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JUBILEE DOUBLE ACT AT STOKE BOAT CLUB |
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Picture shows Jenny Sherratt for the First Responders and Cedric Johnson for Donna Louise Trust delighted to received their donations. *** Furtherinfo Erica Martin 07860 620720 erica.martin1@ntlworld.com |
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The Donna Louise Trust and Brown Edge & Endon First Responders made an unlikely but well matched double act as they shared funds raised by Stoke Boat Club at their Golden Jubilee Rally at Endon in May. The boat club celebrated its fiftieth birthday with a rally of boats and open weekend, the profits being shared by the two charities. On receiving a cheque for £1,292.54, Jenny Sherratt of the First Responders thanked the club saying she had not expected anything like this much money! The First Responders go ‘live’ this month, and the funds are much needed and appreciated. Jenny was also celebrating passing her assessment the same day. Cedric Johnson accepted a cheque for the same amount on behalf of the Donna Louise Trust. He thanked everyone, and explained a little of the work of Tre etops, and the many children they looked after. He told members how much it costs to run the Hospice each year, and expressed his delight at receiving this donation. Cedric was also given an anonymous donation of £20 received by the club the day after the rally. Jenny and Cedric both said how much they had enjoyed themselves at the Rally, and how grateful they were for the club’s generosity. Photographs of the Rally were on display, and the evening was rounded off with a buffet supper provided by members of the Boat Club. The Boat Club’s Jubilee year continues in November with a dinner at Westwood Golf Club.
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BOAT CLUB COMMODORE GOES BACK TO SCHOOL |
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Ken Marek, Commodore of Stoke on Trent Boat Club which has just celebrated its Golden Jubilee with a rally of boats, visited St Luke’s Primary School, Endon, to present prizes in the competitions run by the boat club. Head teacher, David Law, was delighted with the pupils’ fantastic response to the ‘canal week’ in March, when pupils learned about narrowboats and the waterways, culminating in a visit to the boat club. The winning entries were displayed at the club’s Jubilee weekend, and the work was praised by visiting boaters as well as Endon residents. The writing section was judged by Past Commodore, Ray Savage, and his wife Mary, former Editor of the boat club’s award-winning magazine, Paddle Post. James Redford, year 5, was the winner, and Lauren Pickford, year 4, runner-up. 8 Highly Commended certificates were awarded.
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The judges for poetry were John Sutton, also a Past Commodore, and wife Eva, who has composed poetry. They selected Lily Grundy as winner with Charlie Eardley - both year 6 - as runner-up. John and Eva commented ‘a very high standard by all entrants which made it very difficult to name a few. But well done to all. Enjoyable too!’ 11 HC certificates were issued. John T Sutton, another Past Commodore and designer of the Jubilee logo, judged the Art section, with Bethany Horwell [year 6] the winner, and Neriah Brassington in year 1 the runner-up, with 6 Highly Commended. The last section, photography, was judged by another Past Commodore, Dave Barker, himself a keen photographer, who reported ‘a very enthusiastic entry. Thank you, St Luke’s School, Endon.’ He awarded 1st place to Archie Johnson, year 1, with Lauren Potts, year 5, as runner-up. Lauren also achieved five highly commended certificates. Nine others were highly commended, 2 of them receiving two certificates. The Commodore commented that everyone at the club was very impressed with the standard of work, and the enthusiasm of the pupils. He thanked the head teacher, his secretary and all the staff for their co-operation, saying how good it was to have worked with these young people - the boaters of the future perhaps! The Commodore presented the school with a commemorative brass plaque as a souvenir of the event. Further information from Erica Martin 07860 620720 Please note that due to holidays, emails cannot be monitored |
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Richard Yorke of North CheshireCruising Club giving the stool to our commodore Ken Marek [he's on the right]. |
After much planning, Stoke on Trent Boat Club’s Golden Jubilee celebrations got a flying start with a stirring speech y Joan Walley MP, who touched on the Club’s past role securing the future of the Caldon Canal, the hidden gem of North Staffordshire; she referred to the Club’s current campaiging and for the future, promised her support for the waterways, which must be protected. Prior to this, newly elected Leader of SMDC, Karen Maryon - herself a member of the Boat Club - raised the Club’s flag, with its golden trim. Some seventeen VIP guests attended the opening, and joined Ken Marek, Commodore, and several Past Commodores for a buffet prepared by Club members. |
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Meanwhile, the celebrations continued - 140 boats had booked for the rally, and visitors enjoyed lines of colourful boats moored along the towpath through Endon, a rare sight here. They included narrowboat Saturn, the last remaining Shropshire Union Fly Boat, recently restored. On Sunday, Queenie the boat-horse arrived for demonstrations of harnessing. There were displays to view. You could win prizes on the tombola or the grand raffle, you could support the many charities present - Guide Dogs with Dog ‘Whisper‘, the RNLI with their in-shore lifeboat [thankfully not needed]. Or you could bag a bargain on one of the many stalls - white elephant, books, videos, boat jumble. Sniggles from Signal 1 and 2 attended the Teddy Bears’ Picnic on Saturday and the Tots’ Tent was popular. Ducks raced on the stream, and the Potteries Model Boat Club cruised their radio-controlled models in the basin. The Fire Brigade gave away smoke alarms to the boaters, with advice on how to avoid boat fires. For the boaters, a barbecue was held on Friday, and Saturday evening’s entertainment was provided by The Rock-Its, a local group who gave their services as live group and disco, for a very modest charge, as the event was being held to support two local charities - the Brown Edge and Endon First Responders and The Donna Louise Trust Treetops Children’s charity. It is not yet known how much was raised- the Treasurer is still counting! On Sunday evening, the entertainment was provided by the boaters themselves and judging from the laughter, everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. During the weekend, the Boat Club received some birthday presents - North Cheshire Cruising Club [who won the award for the most boats attending] gave a specially decorated canal ware stool; Stafford Boat Club a mounted model boat; The Potteries Model Boat Club donated a working model of The Tippler, made by their Chairman, Tony Hill; also Past Commodore John T Sutton had recreated a model sailing boat dating back to the early years of the club. The members of the Club would like to thank everyone who contributed to the event and all who attended. Everyone said how much they enjoyed themselves. ‘The best rally I’ve ever attended’ was the comment of one visiting boater. Erica Martin Stoke on Trent Boat Club |
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Club Commodore Mr. Marek opening speech |
Stoke-on-Trent Boat ClubGolden Jubilee RallyMay 26th and 27th. 2007.The weather could have been better, but the hospitality of Stoke –on-Trent Boat Club certainly couldn’t. The club members worked hard behind the scenes to make the event flow smoothly. Theevent was well supported by local charities and organisations, giving a varied display of attractions within the local community, falconry, model boats, vintage tractors, Sunday morning guided walk, entertainment on both nights and during the daytime, vintage cars, farm animals, horse drawn narrowboat, steam launches even a water-skier!! (see pictures). This Rally was certainly one to remember and a worthy celebration of the clubs 50th. Year. Margaret Smith AWCCMidland Secretary.
Howard Smith left AWCC Midland Region Chairman talking to Harry Arnold.
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MP Joan Walley opening speech |
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The 8th September 2006 saw the official launch of the Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Fire Safety Scheme in conjunction with the Boat Safety Scheme.
The first speech of the morning was given by the driving force behind the scheme Nigel Grant. His presentation outlined the aim of the project which is to reduce the risk to waterway users, boaters and fire fighters, making Warwickshire waterways safer. It is expected that other Fire Services will follow suit with this scheme being adopted into their business plans.
The scheme hopes to increase awareness in order to reduce serious injury, non serious injury arising from fire, explosion, carbon monoxide poisoning and pollution.
Fire fighters have to carry their equipment down the towpath as few fires happen at positions easily accessible by the tenders. This scheme has led to a review of the operational procedures of fire teams to reduce risks, both to themselves and waterways users.
Following a boat fire the boater will become homeless with their possessions and memories destroyed. Fire can only spread in two directions on a boat and once the flashover point has been reached the boat is completely engulfed. Rescue is difficult and the time to get out safely is far less than in your home.
To emphasise this point a very brave lady gave her personal harrowing account of the fire that engulfed her boat earlier this year. Her daughter was on board when it started in the early hours of the morning when it was dark and was very lucky to survive. Several of their pet cats were not so lucky.
Fire does not only effect the boat on fire it also endangers surrounding craft, workshops, buildings and vegetation. Just think how close you are moored in the marina or on the towpath, think what havoc could happen if a boat caught fire.
One danger that was highlighted was the emissions from a generator running stood on the back deck of the boat, or between the back doors. Some of the fumes will vent overboard, but the level of carbon monoxide in the boat can be increased. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer, you can’t smell it. Detectors fitted on board can minimise the risks from this extremely harmful and lethal gas.
The Fire Safety Checks for boats will be based on the Home Fire Safety Checks. The Fire Service will come along for a relaxed discussion of general fire safety and relate that to the conditions they find on and around the boat. This will include a discussion on fitting smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. A comprehensive colour booklet giving further information will be left with you after the safety check.
The Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service have been running tests on the use of traditional carbon monoxide detectors and the new range of optical detectors. So far the only conclusion they have drawn is that a detector on board is far more effective than none at all, both types are effective. If you are thinking of fitting one, ask suppliers if the detector is suitable for marine use and is certified to British Standard BS 7860.
The next presentation was from Graham Watts, Boat Safety Scheme Manager. Graham stated that the BSS (Boat Safety Scheme) and the Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service have common aims; a lot of experience and a wealth of knowledge on a practical level to share and utilise. The Fire Safety Scheme will deliver the boat safety message alongside the BSS. The BSS examiners will not be expected to deliver the fire safety message as they are on board your boat for a variety of checks and do not have the remit to deliver a comprehensive, structured discussion on each check they have to make in order to give the safety certificate. The Fire Services are specialised in fire safety and the right people with which to discuss fire safety issues in depth.
There are four leaflets available from the BSS
Avoiding Fire Afloat
Avoiding the silent threat- Carbon Monoxide
Avoiding Fire Afloat – Safe use of petrol
Avoiding Fire Afloat Safe use of LPG
These are available by contacting
Boat Safety Scheme
Willow Grange
Church Road
Watford
WD17 4QA
Tel 01923 201278
bss.enquiries@boatsafetyscheme.com
www.boatsafetyscheme.com
For further information on Fire Safety for Boats visit
www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fireandrescue
Or
Tel 01926 466282
Thank you to Warwickshire Fire and Rescue for inviting the Midlands Region of the AWCC to the presentation.
Margaret Smith
Midlands Region Secretary
You may know me from other roles past and present, the latter as Chairman of the Foxton Inclined Plane Trust.
However, it is in my newly acquired post as User Group Liaison Officer on the Save Our Waterways Steering Group and more particularly as Organiser of the Leicester Community Protest, that I write tonight seeking your help,
One of the aims of the Protest is to make the lower or non feepaying users of the waterways aware of the threat posed by the Defra cuts and to encourage them to take an active role in challenging Government to reinstate the BW and EA funding this year and to ensure that it is maintained in the future.
Although it is reasonable to assume that boaters already take this view, we believe that a major part of a waterway's attraction is the boats that cruise and moor thereon. Therefore I am writing to ask if you could encourage your members to take part, preferably by boat, in the Leicester Community Protest, in which Sir Peter Soulsby, who led the adjournment debate in the Commons, is playing a leading and supportive role.
For your, and your members', benefit, I append the provisional timetable for the Protest.
COMMUNITY PROTEST - SAVE OUR WATERWAYS- LEICESTER
Boaters are asked to arrive at Castle Gardens moorings on Saturday, 3rd March, with their boats suitably adorned with protest banners, placards etc. It is intended to hold an informal 'Boaters' Gathering' in the evening.
PROTEST DAY is SUNDAY, MARCH 4TH
12 Noon: Boats will form a symbolic blockade of the waterway, opposite Castle Gardens.
1.30 p.m. All protesters will move into town and form up outside the Clock Tower
2 p.m. Addresses to protesters and public from MPs and ?Leader of the Council ( a boater!!! )
2.30 p.m. Protesters to march from Clock Tower to Castle Gardens (c15 mins) led by MPs* and IWA Leics.
3.00 p.m. Event Organiser to make short speech of thanks to all participants.
3.10 p.m. MPs and IWA/SoW members to circulate among those present to stress the importance of ALL waterway users and supporters making their views about the Defra cuts known to Government and encouraging them to sign petition forms making their allegance clear.
4.00 p.m. Protest ends.
Notes: Times are approximate and subject to confirmation.
* Sir Peter Soulsby and David Taylor have intimated that they will encourage other Leicester and Leicestershire MPs to attend and it is hoped that City Councillors will also support the event.
Further details can be obtained from me on 01530 458 257 0r dj.stevenson7@ntlworld.com.
I hope you will make your members aware of the Protest and encourage them to take part.
Kind Regards,
David Stevenson
IWA Leics/SOW Leicester Protest Organiser.
