ALERT MAY 2007
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Parliamentary Waterways Group
STOP PRESS
Arsonists have destroyed Broxbourne Cruising Club’s new clubhouse under construction. BCC will rebuild but have issued an appeal for any unwanted sectional buildings and a tractor with back hoe and bucket. More details on the AWCC website: www.awcc.org.uk
Chairman’s Report
The one thing that has hit boaters hardest was the realisation in mid summer that DEFRA were going to make a substantial cut in the grant to BW and the EA, not just in future years, but in the current financial year. All National Chairmen had several briefings from Robin Evans and his senior staff. They were open, informative and to the point. Basically, Robin told us from the outset that we had to do something or the consequences would be dire. As they say, the rest is history and I am sure you are all well informed, so I will record just the key events. By comparison, the EA has remained almost silent on the matter, but are potentially even worse off.
The first major campaign event took place on 25/26 November with activities jointly organised by AWCC, IWA and the SOW group.
The Parliamentary campaign resulted in almost unprecedented support for an Early Day Motion and the resultant Westminster Hall Adjournment Debate.
AWCC submitted a paper to the Select Committee that is now sitting to consider the funding of BW .
The Select Committee activities have been expanded and extended, an open meeting has been arranged at Gloucester and AWCC has submitted an additional paper summarising our views.
(the text of both documents are now available on the AWCC website)
The big issue of the year, before the DEFRA GIA matter blew up was EA licence (or registration) charges. EA originally proposed an increase of 14% a year for up to nine years. All user groups including AWCC made a big protest at that. In the end it was set at 12% for three years, but the basic problem remains. Following their DEFRA problems, BW are set to follow with above inflation increases in 2008.
I will leave it to the BSS team to fill in the details (see article on page 8), but I will say that more than 15 reported boat fires since last Christmas, plus 4 very serious carbon monoxide incidents, there is a need to do something. AWCC is strongly recommending that boaters should have suitable smoke and carbon monoxide detectors fitted.
Do you remember what I have said about the AWCC “Third Way” on mooring prices at the last two AGMs? It was even published in Waterways World in 2005. It suggests that those who moor with AWCC should receive a reward in recognition of their voluntary effort for creating and maintaining moorings.
We welcome our new National Secretary, Ann Banks to the ranks of the National EXEC.
Treasurer
Costs of the increased travel by officers necessary to participate in discussions with navigation authorities etc. together with increased costs for communicating the message are likely to result in the need to make a substantial increase in affiliations fees for 2008.
Quartermaster
Terence Balchin reported that last years Handbook sales were excellent selling 941 with the largest selling Region the Midlands. This years Handbook (the Yellow covered one) is to sell at £1.60 (£1.40 for any pre-ordered ones) Over 1,620 membership cards were sold last year.
Sales of burgees last year were 32, mostly in the North East Region.
Unfortunately, the price of Burgees has soared since the last bulk order and these will now cost £10. Large AWCC club flags, shirts, bags, fleeces and hats are also available. Contact you regional quartermaster for details.
Communications
At the AGM Communications Officer Malcolm Wood thanked all those people who have assisted with the production of ALERT and the handbook and participated in the communications review, the results of which have resulted in the new format of this magazine, a new ‘newsgroup’ for club representatives and secretaries, a completely revised website including an internet discussion forum and a media pack available to all clubs on disc and paper.
Following on from the publication of the first reason for ‘Flying your AWCC Burgee’ the following second reason is entitled “Visiting Other Clubs” and is reproduced below”
“Clubs visit each other and cruise together. For boatowners who cruise further afield—even if only for their annual holiday—AWCC club membership enables you to apply for temporary moorings at other AWCC member clubs (subject to availability) and be offered additional facilities during your stay.
You can tie up overnight, provided that there is a berth available and be assured of a welcome at any AWCC club. If you wish to explore waterways further afield you might be able to exchange you club mooring for a longer period. Many boaters ‘weekend’ their craft on extended cruises and value the peace of mind that come from arranging to leave their boat on a secure club mooring.
For trail-boaters access to nearly 50 club slipways and secure car parks makes cruising even more carefree ”
We will reproduce the final ‘good reason’ in a forthcoming edition of ALERT.
From our Regions
London
Chairman Trevor Gillam reported at the AGM that at the last London regional meeting the committee were elected en bloc, officers reported that all their clubs were thriving and moorings were full. Broxbourne Cruising Club is now on its new moorings where there is a great amount of work still to complete but good progress has been made.
AWCC with other user groups has been working with BW regarding the historically enormous premiums that have been charged for craft sales on many London Region B.W. moorings due to the automatic transfer of the mooring space with the change of ownership of the boat. This mooring value should be a B. W. asset and not the boaters. Clause 3 of the new contract will stipulate that the mooring is personnel to the customer and may not be assigned to anyone else. The users have proposed that a sealed tender should be employed.
It is reported that: BW is continuing to crack down on license evaders and have issued several section 8 notices.
Extensive works have been carried out throughout the region on towpath improvements.
The new transfer waste depot at Old Oak sidings operated by Powerday is now operational.
BW has confirmed that they will endeavour to create 30-40 new moorings each year.
Midland
Chairman Howard Smith reported that all Midland region meetings are well attended . We learned that BW has cancelled a user group meeting due to ‘lack of interest’ – surprising as there are regularly 50 plus people attending. Two things spring to mind, Sainsbury’s at Selly Oak along with the West Coast main line at Huddlesford and Armitage. The latter has been a real bone of contention with its over running construction. This is a very busy canal route and Network Rail has promised that it will be open soon.
Howard summed up his AGM report by saying that it was his last Midlands Region report that he will be making because next year at this time he will no longer be chairman. He, once again, thanked the Midlands team for all they have done and hoped that they would continue to be at the forefront.
North East
Chair Ken Wild reported that there had been a very busy year within the region attending various User Group meetings and keeping an eye on the developments at the Armouries and Leeds Basin Granary Wharf where construction work has just started. The New waterside development in Wakefield is also well under way and the latest news there is that the developers are considering putting some moorings in alongside the new flats.
The BW Region Manager Laurence Morgan at the recent Spring user group meeting highlighted three major problems in the region: a pair of lock gates between Pocklington canal and the River Derwent have collapsed trapping boats inside and outside the canal, a major problem involving what could be a long closure on the L & L. where the pintle of a road bridge has collapsed and the bridge is in the canal in the closed position which means that craft can not pass. The third, that will probably be repaired quickly because it affects the commercial traffic on the Aire & Calder navigation, is the collapse of bank piling between Pollington Lock and the end of the New Junction Canal
Elsewhere on the same canal British Waterways have completed the re-gating of Whitley lock although other remedial construction work is still ongoing. In total BW and UK Coal will be spending over £1,000,000.00 on the preventative work along this section of canal
BW announced that they are only running through trips at the Standedge tunnel on TWO days per wk Wed & Fri. Last year the number of craft passing through the tunnel equated to only 48% of the total through trip capacity available.
There has been long discussion within the North riding group about the proposed reduction in manned hours on the tidal locks at Selby and Naburn. AWCC was assured that this will be for the winter period only, and is designed to allow BW to utilise their manpower more effectively during the winter period. BW is also introducing a booking system requiring 24 hrs notice for locking out onto the river for transit between York and Selby.
North West
Roland Dotchin has been elected as the new region’s Chair (see a profile of Roland elsewhere)
Thanks were expressed to Graeme Bridge for his excellent service as the previous chair.
‘Save Our Waterways’ Rallies were held at various locations, attracting good publicity, with Graeme appearing on national TV and Radio.
A reduction in the increase of the Bridgewater license fees has been achieved.
Objections were put to the proposed new Marina at Billinge, Trent and Mersey canal, on the grounds that this was a particular Nature area, and there were proposed new marinas just to the North.
BW announced a trial period of a timed passage through Saltersford Tunnel on the Trent and Mersey.
Cheshire Fire Brigade was conducted safety test on canal boats, and installing CO and Smoke alarms.
A mention must be made concerning the NW region treasurer Bill Bleasdale, who has been holding the position for some 35 years. What a record!
South East
The region had been operating without a secretary for the last two years, making administration and communication difficult. Chair Paul Le Blique was pleased to say that Jenny Sullivan has now filled this post from Oundle Cruising Club. John Brown from Northampton Boat Club has taken the post of Vice Chairman.
The club count currently
stands at twelve, including two without a permanent base, spread over three
navigation authorities;which makes an interesting group of contrasts. The club
sites vary from owner-occupier to those leased from BW, the EA and private
landlords all of which creates its own problems. Two examples are worthy of a
mention. Firstly the redevelopment of Aylesbury Basin and the pressures this is
putting on the Canal Society. Following protracted negotiations with a private
developer, BW and the local authority, it now appears that BW has sold the land
to the local authority without formal notice. AWCC wishes ACS well and will support them in any
way possible. A different, but equally worrying event, was the fire that destroyed
the clubhouse at Taverners Boat Club on the GU. On a brighter note, the
restored building is almost finished, not unfortunately, in time to mark the
anniversary of the club’s foundation on 1 April 1967!
The canals and rivers in the region are becoming severely overcrowded and the rules of licensing and mooring are blatantly ignored by an increasing number of boaters. ‘Continuous Cruising’ appears to have a popular interpretation of occasional movements, usually to the local free facilities. Mooring restrictions are being viewed on a time system which has little association with any lunar or Greenwich standard. Hours become days and days become weeks except, of course, where the restricted return rules apply. We are told that the many applications for marinas in the region, when they are finally opened will resolve this problem. This issue is centred on the canals but there are signs of similar problems on the rivers. The region will continue to keep this topic alive in user meetings and forums.
The DEFRA cuts have affected the maintenance programme for this year and will certainly have a knock-on effect in the future. The local BW Operations Manager and his team are to be complimented on minimising the impact over the winter. The EA have a small amount of additional monies for improvements to river facilities for the National Rally but overall the river navigations are woefully short of funds. Special projects like the Bedford to MK Waterway, the Fenland Link and the proposed new canal into Daventry are all making progress but funding remains a major issue.
South & West
Problems in communicating with across this disparate region have resulted in a reorganisation of some clubs into other regions. Byfleet & Basingstoke moving the London, Thrupp & Somerton to South East. Clubs on the K&A (Pewsey Wharf, Devizes & Canal) will be Taverners)will be coordinated by Mike Bassett of Pewsey Wharf Boat Club.
Fires on Boats
Technical Officer Brian Hayes had a frightening experience recently when he discovered that a craft he had examined as a new boat only 18 months earlier had caught fire in the early hours of the morning and that a young woman had lost her life in the fire.
The investigation teams had not yet reported on their findings at the time of going to press. However, it seems apparent that the fitting of a suitable smoke alarm could have prevented the tragedy.
The firemen at the scene said the spread and intensity of the fire was extreme. The next day, they visited all the boats round the marina where the tragedy happened, and in those cases where there was somebody on board, they fitted smoke alarms to those vessels.
Statistics indicate that, since Christmas 2006, to date, there have been over 20 fires on narrowboats. In these circumstances AWCC is making a strong recommendation that all boaters should fit smoke alarms in their boats. A new standard is expected to be in place very soon that will specify their suitability for marine installations. Meanwhile, boaters should contact their local fire service for advice. The AWCC website includes a link to all the fire services in the UK. Some fire services will arrange to conduct boat fire safety surveys at your club and , may even fit smoke alarms free of charge!As there have also been fatal incidents on boats as a result of Carbon Monoxide poisoning. AWCC is also strongly recommending the installation of suitable CO detectors.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Overview
CO cannot be seen, smelled or tasted and can be fatal.
The build up of CO in the blood is called the carboxyhaemoglobin level and interferes with the body's ability to supply itself with oxygen. Depending on the concentration, carbon monoxide can kill in minutes.
The most common sources of CO are malfunctioning, or misuse of, gas appliances used for heating and cooking, vehicles engines, electric generators, blocked chimneys or flues, portable fuel burning heaters, fire-places, fuel powered tools and operating a grill in an enclosed space.
Indications of CO poisoning include symptoms similar to the flu, but with no fever. Other symptoms include dizziness, fatigue, weakness, headache, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness and confusion.
Everyone is susceptible to the danger of CO, but unborn babies, small children, pregnant women, senior citizens and people with heart or respiratory problems may experience symptoms sooner.
Common Mild Exposure Symptoms:
Slight headache, nausea, vomiting and fatigue ("flu-like" symptoms).
Common Medium Exposure Symptoms:
Throbbing headache, drowsiness, confusion, fast heart rate.
Common Extreme Exposure Symptoms:
Convulsions, unconsciousness, heart and lung failure. It can cause brain damage and death. Many cases of reported Carbon Monoxide Poisoning indicate that while victims are aware they are not well, they become so disoriented they are unable to save themselves by either exiting the building or calling for assistance. Also young children and household pets may be the first affected.
Familiarisation with the effects of each level is important. The symptoms described in the chart above are related to carbon monoxide poisoning and should be discussed with ALL members of the crew.
Exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can be fatal or cause permanent damage and disabilities.
If you experience any symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, consult your doctor immediately! CO poisoning can be determined by a simple blood test called a carboxyhaemoglobin test. Severe cases may require treatment in a hyperbaric chamber. Remember, young children and household pets may be the first effected.
Because carbon monoxide is a cumulative poison, long-term exposures to low levels may cause symptoms, as well as short-term exposures to high levels.
A CO alarm can only warn you of the presence of CO. It does not prevent CO from occurring, nor can it solve an existing CO problem.
Boat Safety Certificate Charges reported by Brian Hayes AWCC Technical Officer and President of ABSE.
It was inevitable that the funding of the scheme would have to change. The number of craft licensed by Navigation Authorities outside of BW and EA is quite significant and will soon be swelled by the inclusion of the Broads Authority vessels. None of these Authorities have contributed anything to the development and ongoing running costs of the BSS Office. At the end of the day, this is the only way to ensure a level playing field for all boaters and not penalise those on BW & EA whose licence fees would have to soar to the tune of an extra £200,000 a year to finance the BSS Office.
The price examiners, pay at present is £13.22 including VAT for each certificate and it will now increase by 115% to £28.20 at TRADE price. The VAT-free rate just does not apply. Examiners are not exempted and are invoiced for the full VAT-inclusive element. A normal business mark up will have to be added to that trade price Boaters should be able to identify this charge as a BSS Admin fee. The only saving grace is that these costs will only be raised by RPI until 2010.
Perhaps boaters (who I also represent as the Technical Officer for the AWCC) will be gentle with us and place the blame firmly at the door of DEFRA, although I suspect this self-financing target for the BSS Office which has been on the cards for some time, has become the more urgent with the cuts in funding.
Save our Waterways latest
The campaign has kept up
the pressure against the DEFRA cuts with two more high profile blockade protests:
On April 16th a flotilla of 30 boats left King George V and Limehouse locks to parade in front of the Palace of Westminster on the River Thames returning to Limehouse. The event was organised by Andrew Phasey of St Pancras Cruising Club. A press boat carrying 9 supporting MPs covered the event on national TV & Radio.
Following on from the successful protests in November 2006 (covered in the last edition of ALERT) Over the weekend of March 3/4 blockades were repeated all over the country, with many AWCC Clubs and their members in various guises lending their support.
The Gre en Blue
AWCC has been asked to assist RYA and BMF in the production of an inland waterways version of the ’Green Blue’ environmental initiative. This is due to be launched at the Crick Boat Show in May. We will be carrying a link to the final version on the AWCC website.
New Chairman for North West Region
Roland Dotchin the current Chair of Tudor Cruising Club has been elected as the new Chair of North West region replacing Graeme Bridge of Bridgewater Cruising Club.
Roland’s career has included 6 years in the Merchant Navy,
13 years as a Miner, National Coal Board, coalface worker, then Deputy, with the rest of his working life in various self employed businesses.
Roland considers it a great honour to be elected chair of the North West Area, and is proud of the NW region, with its record of canal Restorations, adding many miles of wonderful cruising to the network.
Roland is a great lover of the canal life having cruised the canals for some 14 years, with a great regret that he did not start earlier, when the pioneers of our canals were fighting to keep them open.
Roland is a great supporter of the AWCC, since his time as representative of Tudor Cruising Club, when impressed by the number of club reps who attended NW meetings, and by the whole concept of the AWCC, with so many clubs throughout the country giving support and hospitality to visiting members. When visiting the National AGM some years ago, he began to realise the work that the National does in resolving Canal problems.
Tudor Cruising Club is an active club based in Ashton under Lyne in Lancashire, an active Club. Over 30 members attend most meetings. Tudor has a weeks spring cruise each year, and a yearly canal clean up. On their cruises Tudor has enjoyed the hospitality of other AWCC clubs, including Bridgewater Boat club at Runcorn, and Stoke Club. In his new role to get to know the other clubs in the region Roland plans to accept any invitations to Boat Clubs, attending with NW Quarter master, Harry Davies, to promote AWCC.
Retirement of long term AWCC Secretary
Keith Noble was awarded the ‘Bluebell’ trophy from President John Baggs at the AGM for services to AWCC. Keith has retired as National Secretary having served since 1982. Keith, a member of Sale Cruising Club for 30 years, has also served as North West Secretary .
Keith is proud of the fact that in years gone by Harold Stanley (Chair & President), Terry Tomlinson (QM) and himself were known to AWCC Patron Sir Frank Price as the "three b******s off the Bridgwater". Together with Malcolm Jones, long term NW Chair that made four of the forty from Sale - quite a feather in the Sale Club's cap!
Keith has been an excellent secretary keeping the EXEC in line both before, during and after meetings. He has given help advice and support to new members and AWCC is extremely grateful for his time commitment over the years.
Interclub Trophy
The results of the 2006 Interclub Trophy for the best club magazine are as follows:
1st ‘Aylesbury Newsletter’ —Aylesbury Canal Society — Editor Michael Porter
2nd ‘Paddle Post’ - Stoke on Trent Boat Club — Editor Erica Martin
3rd ‘Spout’ - Ashby Canal Society — Editor Martin.
With thanks to last year’s winners South Pennine Boat Club for judging
WANTED National Communication Officer.
Malcolm Wood has been in post for 10 years and is looking for assistance with AWCC communications with a view to a handover . The tasks can be split. He would love to hear from you!
Copyright (c) 2005 The Association of wayerways Cruising Clubs. All rights reserved.