Press Release:
10th October, 2018
RBOA Annual General Meeting
The Residential Boat Owners’ Association (RBOA) held its 55th Annual General Meeting at The Nadee, Findern, on the Trent & Mersey Canal near Willington, on Saturday, 6th October, 2018.
After the 3rd AGM of the Residential Boat Owners’ Association Ltd, members received a presentation from Jefff Whyatt, the Managing Director of BWML, who encouraged everyone to ask questions and give their views on the current mooring situation around the country. Such was the interest that talking continued when Jeff was able to join us for lunch.
After lunch, the 55th Annual General Meeting of the RBOA took place, with the usual Reports on Membership, Finances, and so on, and an address by Alan Wildman, retiring Chairman, on some of his activities during the past year.
The following Officers were elected for the year 2018-2019:
Chairman: Charles Foster
Vice Chairman: Rex Walden
General Secretary: Beryl McDowall
Treasurer: Dave Milne (who is also Acting Membership Secretary)
The meeting approved a motion to appoint Keith Grantham, RBOA’s Recruitment Officer, as General Secretary Elect, this to aid forward planning and provide continuity. Keith will to take on the full role of General Secretary at the 2019 AGM.
Brief background information on the newly elected Chairman and Vice Chairman:
Charles Foster, Chairman:
Charles has had over 20 years’ experience in the marine trade, in buying and selling craft, from rowing boats to super yachts, both in England and abroad. His experience from both sides of the table, as both buyer and seller, together with information gained when working with RBOA members, gives him a broad background in boats and boating.
Charles and his wife, Ann, moved onto narrowboats in 2003, having had various holidays on the canals and making the decision to live on a boat. After a couple of years of continuous cruising, they moved onto a marina berth in the Midlands. They still cruise for two or three months every year, making use of their Trading Licence.
Rex Walden, Vice Chairman:
Rex discovered a love of boats when he was seven, and sailed on the South Coast from the age of eleven. He became a residential boater in October, 2003 and joined the RBOA around 2004. In time he became Vice Chairman, and subsequently Chairman.
Rex has navigated most of the canal system on his 70 foot narrowboat. These days he is to be found somewhere on the Thames between Teddington and Lechlade. Home is where his boat is!
For further information contact publicity@rboa.org.uk