt Chairman & Treasurer Margaret Smith Secretary Terence Balchin QM & Derby MBC Alan Heeley Ash Tree BC Howard & Sheila Smith ECP&DA Trevor Orton Swarkestone BC Alan Spriggs Swarkestone BC Alan Griffiths Fradley Junction CC John Wilkinson Soar BC Randal & Janine Heard Norbury CC Roger & Pam McLellan Lichfield CC & BCF Tony & Barbara Collins Coventry CS Tom & Mick Griffin Hinckley BC Val Myatt Stoke-on-Trent BC Margaret Darmody Mid Warks YC Roni and Norman Solomons Sea Otter Peter Hart – Guest
Mar
08
2008
Meeting held at Soar Boating Club on 8 March 08Posted by awcceditor in Midlands, Minutes, RegionsAttending.
Jan
12
2008
Meeting held at Stafford Boat Club on 12 January 08Posted by awcceditor in Midlands, Minutes, RegionsAttendingHoward Smith Chairman Graham Myatt Treasurer & Stoke-on-Trent BC Margaret Smith Secretary Terence Balchin QM & Derby MBC Alan Heeley AshTree BC Doug & Edna LeightonCoventry CC Jean Devey Stafford BC Sheila Smith Trevor & Marian Orton Swarkestone BC Alan Griffiths Fradley Junction CC Val Myatt Stoke-on-Trent BC John Wilkinson Soar BC Ann Banks Black Buoy CC Randal Heard Norbury CC Roni andNorman Solomons Sea Otter Roger & Pam McLellan Lichfield CC & BCF Tony CollinsCoventry CS Paul Bryan Wolverhampton BC Ken TurnerHinckley BC Alan Woodhouse ECP&DA
Oct
20
2007
Meeting held at Tamworth Cruising Club on 20 October 07Posted by awcceditor in Midlands, Minutes, RegionsAttendingHoward Smith Chairman Graham Myatt Treasurer & Stoke-on-Trent BC Margaret Smith Secretary Terence Balchin QM & Derby MBC Alan & Pat Heeley Ash Tree BC Doug & Edna Leighton Coventry CC Ernie Machin Stafford BC Sheila Smith George & Margaret Darmody Mid Warks YC Trevor Orton Swarkestone BC Alan Griffiths Fradley Junction CC Val Myatt Stoke-on-Trent BC Lynne Cater WRGBC Derek Beardsmore Longwood BC Tom & Mick Griffin Hinckley BC Valerie Bishop Tamworth CC Tony Collins Coventry CS Keith Broughton Soar BC
1. Apologies. John Wilkinson Soar BC Ann Banks Black Buoy CC Randal Heard Norbury CC Roni Solomons Sea Otter Roger & Pam McLellan Lichfield CC & BCF Stewart Priddy Weighbridge CC Meeting Commenced 10.30 am
2. Minutes of Meeting held on 10th June 2007 at. Lichfield Cruising Club. Amendment. Omitted from Graham Myatt’s report. Special thanks to Terence & Margaret for the donation of the gallon of whisky and to Weighbridge Cruising and Social Club for the loan of the ducks. Proposed George Darmody Seconded Graham Myatt 3. Matters Arising None 4. Chairman’s Report. Wet and windy Crick Boat Show came and went with the AWCC stand being badly damaged. It was not worth re erecting. Repairs were made in time for the IWA National Rally at St Ives. I do not know if it is I, but I believe the canals are generally in a poorer state than last year. Some of it can be put down to the DEFRA cuts, but not all. The amount of bonuses paid out to Robin Evans and co beggars belief! £171,000 paid to members of the BW board for a total of 400hrs. Over two million pounds paid to eleven top BW men including four who have now left with the golden handshake. How can anyone within BW justify a bonus of £65,000? Pensions are another huge increase, one person leaving with a pension of over £39,000 and a lump sum over £260,000. What next years figures will show, I hate to think. Now for the sting in the tail. This is the so called consultation on licensing. BW has already told us that licenses will go up 30% over the next three years. I do not want to boar you with the figures but to me although this is supposed to be a consultation, it seems to be a bit like these phone ins where you vote for an act you like best, but in fact they have already made the decision. Talk about a stab in the back, after all that “SAVE OUR WATERWAYS” against DEFRA cuts. What a sanctimonious lot BW are! BW are paying £300,000 to a company to look at BW and tell them how they could do things better. A dozen boaters could do it for nothing, and in half the time. Ranting over, I would like members to tell me (mailto:howshe.smith@btinternet.com or tele: 0115 938 4129) what I should be saying to the AWCC Executive meeting early in November. Be sure your views are heard this time. 5. Secretary’s Report. A review of the incoming mail since the June meeting. IWA Press release 21st Aug IWA tell British Waterways to “get sensible” on Mooring provision. IWA has called on BW to “get sensible” on mooring provision and to consider alternatives to fully serviced marinas. IWA Head Office Bulletin. 31st Aug Harry Arnold has announced his intention to retire from editing IWA’s magazine at the end of this year, after 17 years in the post. Harry Arnold intends to remain a regular contributor to other boating magazines and his photography appears in a range of publications and outlets. Eugene Baston, external relations manager, has announced his resignation from BW. Eugene has been the main point of contact for many waterways users and groups with BW, he departed mid September. IWA Press release 4th Sept - IWA called on members to respond in writing to the recent HM Revenue consultation on red diesel. BSS Sept 2007 - Article on Keeping Safe with Solid Fuel stoves. www.boatsafetyscheme.com/fire Health and Safety Executive carbon monoxide safety- www.hse.gov.uk/campaigns/worksmart/videos/index.htm#gas go to gas safety section. The Solid Fuel association guide to buying suitable fuels for different types of appliance and getting the best out of the fuel. www.solidfuel.co.uk/pdfs/solid_fuels.pdf Graham Myatt mentioned an excellent article written by the former AWCC Safety Officer Stuart McGuiggan. Margaret to contact the Communications Officer to see if this report is still available. Email from Nigel Grant ex Warwickshire Fire and Rescue, Region Secretary has invited Nigel to attend the Region AGM to update progress amongst members fitting alarms. Graham also mentioned that the Communications Officer has been approached by an alarm company asking if there are any volunteer clubs to test their products. Any volunteers contact Malcolm Wood. IWA Press Release 11th Oct The IWA issued a forthright condemnation of both BW proposals to increase license fees by approx 9% per year for the next three years. Petition organised. www.waterways.org.uk/News/OtherCampaigns/MooringsTendering/MooringPetition. From BW User Meeting – Briefing Note : Floating Pennywort. 6. Treasurer’s Report. Balances @27/09/07 Bank £616.34 Cash £ 30.40 Sec.’s float £ 50.00
£ 697.04 Building Society. £1174.47 Total £1871.51 Reminder -Agreed increment of Midland subs £1 per year will apply to 2008 bills. National have not announced their increment as yet. 7. Quartermaster Report. Handbook This years Handbook the Yellow covered one is now reduced to £1, as we need to clear stock. Midlands Region is still the top selling region. Reps commented that fewer handbooks were being sold. QM noted this and will coordinate a reduction in the print run for the coming year. Personal delivery of single copies of the handbook to be encouraged to reduce postage costs. 8. National Executive Report. Next Meeting 3rd November 2007 Nottingham Yacht Club 10.30 am start. All welcome Reminder National Communications Officer standing down at National AGM in March 2008. Any interested parties contact Malcolm Wood contact details in handbook. 9. Diesel Consultation Graham Myatt asked if there were any more suggestions why diesel prices should be reduced for boaters use? SILENCE. Reps were urged to write to their MP’s. Closing date for this consultation 31st October 2007 Graham Myatt briefly met the new Minister and highlighted the increase and its impact on price over the last five years. The preferred options of HMCR are outlined in this document. www.hmrc.gov.uk 10. Chairman’s Job Description. A copy of the Chairman’s job description is available from the Secretary. The meeting was reminded that Howard Smith will be standing down at the Region AGM in March. Candidates should be aware that expenses can be claimed for all Region and National meetings. There are four Region meetings and five National meetings per year. At present National meetings are all being held in the Midlands. The tenure of the post can be limited if you wish. You may also arrange to delegate duties to reps when you are not available Do not expect current Officers to take the post, replacements for them will have to be found. 11. Reports from Representatives.
East Midland Region, Southern Group User Forum Standards are now being prepared by British Waterways which will apply across the whole network. These standards will define a minimum Health and Safety standard and front of house service we as customers can expect from BW across every aspect of their organisation. All bridges in this region are to have their number plates fitted and emergency services informed. Craft Licensing Consultation – Agents that collect license fees where asked to join in the consultation process to ensure they do not loose this important income. Agents are seen at present as a positive to BW, but who knows what this consultation may bring. The Courier newspaper Leamington Spa 14th Sept. Reported the Old Town could be receiving a facelift in the form of a major redevelopment with Ringmaster (formerly Flavell) considering moving to another site. George Darmody reported that there is huge interest in the regeneration of this area. George is hoping to persuade developers to include minimum provisions i.e. a tap, waste disposal, and sanitary facilities, for the boating community in their plans. www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk Trevor Orton reported that the proposed marina for Willington on the Trent and Mersey Canal has got the go ahead. Howard Smith gave a brief outline of the British Waterways meeting held in Birmingham recently. Following the main speeches by Tony Hurst and Robin Evans, there were many questions on a wide variety of subjects posed to the board. 11. Any Other Business Boat Licensing Consultation Document. http://www.britishwaterways.co.uk/images/bw_licence_fee_consultation_oct_07.pdf Free paper copies available from BW Customer Services 01923 201120 Closing date for consultation. 7th January 2008 Graham urged all individuals as well as boat clubs to respond to this consultation. Howard Smith led a discussion to formulate our regions response to take to the AWCC National Exec meeting. The general feeling in the meeting was that continuous cruisers should pay more than boaters with permanent moorings. This could boost income for BW. Twenty four hour mooring overstayers should pay for their extended mooring periods on a daily basis. This already happens in some areas. The meeting came forward with two proposals aimed at continuous cruisers.
The meeting also recommended
Boat Fire Safety. Report of the narrowboat “Lindy Lou” fire earlier this year now available. http://www.maib.gov.uk/cms_resources/Lindy%20Lou.pdf Paper copies of this report are available from the Region Secretary at cost plus postage as this report is lengthy and contains colour photos. The father of the victim has appealed for the fitting of smoke alarms to be made compulsory. BSS is now recommending they are fitted. AWCC is backing the campaign, but the AWCC has gone quiet. Graham reminded the meeting that local fire services will provide fire safety checks and did so at his clubs rally this year. The alarms are sensitive but easily silenced. Alan Healey commented that although the alarms are free, people are not taking up the offer believing they are “safe”. IWA National Rally Wolverhampton August 2008 Secretary on the circulation list for reports of meetings about this event. There will be an expectation for region personnel to be available on the stand during the event. However if there is a cost involved in the AWCC stand attending the event, the AWCC may withdraw. This topic is up for discussion at the next Exec meeting. 12. Forthcoming events Tony Collins will be giving a talk at the Oadby Tennis Club on 8th Nov. The history of Coventry canal and its canal society. Stafford Boat Club Rally 13th -15th June 2008 details to follow. 13. Next Meeting. Saturday 12th January 2008 at Stafford Boat Club
Dates and Venues for 2008 meetings. January 12th Stafford Boat Club March 8th Soar Boating Club Thank you to Tamworth Cruising Club for hosting this October meeting. Special thanks to Valerie and Carol for their assistance.
Jun
10
2007
Meeting held at Lichfield Cruising Club on 10 June 07Posted by awcceditor in Midlands, Minutes, RegionsAttending
1. Apologies.
Meeting Commenced 10.30 am 2. Minutes of Meeting held on 10th March 2007 at.Wolverhampton Boat Club . Proposed Alan Heeley Seconded Graham Myatt 3. Matters Arising None 4. Chairman’s Report. AWCC had a presentation at the National AGM on Fire Safety and CO detectors. At the following Exec meeting a Press Release was proposed but I have only found it on our website so far. We talked about fires on boats at our two previous meetings, and some of the statistics make you think. The Advisory Committee of the BSS have now taken it in hand where I can see it becoming part of the scheme in the future, Just to give you some facts:- there have been 23 fire/explosions reported on inland waterways, so far this year, of these 3 have been CO incidents, 1 capsize and 1 falling off a boat. To date examiners have identified 88 dangerous boats out of 5000 certificates issued. Of the 17 fires, 6 involved solid fuel stoves that had not been installed properly. There had been 1 diesel stove fire, 2 gas, 2 cookers,2 deliberate,3 a bit iffy and one where they were unable to find a cause, The inference from all this is that if proper alarms had been fitted and maintained it is likely that 2 fatalities and two hospitalisations would not have occurred. You may have seen recently that it has been proposed by BW that vacant moorings be put out to tender for a trial period. BW wanted this tendering over the internet only, but this has been dropped in favour of sealed bids and internet bids. This seems a funny one as no one seems to know who will open the bids and who will oversee that there is no jiggery pokery going on. As there is more pressure on moorings down South it was thought the trail would be down there but this is being rolled out nationally. Watch for things happening. http://www.waterscape.com/boating/moorings/bwmooringtenders The idea of one group running the waterway network reared its head again. It seems to have been overshadowed by an article in the Times newspaper re privatisation of BW. I received a letter from Robin Evans clarifying BW’s current position. Copies of his letter available from Region Secretary. British Waterways land that is currently zero rated for VAT may find its VAT rating changing in the next few years. This could cause a substantial increase in BW mooring charges whether they are BW or club managed, when based on BW operational land. A memorandum of understanding between BW and AWCC is being set up. Thank you to those who attended meetings on behalf of the Midlands Region 5. Secretary’s Report. Firstly the dates and venues for forthcoming meetings. There are changes to the venues from those shown on the March minutes. The confirmed venues are shown on the current agenda and will be printed at the end of these minutes. We will be at Tamworth Cruising Club in October,Stafford Boat Club January and Soar Boating Club March. On to the mail received. From Malcolm Wood Communications Officer, for those not using the internet. Free copies of Towpath Talk are being offered to clubs. The contact is Tony Hoyland on 01507 529300 or email thoyland@moretons.co.uk A letter from Peter Hart from the Greyhound Boat Club informing us of the demise of the Club. “Just a short note to inform you that the Greyhound Boat Club is finished. It’s quite a sad time for many of the older members, we haven’t recruited any young members and it’s been going down hill for years. What few funds will be donated to Local Canal Restoration Projects. Hope to see you around this summer. All the Best Peter” British Waterways 25th May New initiative in theEast Midlands which will see boats that do not have a current license refused entry through manned locks. There is a poster with the letter. Further details www.waterscape.com or call 01636 704481 29th May Press reports suggesting that British Waterways could be privatised. There is an attached statement from Robin Evans clarifying the position. Please ask for copies to be sent out, if you need them. Terence and I attended the Stoke Boat Club 50th Anniversary Rally. Excellent weekend, plenty of fun and laughter. The web pages have been updated with pictures so have a look next time you are browsing. 6. Treasurer’s Report. Balances @08/06/07 Bank £653.37 Cash £ 20.30 Sec.’s float £ 50.00
£ 723.67 Building Society. £1174.47 Total £1898.14 All subs now paid and regional subs have been sent to National. 7. Quartermaster Report. Handbook This years Handbook the Yellow covered one is to sell at £1.60 I will offer them at £1.40 if purchased in batches of ten or more as I need to clear supplies. George Darmody stated that notification of new handbooks and costing was very useful and he had missed it this year. Terence to ensure letters continue to go out 8. National Executive Report. We had a discussion about a letter received by the National Quartermaster re putting OS reference back into the handbook. The meeting felt this was unnecessary as post codes and telephones were just as useful. The meeting did express a wish that:-
Alan Healey discussed new hand books issued to Club Secretaries being delivered by post two days after the AGM. Alan asked that where possible handbooks could be given out at the National AGM or Exec meetings to save postage. 9. Mooring Auctions The auctions will be internet and postal with a £10 registration fee for postal entries. The project starts in July/ August with more formal consultations in eight months. The auctions are based on a three year fixed price contract. After three years you could loose your mooring, if a better offer is received. See Chairman’s report. http://www.waterscape.com/boating/moorings/bwmooringtenders 10 Reports from Representatives East Midland Region, Southern Group User Forum Discussion on the No Licence No Passage initiative in theEast Midlands area. Poster available from BW. This will see lock keepers deny passage to boats failing to display a valid licence. Further details www.waterscape.com or call 01636 704481 Bradley Stoppages Meeting. £218 million to be spent on waterways nationally in 2007 – 08 £2 million of Vale Royal Lock on the Weaver, £2.5 million on lock gates. Finalised list to be published on 6th July. Wales and Border Counties User Forum Graham Myatt gave an appraisal of the meeting and its content, neither Manager or Deputy Manager for the Region were present. He felt that maintenance in his immediate area had seen a drop in standard and frequency. However the Supervisor and crew local to Endon had done a lot of work to support the Clubs 50th Anniversary event, which the Club acknowledge as excellent. Alan Griffiths asked if Graham would be passing his thoughts on the meeting and maintenance up the management chain. Graham said he was waiting for the Manager to return from maternity leave to choose his moment. West Midlands Waterways Randall Heard reported Netherton Tunnel East Towpath is to be replaced 18th May – 17th August, to coincide with repairs on the Tindale Aquaduct. Navigation will not be restricted. Survey of the tunnel is complete, but results not yet known. These may show defects in the integrity of the tunnel itself. InBirmingham the Round House redevelopment has received proposals. One proposal being considered – not the best for BW financially, but the best for “Heritage”, is The Fiddle and Bone pub maybe incorporated in the BW/pub business joint venture Hydrographic survey boat. A new BW super asset – it measures depth of water, width of canal, overhanging trees and locates spot by GPS navigation. Claimed to give more accurate results and quicker than two men in a rowing boat with a tape measure and a plumb bob. Results from the boat take a long time to produce results due to the large volume of data. Plant and Support. The plant is being rationalised after it was discovered that 143 staff had 134 chainsaws and 8 men had 16 strimmers. 11. Any Other Business Following on from the discussion of the letter from Robin Evans re BW privatisation mentioned in the Chairman’s report, Graham Myatt spoke of the MP Charlotte Atkins raising an Early Day Motion on the subject. Graham urged Clubs to write to their MP’s to support this. Minutes for the Exec meetings are to be posted on the webpage. Margaret to email reps when they have been posted. Howard drew our attention to the Canal Boat magazine offer in the current copy of Alert. The current copies of Alert will have been sent to the Secretaries of the Clubs. It will also be downloadable from the website. www.awcc.org.uk Trevor Orton told us of a plan to build a 585 berth marina at Willington Lake Fishery. Graham thanked all Clubs that attended the Stoke Boat Club 50th Anniversary Rally. 140 boats and 6 caravans attended. £2500 was raised and will be divided between two local charities. The charity stall that attended did well. Many at the meeting were at the rally and very favourable comments were heard on subjects from towpath cleanliness following the rally to how well the Scout Troup did their jobs. Commodore Ken’s big leather hat has gone missing. Anyone with any information please contact the club. Raffle prizes are needed for the Region Meetings, this meeting raised around £10. The idea to have a Region Meeting raffle is to help Region Funds and in doing so may go a little way towards lessening the increase in annual Club fees. 12. Forthcoming events Coventry Cruising Club. 13th -14th July 2007 Strawberry Tea. ECP&DA Rally with AWCCMidland Region 23rd – 26th May 2008 Enquiries 0115 938 4129 Stafford Boat Club Rally 2nd Saturday in June 2008 13. Next Meeting. Saturday 20th October 2007 at Tamworth Cruising Club Dates and Venues for 2007/8 meetings. January 12th 2008 Stafford March 8th Soar Boating Club
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