Soundings
The RBOA Newsletter, Soundings, is sent free to members six times a year.
It is also available to non-members for £1 (+ 76p P &P).
From the Tiller November/December, 2011
The principal focus of our attention at the moment is, of course, the proposed new waterways charity which, if all goes to plan, will be launched in April of next year, 2012. Although much has already been written and said, I thought a few more words here would not go amiss. Following widespread consultation, it has been announced that the charity is to be called Canal & River Trust, CRT for short. A new logo has been designed by Pentagram, the organisation that created the existing British Waterways logo. No charge was made for creating the new design, a generous gesture that has saved CRT literally thousands of pounds and is perhaps indicative of the typically British benevolence upon which CRT can rely as it works on behalf of our precious Inland Waterways.
Scottish Parliament has decided that its own inland waters should remain under the control of a much smaller version of BW; but the Transition Trustees, responsible for overseeing the creation of CRT and the transfer of BW’s responsibilities in England and Wales are each putting in many hours of unpaid personal commitment to maximise the chances of success. Presently they are in negotiation with Defra, the Government Department holding the purse strings, and are fighting hard to secure a funding package with which CRT can launch and operate in its formative years. Subject to such funding and public support at that time, Environment Agency waters may join CRT in about three years’ time.
If you presently moor on BW or EA waters you should by now have received a letter from me asking that you contact your MP to request that he or she actively encourages Defra to make adequate funds available to CRT. If you have not done that already, please, please do so now. As they say in business circles “cash is king” and if CRT does not have sufficient funds from day one to allow it the time to get into full stride, then our waterways could be in serious peril. When you do write to your MP, it is so important to stress that your boat is your home, not just a hobby; and please mention that you are a member of RBOA.
In the recent past I have had my personal doubts about the way CRT was going, fearing that boaters could well be side-lined in favour of the many other interest groups with whom the Trustees are going to have to engage if they are to generate sufficient income to maintain viability for the system as a whole. Having spoken with Ivor, our Planning Officer, who through his wide ranging waterway roles has had considerable interaction at many different boating levels, and having attended various meetings myself, I can honestly say that my fears have been somewhat allayed in that there is no doubt that the Transition Trustees as a managing unit are highly experienced, professionally qualified and totally dedicated to the task in hand. Please rest assured that RBOA will do all it can to secure a meeting with the Transitional Trustees as soon as possible.
At the outset, CRT is to have an overriding Council of some 35 members, half of whom will be elected. Initially there are to be 5 seats dedicated to the boating community, one appointed by CRT and 4 to be elected by us, the BW Licence holders. As yet the exact electoral process and details have not been released but by the time this edition of Soundings is published they may well have been. Do keep an eye out for details and watch out too for the name of the RBOA preferred candidate(s). We shall get the name(s) to you one way or another including via the RBOA website. Be assured your vote is vital and will count in these very important elections. None of us can afford to be apathetic in this.
More locally, of course, many of us can each play our part in supporting the Waterway Partnerships as they are set up around the country; one for each of the corresponding BW management regions that presently exist. They will perform, amongst other things, as public awareness groups, fund raisers and advisory bodies to CRT. They will rely very much on interaction with and support from local people, local businesses, local authorities and such like. Watch for news on the formation of your nearest one and if you are able, make contact with those organising its set up; apply to participate, if not as a formal member then possibly as a volunteer helper. You don’t have to commit huge amounts of your time but there will be much to do in spreading the CRT message of inclusion and participation for all. We are indeed in challenging but exciting times for the waterways.
As ever, my sincere and very best wishes go out to every one of you. Season’s Greetings to you all.
Alan Wildman
Chairman