The Magazine of the National Association of Boat Owners Issue 4 July 2018

ALL CHANGE AT CRT REBRANDING RESPONSES TRUE COST OF LICENCE CHANGES 2

The NABO Council Regional Representatives Chair NW Waterways Stella Ridgway Richard Carpenter (details left) The magazine of the National Association of Boat Owners 07904 091931, [email protected] North East, Yorkshire and Humber, Shared Issue 4 July 2018 Co-Vice Chair, NAG (Licensing and Mooring), Ownership Rep. Communications Officer, Moorings Howard Anguish Contents Mark Tizard 01482 669876 0203 4639806, [email protected] [email protected], [email protected] 4 Editorial Co-Vice Chair London Waterways and NAG (Licensing & Mooring) 5 In the Chair Paul Howland David Williams 6 Fly on the wall 07443 635587, [email protected] 07813 496208 , [email protected] 7 Membership Matters: NABO and Treasurer South East GDRP, Middle Level Bill. Helen Hutt Geoff Wood 9 Around the Regions 07968 491118 , [email protected] 10 News: All change at CRT, New Regional 07831 682092, [email protected] Advisory Board Chairs Southern Waterways Legal Affairs and BSS Rep. 12 More problems with cyclists, Mike Rodd Geoffrey Rogerson Tamworth boater's weekend 07831 860199, [email protected] 07768 736593 13 Talking Points: The true costs of CRT NABO News Editor Midlands Waterways licensing changes Peter Fellows Phil Goulding (details left) 14 Letter on re-branding from Richard Parry and the rationale behind it 19 High Street, Bonsall, , DE4 2AS East Midlands Waterways 01629 825267, [email protected] 17 If only the Trust would listen Joan Jamieson Webmaster, NAG (Operations) and BSS Rep. 18 There is another way David S. Fletcher 0115 981 2047, [email protected] 20 Is peer-to-peer renting still a problem?, West Midlands 07719 276659, [email protected] Horse power in Alison Tuck Media Officer, NAG (Licensing and Mooring), 22 Boating: Upper Canal Regional Reps. Coordinator, Boater Liaison Rep. and [email protected] 24 Techie's Corner: From buckets to boats Floating Traders Anglian Waterways 26 Rewind: Issue 4, July 2003 Alison Tuck Vacant 27 Letters to the Editor, I name this boat Cover photo 07450 108659, [email protected] North Wales & Borders Next NABO News copy date This month’s cover photo is by the Editor, taken Continuous Cruising Rep. David Fletcher (details left) Phil Goulding Articles, letters, cartoons and photos are most on the . Win a year’s free member- Welsh Waterways ship by having your photo selected for the front 01271 865340, [email protected] wel­come. Images in JPEG format please. Mike Rodd (details left) cover of NABO News. Please email photos as Minutes Secretary Please email or post your contributions by JPEG attachments, ideally portrait format with a Vacant River Severn September 8th 2018. Our email address is file size of 2MB or larger. Vacant [email protected] General Sec, Promotion and Recruitment River Thames Richard Carpenter Graham Paterson Mill House End Farm, Leyland, Lancashire 0118 986 3959, [email protected]

PR26 9HB, NABO News is published by the National Association of Boat Owners 07989 441674 or 01772 600886 Additional Contacts [email protected] PO Box 104, Leyland PR25 9AN Editor: Peter Fellows Production: Chris Pink Assistant for the Disabled NABO Online Ken Hylins Whilst every care is taken to ensure that the contents of this newsletter are factually correct, we accept no liability for any direct 07852 911539, [email protected] or consequential loss arising from any action taken by anyone as a result of reading anything contained in this publication. The facebook.com/master.nabo views expressed are not necessarily those of the Association. The products and services advertised in this publication are not Mark Tizard Administration necessarily endorsed by the Association. Vacant Twitter @NABO_Official CRT Emergency No: 0800 4799947 EA Emergency No: 0800 807060 David Fletcher Contact CRT waterway managers at canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/our-regions

NABO News Issue 4 July 2018 4 5 The Editor’s Column In the Chair

he rebranding of CRT contin- for the (now) six regions and I have RT was in its infancy when out why it didn’t get added to the ues to provoke reactions, with summarised their backgrounds and we moved onto our boat. programme of works. many questioning why signs waterway experience. I have also in- You may remember Richard It seems that we are in the pro- Tthat are only read by boaters cluded the other staff changes that CParry held road-shows and ject management world of budgets were changed within days of the have recently been implemented, as regular meetings with boating and work programmes that cannot relaunch—most boaters know what well as the appointment of four of organisations, and seemed to genu- be altered, which means that we, as CRT is. Why not focus the market- the six chairs to the new Regional inely want to listen to boater’s views. customers, suffer. It is the lack of ing effort on the claimed 90% of Advisory Boards, again noting their Admittedly, he was taking over an listening and the lack of communi- people who apparently don’t know waterway experience. Mark Tizard organisation that had deliberately cation that concern boaters. Those that CRT is the authority that man- monitors social media daily and not spent its budget, and had a of us who live on the canals do so ages their nearby waterway? (And has reported on yet more problems policy of closing canals rather than also work towards changing the atti- faced by boaters and pedestrians, maintaining them. The challenge tudes of some of these people so that caused by speeding cyclists on tow- was to bring boaters along with the Can you hear us? they see canals as a resource, rather paths. I have also received a letter on new organisation. than a convenient dump for the de- the same subject. It is OK for CRT Stella Ridgway is looking forward to tritus they no longer want). It would to encourage more people to use the Making a difference towpaths, but not if their ‘health and I stood for CRT Council two years meaningful discussions with CRT, rather wellbeing’ is compromised by these ago because I wanted to make a dif- than just being fed information selfish louts who think they own ference. At every meeting since, we, The Three Rs them. the boaters’ reps, have said to the Rebranding, reorganisation and reaction Following the claimed ‘revenue- Trust: “you have a free resource in neutral’ licensing review, Alison boaters with all this knowledge; why because we love the waterways and Editor, Peter Fellows, takes the collective pulse of Tuck has crunched the numbers not use us?” We have had limited the way of life. We have experience boaters after the latest changes by CRT and concluded that, not only will success and never an acknowledge- that we will share, if only the Trust the cost of licences increase for the ment—the rebranding was a case in would listen. There is a failure to vast majority of boaters over the point. properly and genuinely engage with seem that someone in Government next few years, but CRT will gen- When it was announced at the us in meaningful discussions, rather must have given CRT the nod that erate an estimated extra £2M from Council meeting in April (we didn’t than just feeding us information. ‘health and wellbeing’ is where the boat licence fees—hardly mak- get to see the new branding), I said The Trust should be seeking our money lies in future. If this is not the ing the canals ‘free for everyone to that boaters felt disenfranchised, views prior to decisions being made, case, the change in focus is a huge use and enjoy’ as CRT Chair, Allan and the launch then failed to men- but this is lacking. Is it therefore any gamble. Peter Underwood from ‘The Leighton, has written. tion them as one of the Trust’s wonder that boaters feel disenfran- Floater’ believes there is another Howard Anguish and Mike Rodd biggest income streams. So there chised and neglected? way to fund the Trust and I have report on news from their respec- is now a hasty press release, trying We know that CRT is trying to included a recent editorial explain- tive regions and Howard also looks to atone for the fact that boaters ensure the future of the canals as a ing his view. I have also included a back at NABO News from 15 years weren’t mentioned. resource for all. I think most boat- letter to boaters from Richard Parry ago. Techies’ Corner has an article ers get that—but ignoring us doesn’t on the rebranding, together with a by Keith Thompson on how he is de- CRT: Do they listen? fill us with confidence. However, as response from Stella Ridgway and a veloping his love of boats into a new Boaters’ reps to Council have quar- Richard Parry says, ‘boaters are front selection of comments from boaters career, following his restoration of a terly meetings and NABO had its and centre of all decisions’, so—you on social media. There is also a jus- rare Dowty Turbo-craft jet-boat. first meeting with the new Head of never know—they might start to tification for the new logo from its NABO Council is taking a break Customer Services in June—but will take our views seriously. designer. Elsewhere, David Fletcher for the summer while its mem- they actually listen to us? Like the But we also have a responsibility: explains what we need members to bers get afloat and it will meet Council and the User Forums, they if we see that something is broken do in the light of the new General again in September at Tamworth appear to pay lip-service to the feed- or services need attention, report it. Data Protection Regulation, togeth- Cruising Club, where you are very back they receive, judging by a recent We are ears and eyes on the cut and er with an update on changes to the welcome—indeed, you may have example on the Marple Flight. They the Trust recognises that. They need way that NABO communicates with already attended the club’s boaters’ were told about a problem in our help, but they just don’t like tell- its membership. weekend in August. Enjoy whatever 11 last November (after the stop- ing us, it seems. As part of CRT’s change in fo- time you have on the waterways this page had started); it was checked by Have a good summer boating and cus, it has appointed new directors summer. an engineer, but we still have to find hopefully some sunshine. NABO News Issue 4 July 2018 NABO News Issue 4 July 2018 6 7 NABO Council, June 10th 2018 Membership News

full house at Tamworth public. If the exercise had been han- Cruising Club, where Council dled properly, with an honest and NABO and GDRP—action is needed by you! members noted the propos- transparent discussion with boating A als for much stricter pollution organisations, it may have brought controls in London, which are boaters onside before the launch and he General Data Protection Regulation We need all members to take action to accept to be extended to everywhere possibly even had some of them pro- (GDPR) is a new EU law that came into ef- the new requirement of the law. This is a call for within the North and South moting the changes as they cruised fect on 25th May and replaces the current those who do not have email, or perhaps do not Circular Roads and will almost the system. Boats are vital to attract TData Protection Act. You will have seen regularly read their emails, to give NABO the plenty in the press about this. We started work- consent in writing that we need to operate. This certainly affect what can be visitors to the waterways and CRT can be by writing to us using these words: burned in boat stoves, and knows this, but it hasn’t bothered ing in May to address changes needed for this possibly emissions from die- to tell boaters that they are central law. I accept the Terms and Conditions dated sel engines. The new CRT Regional to achieving this and, consequently, NABO is working on the basis of ‘Consent’ November 2014 and also the Privacy the very people it needs for sup- and this requires a positive opt-in by members Policy dated April 2018. for terms and conditions and privacy. We previ- port increasingly feel ignored and So please, put it on anything convenient such marginalised. The recent licence fee ously assumed that if you paid your subscription, Fly on the wall you agreed to these, but this is no longer allowed as a postcard, add your name (and membership increases and statements about the number if possible) and send it to our address at: cost of rebranding lack transpar- for organisations operating under ‘Consent’. So Observes proceedings at the renewals going out now include a request for NABO General Secretary June Council meeting ency and stretch boaters’ credulity. Richard Parry has made a start with your specific agreement to the new require- PO Box 104 ments. All members who have given us an email his recent letter to boaters, but ac- LEYLAND Directors will soon be in place and tions speak louder and the new address have been contacted through the month- NABO calendar 2018 Council members are concerned management team will have to do ly Bulletin and there is a steady flow of replies PR25 9AN coming in. Thank you. If you have replied, please Council meetings are that the senior engineering staff, much more to convince boaters Please do respond. (This has the potential so held at weekends and the do not do so again. Those with email will get an- who would have advised them on that maintaining the waterway in- soak up many valuable hours from the Admin dates for the remainder other request shortly and this will be targeted at spending priorities, have mostly left frastructure and acting fairly as a team chasing this up.) of 2018 are: September the Trust—particularly important as navigation authority are its top pri- only those who have not yet responded. 1st, October 14th, In the last edition of NABO News, we pub- November 11th (includes most of the new directors have no orities. waterway experience. Infrastructure NABO’s objection to one part of lished an explanation of our data systems and the AGM). The next Council revised Privacy Policy. If you have any difficulty, meeting is on Saturday failures continue; the latest being the Middle Level Bill was discussed 1st September. Lock 11 on the Marple flight, where and members decided to seek as- or if you are worried about data loss or any other a bulging lock wall has restricted surances from the Middle Level issues, please phone, email or write and tell us. % passage. This follows similar prob- Commissioners before the petition Council meetings are Membership Software 7.5 OFF lems at Hurleston on the Llangollen, is discussed by a House of Lords’ held at boat clubs in the Our membership profile is changing: 80% of BOAT INSURANCE Midlands area. Members so perhaps boat-builders should committee. Councillors are also members have given us an email address and THROUGH SPECIALIST INSURANCE BROKER CETA are welcome to attend now adopt a standard 6’ 9” beam monitoring proposed changes to the Council meetings; please to allow all boats to use the whole system of governance at the newly we use this to send out monthly summary bul- just let the Secretary system. Repairs to the embankment formed River Thames Association. letins about what your representatives are doing CALL CETA ON or Chairman know in on the Middlewich branch await the There was news from the BSS that and other snippets of up-to-date news. Also, by advance (contact details departure of badger cubs; obviously tenanted boats may cause third far the bulk of members pay by standing order 01608 647601 inside cover). spared from the cull that is under- party safety risks, because some ten- and other electronic methods. Cheques are used AND ASK FOR A BOAT way elsewhere. So currently no Four ants know nothing about boats and less and less, so we are gearing up to handle the Counties or rings. how they work. These boats are not new ways of payment. A few intrepid members INSURANCE QUOTATION Councillors then moved on to currently in any separate licensing also elect to receive renewal notices by email, so CRT’s reorganisation and rebrand- category, though they would need we run this as an option at the moment. We now OR CETURL.COM/YMZ6J ing—and its spectacular success to be before a risk assessment can be want to expand this and make the bulk of renew- FOR AN ONLINE QUOTATION in alienating the majority of boat- started, so the issue is ping-ponging als by email and configured automatically. ers. The Trust doesn’t seem to between the BSS and the Association The membership team is working on new Say you are a member of NABO and realise that boating organisations of Inland Navigation Authorities. web software for just this. We have long used qualify for 7.5% discount. and their members understand the I’m off for a summer buzz computer databases that could produce paper Talk through your requirements for a looming black hole in its funds and around the system, so Byeee until mail-merged documents. There is no direct way quotation. the need to engage with the wider September. to do this using email, so at the moment we gen- NABO News Issue 4 July 2018 NABO News Issue 4 July 2018 8 9 Around the Regions erate pdfs and send individual emails with these. settle down the new system. Then, when it’s Welsh adjunct, there was an update on the work go- This takes as much time as printing and send- ready, we will turn on the email notifications. ing on to introduce an online ‘Strong Stream ing paper documents, but we cannot produce Updates will be provided through the Bulletins. Waterways Warning’ notification, which would be available emails in bulk without a new system. We have (Those who do not use electronic systems will in real time and would work in conjunction with therefore decided to move to a system that can see no difference). Mike Rodd the present Scada system. This would cover all automatically prepare electronic documents for Who will get email renewals? The big risk in On Wednesday 23rd May, I river-fed navigations nationwide and is sched- the members who use email. This is not about this (for NABO) is that we send out renewal no- was invited to a lunchtime uled to be introduced in April this year. excluding those who are not electronically- tices that require ‘action’ to members who do not meeting at the Fourteen The review also covered volunteering: 19 lo- minded or about saving postage. It is so that we regularly look at their email inbox. At the mo- Locks Canal Centre, cal adoptions; 40 volunteer lockkeepers with can concentrate our manual effort on postal mail ment, we are thinking that we will rely on emails Newport, which took place 30 more this year; Amenity for those who do not use these systems. It is also for those members who pay by standing order, around a CRT Board meeting in South Wales. Association restoring a further two miles to full about using modern tools for admin tasks and but also send written reminders to everyone who At the meeting, the new CRT livery and strap- navigation, opening this year; 40,000 volunteer addressing the need to make the system future- pays by other means. We will respect the wishes lines, officially revealed the day before, were hours in the region last year; 200 regular volun- proof and resilient, so that more than one person of anyone who wants paper, or conversely is hap- in full view. Fond farewells were said to Nick teer workers; 40 partner groups. can operate it. py to receive emails alone. There is an option on Worthington, the Waterways Manager, and to Over the winter, Leeds Lock, a major struc- So what will happen? The first change is to the ‘web profile’ page to opt into this, or you can Andrew Stumpf, who for many years was re- ture adjacent to the Royal Armouries, was transfer the data to the new system. The profile just send an email asking for this option. If you sponsible for negotiating the funding received drained and was opened to the public for inspec- page on the website will change and the ‘new are regularly looking at email, then please opt in for the South Wales canals from local authorities tion. There was also an audio-visual presentation members’ sign-up page will change but will re- now and don’t wait. Just send us an email. and the EU. on local waterways at a ticketed event during the tain the same functionality. ‘Sign in’ will remain This all ties in well with the new GDPR issues, The new Regional Director for Wales and work, led by an actor dressed as a navvy, which the same and hopefully passwords will transfer transparency of information and rights of mem- South West, Richard Thomas, was also present. attracted over 2,000 visitors. The meeting was OK! Renewals will continue with the current bers. Please support us in this next endeavour. shown the video, which was excellent. method by post for couple of months while we The last thing we want to do is lose any members! After the buffet, the local CRT staff were Around the regions: available at tables for individual networking, fol- lowing the pattern at previous meetings which NABO’s regional reps seemed to work well with a variety of subjects NABO withdraws its objections to being discussed, mostly locally focussed, al- though there were some points made about the new licensing structure, both good and not so the Middle Level Bill North East good, and some criticism of the failings of the Waterways vegetation issue! While generally supportive of the Bill, NABO prove facilities to at least the Inland Waterways A particular point arose about HS2: CRT had petitioned to ensure that boaters’ servic- Association minimum standards, in consulta- Howard Anguish managers had recently taken HS2 engineers es would be maintained on the Middle Level. tion with the Navigation Advisory Committee, afloat on sections of South Yorkshire waterways, Further correspondence with the Middle Level and that the Commissioners must consult the The Spring local waterway which would be affected by bridge building, to Commissioners resulted in the following letter Committee on any proposal to provide facili- forum at Castleford on 13th demonstrate the impact this may have on local being sent by NABO in June: ties or services in respect of the waterways and March followed the recent navigations. Discussion arose about the trans- ‘We note that you have given a written under- their banks, and any proposals to impose or vary pattern and was reasonably portation of bulk materials—particularly bulk taking to the Opposed Bill Committee that, once charges in respect of use of the waterways. well attended, but I have rail ballast and other similar materials, together the Bill becomes a statute and the Commissioners We are thus able to continue to support the noticed over the last couple of meetings that with heavy indivisible equipment including tun- can achieve some income from the registration Middle Level Bill and formally withdraw our numbers have reduced. I wonder if the 5 pm start nel boring machines. It became apparent that of boats in the system, they would hope to im- Petition.’ may act as a barrier against better attendance for they had not been aware that barges were availa- those who may still be working. ble locally that could transport 600 tons or more Acting Local Manager, Mike Marshall, meaning cheaper transport costs and a reduction chaired an interesting meeting, which led off of disruption to road traffic. This enlightenment with a review of highlights of the past year, in- may lead to increased carriage of such materi- cluding an outline of what goes on behind the als by water, and begs the question if a similar scenes—an illuminating description of the day consideration could be given to such transport in and night routine needed to keep some of our other major engineering schemes, although the more challenging local waterways functioning, North East region does differ from other regions especially at times of strong stream flow. As an with its concentration of commercial waterways. NABO News Issue 4 July 2018 NABO News Issue 4 July 2018 10 11 News News All change at CRT Phil Mulligan Other changes: Deputy Lieutenant for Greater London in 2017. East Midlands He has no known waterway experience. with new Regional Directors… David Baldacchino will become Head of He is a professional third Operations Support, Jon Horsfall will be South West: David Hagg. CRT’s new regional structure was put in place sector manager, nota- Head of Customer Service Support, to lead the Chief Executive of Stroud District Council, the on 4th June and six new Regional Directors have bly as Chief Executive organisation’s customer service functions, in- authority which is leading the restoration of been appointed. of the Landscape cluding boating, and Peter Walker will be Head the Cotswold Canal. He has been a member of Institute, Executive of Technical Support. There are also two new Director of the United a range of regional and national bodies and was permanent posts: Tav Kazmi, currently act- formerly Chair of the Trust’s South Wales & Ros Daniels Nations Association UK ing Waterway Manager for the South East, is London & South East and Chief Executive of Severn Waterway Partnership. Deputy Director, London & South East and Ian Environmental Prot­ She has extensive expe- Lane, currently Waterway Manager for the West East Midlands: Anil Majithia. ection UK. Midlands, is Head of Operational Projects in rience of the heritage A National Trust Coun­ He is a Leicestershire Local Enterprise and tourism sector, the West Midlands, including Coventry City of Partnership Board member and Chair of cil member, he represented the Conservation Culture 2021, the Birmingham Commonwealth most recently as Head Volunteers. He also had a key role in the Voluntary Action Leicestershire. He is a of Historic Properties, Games and the ongoing development of Governor at Coventry University and North Government's involvement in the creation the Roundhouse in Birmingham. Waterway London at English of CRT as Vice Chair of Defra’s Civil Society Warwickshire & South Leicestershire College Managers, Nick Worthington and Jon Guest, Heritage. She has man- Advisory Board. He has no known waterway and a member of the Governance Committee for Head of Health and Safety, Tony Stammers, aged a variety of historic connections. Science Council. He has no known waterway ex- houses, gardens and and National Heritage Manager, Nigel Crowe, perience. countryside for English will leave the Trust. Denise Yelland will be act- Heritage and the National Trust. Her waterway Sean McGinley ing Boat Licensing Customer Support Manager North West: Walter Menzies. connection is that, in her spare time, she is a Yorkshire & North East (previously known as enforcement) until the end The former Chief Executive at the Mersey Basin ‘keen canoeist and paddle boarder’. of September. Campaign and a UK Sustainable Development He is a chartered civ- Simon , Asset Improvement Commissioner, he remains a sustainable develop- il engineer, currently Director, announced that interim arrangements ment advocate and champion of the North West. Richard Thomas the East Midlands will be made in Asset Improvement for up to Wales & South West He is a visiting professor in the Department of Waterway Manager, and 12 months. John Ward will be interim Head of Civic Design at the University of Liverpool, a He has had a long ca- has worked on the wa- Project Delivery and Richard Wakelen will take Trustee of the Land Trust and former Chair of reer in the Royal Navy, terways in management the lead role on Engineering Services, in addi- the Trust’s , Pennine & Potteries in which ‘he transited and engineering posts tion to his current role, to become Head of Asset Waterway Partnership. two canals’. He also says for 16 years. His man- Strategy and Engineering Services. Jason Leach he wants to become agement included the has been appointed as Programme Director a liveaboard boater, Chesterfield, for the ‘Unlocking the Severn’ project. Mark West Midland and Yorkshire with ‘aspirations to live and Erewash canals and the River Trent. Stephens and Richard Longton will leave the Chairs of the West Midlands and Yorkshire afloat on the canal in Trust. & North East Advisory Boards have yet to be Gloucester.’ recruited. Details of other members of the Daniel Greenhalgh .... and new Regional Advisory Boards are at https://canalrivertrust. North West Advisory Board Chairs org.uk/about-us/how-we-are-run/regional-ad- Adnan Saif. He is the interim visory-boards West Midlands Regional Director for CRT has so far appointed four chairs to the new up to 12 months. He advisory boards. The appointments are volun- He has worked in senior was a site engineer for tary and for an initial term of three years. positions in local gov- a Liverpool civil en- ernment, regeneration London & South East: gineering contractor and economic develop- Sir William Atkinson. before joining the wa- ment, and is currently terways in 2005. He is a Knighted for services to education and com- Chief Executive of the senior manager at CRT, munity relations, he is a Trustee of a number British Muslim Heritage responsible for major of charities, including the Royal Shakespeare Centre. He has no wa- canal infrastructure projects and formerly the Company, and has advised Government at both terway connections. delivery of all the Trust’s operational contracts. national and local levels. He was appointed NABO News Issue 4 July 2018 NABO News Issue 4 July 2018 12 13 News Talking Points More problems with cyclists The true cost of the CRT licensing changes Alison Tuck reveals that, despite CRT saying that the recent Mark Tizard monitors social media The new bands explained licensing review would be revenue-neutral, boat licence fees are set to increase for most boaters over the next three years, generating an Band 1 Up to 7'1" (2.16m) writer contacted CRT’s Facebook page, as ‘an activity involving physical exertion and estimated extra income of £2m for the Trust Band 2 Over 7'1" (2.16m) up to complaining about ‘cycling idiots doing skill in which an individual or team competes 10'7" (3.24m) an organised orienteering race along the against another or others for entertainment’. is introducing a 2.5% prompt-pay- even more, by Band 3 Over 10'7" (3.24m) A towpath’ in which ‘children, families and Surely cycling on the towpath should be a rec- ment discount and a 2.5% discount cheque/cash. dog-walkers were being shouted at to get out reational activity but not a sport? CRT for electronic payments in 2020. Paying by monthly Direct Debit will give savings of the way because they were being timed—it Howard Anguish commented: “That attitude Using, as an example, a 60' that doesn't of £56.16 next year, £57.84 in 2020 and £59.58 in was so dangerous, how there were no injuries about sport and towpaths (which is wrong in qualify for any discounts other than the reduced 2021 (green). I don't know. They were abusive when asked to so many ways) reminds me that Sue Day [of the prompt-payment discount, with 3% annual infla- Widebeam owners will be the most affected, slow down and refused to say who the organis- ] was once told some years tion, it is clear that licence fees will increase (red) but those who previously have had no discount ers were. Surely CRT don't condone bike races ago that the towpath was no place for horses”. for those who pay in full, either electronically or, by paying by Direct Debit will be better off until on their towpaths?’ The writer was told that tow- Another writer to CRT’s Facebook page sug- 2020. The table shows the paths are not places for bike racing and trying to gested that the Trust should take a look at www. Cost under old Year Cost under new licence terms (£) costs for a 60' boat in Band beat personal bests and the message would be strava.com and check out speed cycling on canal licence terms (£) 2 and in Band 3. In each passed to the local CRT team (not very local, be- routes, where the object is to beat your previous Narrowboat Widebeam Widebeam case, they don't qualify for ing 63 miles away at Red Bull). best time and that of other speed cyclists; hardly Band 1 (60') Band 2 (60') Band 3 (60') any other discounts and The response from CRT was they were sorry sharing the space. And pizza delivery by bike are subject to 3% annual to hear of problems while trying to enjoy our seems to have become a bit of a plague, speeding Electronically in full inflation. The surcharge for towpaths and advised that the Trust is look- and carrying an extra wide load (a large thermal 2018 918.94 918.94 918.94 918.94 Band 2 is 5% in 2020 and ing carefully at cycling on towpaths which is a box on the cyclist’s back). 10% from 2021 (10% is the growing sport and one that we need to work CRT responded: ‘We are aware of this and 2019 946.50 969.99 969.99 969.99 full surcharge for Band 2). with (my emphasis). That’s why we are launch- believe it’s the case that Strava users can set up 2020 974.90 999.09 1,051.67 1,051.67 The surcharge for Band 3, ing the ‘Share the Space’ campaign, aimed at these routes themselves to compete with their 5% in 2020, 10% in 2021, 2021 1,004.15 1,029.06 1,137.38 1,137.38 encouraging better behaviours by all users of the friends. We do not support this activity, and 15% in 2022 and 20% in towpath, with a link to canalrivertrust.org.uk/ although cyclists are very welcome on our tow- 2022 1,034.27 1,059.93 1,171.50 1,227.29 2023 (20% is the full sur- news-and-views/features/share-the-space-drop- paths, they are not a place for racing and trying 2023 1,065.30 1,091.73 1,206.65 1,321.57 charge for Band 3). If you your-pace-our-towpath-code. They went on to to beat personal bests. We are trying to work are still following, say that there may be local issues at play and they with Strava on this and hopefully we can work Cash, cheque or debit card in full The vast major- have recorded the report as a safety incident so something out’. Could you let us know more in- 2018 918.94 918.94 969.99 1,021.04 ity of boaters have taken that they can gather more information. formation about the pizza delivery location and advantage of the prompt- Something is very wrong with the attitude ‘cy- the companies involved? We will speak to the lo- 2019 946.50 995.51 995.51 995.51 payment discount. In cling on the towpath is a sport’. Sport is defined cal team to see if there’s anything we can do. 2020 974.90 1,025.38 1,077.96 1,077.96 future, year on year, those 2021 1,004.15 1,056.14 1,164.46 1,164.46 who pay annually are, at a minimum, 5% worse off Boaters’ Weekend 2022 1,034.27 1,087.83 1,199.40 1,255.18 due to the reduction of the prompt-payment discount. Tamworth Cruising Club is holding 2023 1,065.30 1,120.46 1,235.38 1,350.30 Over the three-year imple- a weekend of events from August 3rd– Monthly Direct Debit mentation period, they will 5th. For details and registration before 2018 1,021.04 1,021.04 1,021.04 1,021.04 be an estimated £73 per July 20th, contact the club at Kettlebrook year worse off for the most Road, Tamworth, Staffs. B77 1BS, phone 2019 1,051.67 1,021.04 1,021.04 1,021.04 popular boat length of 55- 07517 680337, email tamworth- 2020 1,083.22 1,025.38 1,077.96 1,077.96 60 feet. Based on inflation [email protected] or visit assumptions, these chang- www.tamworthcruisingclub.org.uk. 2021 1,115.72 1,056.14 1,164.46 1,164.46 es are expected to net CRT 2022 1,034.27 1,087.83 1,199.40 1,255.18 around £2 million in extra 2023 1,065.30 1,120.46 1,235.38 1,350.30 licensing revenue (£73 x Tamworth Cruising Club in the 1960s 32,000 boats). NABO News Issue 4 July 2018 NABO News Issue 4 July 2018 14 15 Talking Points CRT Rebranding Boating and our new brand The rationale behind that logo A message to boaters from Richard Parry Studio Blackburn was responsible for design- ing the new identity for CRT. “The circular symbol fades off into stripes, which aims Ten days ago we launched the to represent the reflection of a bridge on a ca- Trust’s new branding, as we highlight “ nal, as well as water ripples”, says Paul Blackburn, the Trust’s role in providing greater founder of the studio. wellbeing for the millions of people He also says that the new logo aims to represent the idea whose lives could be improved by of ‘transition’—moving from the old to the new, while re- coming to the waterways, right on taining the bridge element of the previous logo. “The shape their doorstep. now also represents a rising sun, unity and togetherness, as The reasons for the changes are well as the reflections of water,” he says. A refreshed colour explained elsewhere, but I know from palette comprising two blue and two green shades is used conversations I’ve had, and commen- alongside white. These four colours indicate water, sky, leaf tary that I’ve seen, that some boaters and grass, with the dark blue core colour representing water. felt our message last week ignored An extended palette of orange and yellow has also been used the core purpose of the canal and across communications, to symbolise both land and water. river navigations—that is, for boats He adds: “Modern Era, a contemporary, friendly, sans- to use. serif typeface with a large x-height (the height of letters The assurance I want to give you is minus their descenders and ascenders) has been used for that boats and boaters will always be the logo and all copy ‘to provide legibility’. A new strapline at the heart of what the Trust is for, ‘Making life better by water’ accompanies the rebrand, which Another delivery of new CRT logos and central to what we do—the ma- aims to represent CRT’s mission to transform canals and riv- Photo: Matty at Narrowboat Users Forum jority of our annual expenditure (well ers into ‘spaces where local people want to spend time and over £100m per annum) goes into feel better’. Patterns that reflect water waves keeping the waterways operational are printed on marketing communications and safe for boats to use and boaters “Well he would say that. But even so, such as posters and leaflets, alongside pho- to enjoy. I am committed to active ongoing commu- “C'mon CRT, you say you 'listen and tographs of people using canals and animals I don’t share the view that CRT is aban- nication with you at all levels to hear your feedback want to talk'. There is a huge resource that dwell on water, such as swans. Blackburn doning boaters. If boaters contributed about where we need to target our efforts, to deal with says that the new visual identity was inspired all funding required to maintain the any issues you encounter and deliver the boating ex- out there called boaters, so why not ask by ‘the [charity’s] focus on bringing waterways perience you expect. them to help and support you instead system it would be a different matter. alive’ and ‘encouraging communities to come So my plea would be not to take offence—as I know But they don’t!” of ignoring them. There are even a few together to love and care for their local canal or most of you don’t—when our message isn’t specifically who have many years’ industrial and river’. “We were trying to create a brand system that about boating; it really is in everyone’s interest that we commercial marketing experience and gives [the charity] more flexibility to develop as an in- seek to address and engage a wider and different au- “Where it went wrong is their misrep- clusive, modern and sociable brand to a much wider dience—including critically those who are younger, have gone through 'brand changes' and resentation of the massive spend on this audience, rather than the current, and inaccurate, more diverse, and digitally-active. But I don’t discount 'brand launches'. Why turn your back rebranding with the blatant and insult- perception of ‘those people who maintain the canals’”. the importance of ensuring that we continue to gar- on that knowledge?” ing lie that it cost only £60k. Opinion ner your support as well. To be fit for the future, the is that the logo and new colour scheme Trust needs to change, but boats and boaters need to “What I simply can't see any justifica- “A shame that this has come as an af- from the marketing agency may well be with us on that journey, and we will keep working tion for is replacing large numbers of signs to achieve that.” terthought. I think the boaters' reaction have been £60k, but all the new signage, that can only be of interest to boaters, such was entirely predictable, and it would uniforms etc. is probably costing closer as those for mooring restrictions, sanitary “I don't know who Richard Parry has been surely have been better if this message to £1m. It would be nice to have some stations, water points and the like.” talking to, or what he's been reading, but he's had been incorporated into the original honesty about the real cost of the exer- missed the point entirely with this ill thought- rebranding information.” cise but I suspect the true cost is so high out message. The old cliché about when you're they prefer to take the criticism than ac- in a hole stop digging springs to mind.” tually publish accurate figures. ”

NABO News Issue 4 July 2018 NABO News Issue 4 July 2018 Photo: thirdsector.co.uk

16 17 Talking Points

hy is it boaters feel so dis- the canals are not free. enfranchised by CRT? Why We pay to use our is it that CRT staff, who are boats and the canal is “The issue I have with the rebrand- Wpaid to enrol people on the quite literally on our ing is this: I am prepared to accept, as …some boaters felt our message towpath as Friends, now don’t both- doorstep. We want to a ‘non-marketing’ person, that, where last week ignored the core purpose of er to approach boaters? The constant cherish and protect it. signs are aimed at the general public, the canal and river navigations—that PR push over the last couple of years Recent press releases the expense may be worthwhile and celebrates initiatives that rarely in- and media articles ig- is, for boats to use. volve boats. Walkers, cyclists, anglers, nore those who pay a bring returns in terms of greater public canoeists are targeted and welcomed considerable chunk of awareness. Perfectly good signs with the in increasing numbers—come on income to the Trust, old logo are already being taken down “If the x million people who live in, it’s a free resource. The latest re- not just through and replaced by identically worded ones near a canal are not already 'using' the branding only cost £60k, honest! licensing, while reach- in blue with the new logo. canal then how will they see all of the New, expensive signs have sprung ing out to those who new signage? How is the message going up, seemingly overnight, alongside enjoy the canals with- the canals, directed at those who al- out paying. Boaters are already well aware of CRT, to reach them? ready know where the canal is—not so in my view nothing is being achieved the 7 million who supposedly don’t. with boaters other than ‘that looks like Mailing addresses can be purchased by Millions spent on new cycle routes, a waste of money’. I think this is a major region—maybe CRT are going to buy walkways, canoe routes—yes, grant If only the Trust cock-up at a time they are looking for 100,000 addresses as a test-area and funded, but where are the grants to repair the listed locks and bridges? donations to help with major failures of mail 'all of these wonderful benefits'. In marketing terms a response of 1% Strip away the PR and see a dif- would listen the infrastructure. I certainly wouldn't ferent reality: licence fees increasing Stella Ridgeway responds to Richard Parry donate money while they are, in my view would be a good result. Is CRT going to for the majority by a minimum of at least, wasting it in large amounts.” set up a 'road-show' and take it to eve- 5%, despite promises of a revenue- ry town/ centre/shopping mall neutral review. Marple flight closed Councils already understand the near a canal and actively present itself, for eight months, closed again a health aspects of canals. Ask them the canals and the wellbeing benefits? week after reopening due to a failure what they think of their money be- “I think most boaters would agree to act on an known fault. Minworth ing spent on rebranding and I think that it's not that the so called rebrand- closed shortly after reopening due you can guess the answer. Is it going to undertake 'sponsorship' of to the failure to ensure it was deep We love the canals, and those of ing exercise appears to ignore the core some outdoorsy type TV programmes purpose of the waterways, it's that it's enough to be navigable after the us who live on them full- or part-time or do some paid TV/billboard ad- repairs were completed. Our experi- do so because we love the waterways a clear waste of a substantial amount vertising? How will the responses be ence, our reality. and the way of life. We have experi- of money, based on an extremely dodgy monitored? It is all simple marketing So my message to Richard Parry ence that we would willingly share, if premise.” is simple: Stop and think every only the Trust would listen. Because stuff which I am sure that the CRT mar- time your media department gets a of this failure to genuinely engage keting team has thoroughly thought new idea. Ask: “What would boat- in meaningful discussions and seek, through—the problem is we do not ers think of this?” We care about AND take account of, our views pri- know what their plans are, so can only the canals being navigable, locks or to decisions being made, is it any comment on the knowledge we have.” usable, moorings deep enough, ser- wonder that boaters feel disenfran- vices available, heritage protected, chised and neglected? not sold. Is anyone listening to us? CRT needs to get boaters back “What I can't understand is that they Your new target audience also want onboard and make us believe that these things. Look at faces that light it can improve the experience of wanted a new logo so as to help the gen- up and the waves exchanged as boats ALL who use the canals. Together eral public become more aware of what go past. Boats are the reason they we stand a chance of persuading the CRT are all about, but [then] produce a flock to places like Foxton or Stoke Government to keep this precious logo which doesn't.” Bruerne. resource adequately funded; sepa- To us, the canals’ biggest fans, rately we don’t. NABO News Issue 4 July 2018 NABO News Issue 4 July 2018 18 19 Talking Points

pressure from boating groups. Some tions, offering historic boater fare. wanted to see something like the A national membership, at a price, National Trust, where members pay giving the public access to the one substantial annual fees in exchange unique thing the waterways have to for being able to visit places and offer, would soon produce a genuine, see things previously the exclusive fee paying, committed membership, domain of the rich and powerful. It keen to see the canals in good work- was argued that, given open public ing order so that they can enjoy their access to the towpath, it was not access to boating. Structured in such possible to charge for membership. a way that all types and ages can get This is a fallacy, based on a basic on the water, from teenage paddle- Trip boat Jubilee approaching t is not difficult to understand why the Tory ministers was to get the misunderstanding of what canals are boarders to grannies taking tea on a Town lock at Newbury CRT is rebranding, restructuring cost off the public books. But 'I told about—boats. Without boats, any trip boat. The resources are mostly Photo : Rob Dean K&A Trust and attempting to persuade any- you so' doesn't help provide the ca- public with a lake has as much already in place. Around the coun- Ione who will listen that it has the nals with a future. attraction—and health and wellbe- try there are businesses that would answer to everyone's problems—if CRT has turned away from the ing potential—as a canal. Without be happy to come to an agreement only they will stroll by a canal now concept of running a successful boats, canals become muddy ditch- with CRT to provide all sorts of and then. It is even easy to sympa- navigation, declaring that: ‘More es, only interesting to fishermen boating experiences to paid-up CRT thise with the position the Trust has than 90% of our customer base are after a few years of neglect. Yet boats members. A little bit of imagination got itself into. no longer water-based and we need are perceived by much of the public and the use of existing skilled crews to adapt to their needs.’ as expensive, exclusive and owned could see the historic fleet in CRT's The core belief behind by the elite—a bit like stately homes care moving members on the water, There is another way the restructuring—put- really. with volunteer crews and even vol- ting yet more corporate If CRT wants to capture the unteer historic boat owners joining players in top jobs with support of a fair proportion of that in. Membership could provide an little consideration for 90%, it can do so by offering them agreed discount on waterborne ac- –and it's by boat their waterways expe- a chance to join the boaters on the tivities, taking in canoe centres and Obvious maybe, but has CRT realised that there's an rience or ability to run water—not by the water—just as the similar activities. Engaging so many a navigation—and a National Trust offers the opportuni- more people in boating on the canals opportunity under their noses? rebranding that moves ty to spend time in stately homes. A through an affordable membership Asks Peter Underwood, Editor of the Floater away from canals and membership-based CRT would not scheme would mean many more boating, is that the new only be able to exercise democratic advocates for the waterways, more people and new iden- control over the board members and people taking the next step into a ca- tity will bring in enough executives that is sadly lacking, it nal holiday or even boat ownership, measurable support could also become a National Trust and the genuine uplift in 'wellbeing' Many of the promises made by that they can beg Government for of the waterways giving members CRT claims to be looking for. CRT when established five years ago another grant, recognising that access to boating in many forms It may not provide the £50m have turned to dust. It is nowhere ‘our former industrial waterways as part of their paid-for member- CRT needs in the coming decade close to replacing Government can improve the wellbeing of mil- ship package. For a few pounds a but it would make a substantial dif- grant with income from 'Friends' lions of people.’ Another 'cunning month, members could be offered ference to the size of the financial and other charitable donations and plan' doomed to failure like the one free charter boat trips, with CRT ei- black hole and provide a genuine a large financial black hole is clearly that brought CRT into existence ther acquiring their own fleet, hiring case for Government to give further to be seen in its future as it loses five years ago. Why? Because it ig- from canal businesses, or working financial support. The price will be Government cash, initially in 2022 nores the one genuine asset that the with volunteers and using historic busier waterways, more novices on then completely in 2027—a scant waterways have, that brings peo- . boats and other minor annoyances, nine years away. ple to the towpaths, the one asset There could be a free half day on but such a scheme can create a gen- No new logo is going to change that can genuinely recruit support. a day boat, or entrance to historic uine opportunity for waterways to that reality. Many boaters warned Unfortunately, CRT rejected, with or locations like the Anderton Lift, as become a place everyone can enjoy of this outcome when Government without the support of Government, part of the membership. CRT could being on the water, not by the water. dumped the waterways into the the idea of a membership based follow the National Trust further At least everyone who can afford a third sector—the only objective of organisational structure, despite with its own tea rooms at key loca- few pounds a month. NABO News Issue 4 July 2018 NABO News Issue 4 July 2018 20 21 Talking Points

or just an affordable place to stay the renter is often blissfully unaware Peer-to-peer renting, on a short trip to London. We are a of basic boat safety or maintenance cruising boat, so every two weeks we requirements. move around London—please check NABO is concerned that, one for our location when you book.’ year on, the new licence category still a problem? ‘Two tastefully refurbished nar- has not met the needs of boaters rowboats offer an alternative place who are looking to rent, nor those Mark Tizard takes a look to stay whilst in London. The boats who would be prepared to invest in are not on permanent moorings and getting the correct licence, insur- new licence category was industry. However, after represen- move every two weeks.’ ance and BSS to meet this need. We introduced by CRT in June tations from the trade and others, Other adverts offer six-month suspect that the number of boats be- 2017 that enabled boats to CRT changed tack and introduced lets in much the same way that you ing rented continues to grow, as do A be rented out on a long- or a new licence category a year ago, would expect to rent a room or a flat. the risks. CRT, local councils and short-term basis. This resulted from which required the rented boat to Renters are often lulled into thinking the Government will no doubt face increasing concerns being voiced have a residential mooring (com- that they have the same level of pro- growing pressure regarding the en- by boaters and boating associations plete with appropriate planning tection that you have when renting vironmental and social impacts of that boats were being rented to a permission). This new licence was accommodation. The truth could unregulated boats, and there is an third party, either in ignorance of the to be accompanied by a stronger not be more different: almost cer- urgent need to revisit and address licensing requirements or because and faster enforcement process to tainly, the boat insurance and Boat this problem from a boat safety per- owners were choosing to ignore deal with boats that didn’t comply. Safety Certificate will be invalid; and spective. NABO was concerned that this new licence category would have little or no effect on the rental market. Given that the problem was mainly iden- tified in London and the Western Horse Power end of the K&A, readers will not be One of a series of three mosaics by Scottish surprised to learn that opportunities artist Alan Potter along Sleaford River Walk, for acquiring a residential mooring at Sleaford in , celebrating the that met the necessary requirements three sources of power available to the navi- were extremely rare. One year gation boatmen; the wind, horsepower and on, we have yet to learn of any man himself successful prosecutions, or any ad- The was opened in ditional residential moorings being 1794. Lack of finance meant that it stopped made available for boat rentals. So short of its intended terminus, but it gradu- either the problem has been solved, ally grew to be successful financially. them. Either way, renters are at risk or a box was ticked somewhere on Because of falling revenues caused by the from unscrupulous ‘boatlords’ who the to-do list and the problem is coming of the railway to Sleaford in 1857, do not have the appropriate insur- deemed to have gone away. the Company obtained an Act of Parliament ance, or in many cases, do not make A quick trawl of social media to enable it to abandon its responsibilities to the renter aware of general boat shows that the market for rented maintain the Navigation. In fact trade con- safety issues. Given that in some boats still exists and many boats are tinued on the lower part of the Navigation congested areas, boats can be dou- still being rented out. The reality, we until the late 1940s. ble- or triple-moored; this also puts suspect, is that renting has moved The Sleaford Navigation Trust is work- legitimate boaters at risk. further under CRT’s radar. These are ing to restore the Sleaford Navigation from To address this, CRT initially a couple of examples of adverts for the , at Chapel Hill, through to thought of introducing a licence short-term rentals from June 2018: the market town of Sleaford in Lincolnshire. category that would allow a boat to ‘Complete house on a boat with Currently 8 of the 13 miles are open to full continuously cruise and be rented a double bed, shower room, fully navigation although the whole length of the out, provided that it met the more equipped kitchen and a comfy living Navigation can be canoed. stringent safety and handover re- room. Warm and cosy with a fire- quirements associated with the hire place. Perfect for a boat experience NABO News Issue 4 July 2018 NABO News Issue 4 July 2018 22 23

The Upper Stella Ridgway continues her exploration of attractions along this canal. Moorings at Marple The view from Bridge 19

own from on the about 300 yards until you come to Flight is only open to boats that are canal, you pass through the, now overgrown, Marple Quarry less than 45 feet, with the possibil- (or ‘the Swingbridge place’ as on the opposite side of the road. It is ity that it may close completely. If DI heard some children call lovely here and, if you are watchful, you are able to get down the flight— it—probably due to the swing-bridg- you will see the fairies in their tower walking it is pleasant—Brabyns Park es at either end of the village). There block. is at the bottom of the hill, taking are some lovely moorings here and There are also some good moor- the path to it near Lock 7. It is a worth a stop if you have time. Disley ings opposite the marina at Marple, ‘snake path’, as the locals call it, and has a very good Chinese takeaway but if you don’t mind a ten-minute the smell of wild garlic is wonderful about a ten-minute walk from the walk, moor on the bend between at this time if year. It is also a good first swing bridge you come to. The Bridges 19 and 20, or just after the place for dogs to run and swim in the moorings are good and the towpath narrow before Bridge 19. These . is hard-core. Lyme Park main en- moorings are quiet and seem as if trance is also a short walk away. you are in the countryside. The 358 Then on to : again, some bus stops at the bottom of the steps nice out-of-the-way mooring places adjacent to Bridge 19 and travels and a short stroll to the Sportsman between and Hayfield, pub from the mooring just before stopping at Marple, Strines and New the . Mills. Marple has the junction of the Marple has an Asda store, but Peak Forest and Macclesfield canals. no longer a Co-op. There are some It is at the top of the Marple Flight decent shops: Wilson's selling cheap and is a really nice town. There are fruit and veg adjacent to the bus also some lovely views to be had stop; a laundrette near Bridge 3 on around about. Moor just before the the , which does footbridge (# 20) and cross it, going a very good service wash; and some up the slope to the top. Turn left, excellent cafés and independent bars walking to face oncoming traffic, selling real ale. Lock repairs on the Marple flight Marple Aqueduct before the railing were installed through Marple Ridge and on for At the time of writing, the Marple Photo: CRT Photo: www.penninewaterways.co.uk NABO News Issue 4 July 2018 NABO News Issue 4 July 2018 24TECHIES’ 25 Techies’ Corner : The Dowty Jet Boat

two kids’ faces will remain with me Pathe News has several forever. films from the 1950s and 1960s about the Dowty I am now taking the knowledge I jet-boat at britishpathe. have in the heavy plant and electri- com/workspaces/BN/ cal industries and applying it to boat Dowty. CORNER maintenance and repairs, trying to turn my hobby of working on boats Aspects of boat design, ’ve been a heavy plant me- boat. I bought it for £100 and trans- into my job. I’m based in Evesham, construction, equipment, chanic for 20 years, but ported all the different bits home on Worcestershire, and work as a call- now I’m trying to break a Transit tipper. Meanwhile, I began out engineer and electrician on facilities or maintenance Iinto a new career in ma- my two-year studies in mechanical waterways all over the Midlands. rine and inland waterway engineering on construction plant at Recent work has included fixing engineering. I’ve always Bircham Newton Civil Engineering an electrical problem on a narrow- loved boats. It all began when I was College in Norfolk. Following this, boat leisure battery charging system a child and my parents bought me I did another two years at Stafford and curing prop-shaft vibration on and my brother an Octopus inflat- College on advanced engineering a 42-foot Dawn Craft that is pow- able dinghy, which we used on the and diagnostic studies. In my spare ered by two 200hp diesel engines! If River Avon. time, I started to put the Dowty jet- you have any issues with your boat, boat back together, but I found that please contact me and I will try to I lacked some parts and the neces- help as best I can. From buckets to sary mechanical expertise. I had the classroom knowledge but not the practical experience. Then I started a new job, passed my heavy goods boats… vehicle driving test, met my future …digger buckets anyway, as that’s what Keith Thompson wife and travelled around Australia The Dowty marine engine and pump usually works on. with her; life was good but I’d for- gotten about my boat project. That all changed in 1999 when my first Despite always loving boats on child was born and I became a self- the water, I just seemed to lack the employed plant mechanic, so that means to actually own one. This I could spend more time with my changed when I was in my early family. My second child arrived 18 twenties and I saw an advert for a months later and, as I watched them power-boat (in bits) in a local paper. grow, I felt the urge to take them I went to see it and recognised it as out in a boat. I remembered my old a Dowty Turbo-craft, and I remem- boat and found her languishing in bered reading that Donald Campbell the corner of a field, where I’d left had been involved in its design. her some ten years previously. I’d re- This was the first commercially pro- cently completed a City and Guilds Keith can be contacted on duced jet-boat; 14 feet long with a electrical course at night-school and 07971 870083 or by email six-cylinder Ford Zephyr engine I now felt that I had the expertise, keiththesparks@gmail. connected directly to a twin-stage along with finding the missing parts, com Dowty pump. It was capable of to complete the project. pumping in excess of 45 gallons of I rebuilt the jet unit, completely water per second through a four- stripped and rebuilt the engine, and inch nozzle, pushing the boat along then made and installed a wiring at approximately 30 knots (35 mph). loom and electrical system. I took And it could travel at full speed in her out on the sea in 2014, which only four inches of water. gave me an immense feeling of This was my chance of owning a achievement—and the smiles on my Dowty jet boat, sea trials in 2014 NABO News Issue 4 July 2018 NABO News Issue 4 July 2018 26 27 Rewind—2003 Have Your Say Rewind Letters to the Editor Opinions expressed here are independent of NABO policy and Issue No 4, July 2003 statements made have not been verified as true. Howard Anguish explores NABO News from 15 years ago.

Licence evasion NABO at Waterway Events. Chair, Regulations for the Sale of Diesel. Mark Tizard replied on behalf of NABO: Sue Burchett, mentions the NABO April 2003 saw the introduction Three weeks ago, I did a trip from Woodend Thank you for your email. The potential for conflict stand at Little Venice Cavalcade and of the new red diesel fuel regula- Lock to Knowle Hill Wharf, during which I saw between the different users of the canals is defi- Crick Show, reminding me that when tions—something which remains to 27 boats without licences. When is CRT going nitely increasing, especially in areas where towpath I first joined NABO, it was consid- this day. NABO was keen to explain to do something about these people, who do not improvements have been made. This is something ered important to have a presence at the new procedure to members and pay for their licences? NABO is very aware of and has previously raised Peter Butler Waterway events; in fact that is how would monitor how it settled down with CRT and with the press. CRT’s current fo- I first discovered NABO. It was great over the ensuing years. cus is to increase the awareness and use of canals to show the flag, meet members ena- Editor on the Huddersfield Editor’s note: and towpaths, whether this is through encourag- bling an exchange views on matters Narrow. Stuart Sampson, NN ed- It is a requirement of CRT’s byelaws that licences ing canoeists, cyclists or other new users. This is of concern, and offering the possi- itor and soon to be Chairman, are displayed on each side of a boat, but enforce- in the belief that increased public awareness and bility of recruiting new members. announced that he had traversed ment officers use the index (registration) number to participation will increase the likelihood of the It was subsequently decided to stop the Huddersfield Narrow in what he check on the licence status. You can check yourself Government renewing their funding when the cur- doing this because of the difficul- describes as the NABO News float- whether a boat has a licence (or if the owner has rent grant runs out. ties in finding volunteers ing editorial office—aka his boat forgotten to display it) by entering the index number It should come as no surprise to CRT that if you for the stand. Maybe this ‘Sulaskar’. This was a long-awaited at https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/boating/licensing/ improve the towpath while encouraging cyclists, the would be something that achievement for Stuart and his wife, boat-check. speed of those cyclists will increase. Idyllic pictures Council could revisit? Carole, who encouraged others to of a family cycling together as portrayed by CRT ‘Seems Familiar’ do the trip, while pointing out some More towpath trouble are not the reality, which is often speeding commut- Department: 2003! BW areas where BW could improve the I and my disabled wife have moved onto our ers in urban areas or groups of mountain bikers in is merging their old ‘wa- canal to make the trip easier and rural areas. You are not alone in your concerns. The terway offices’ into more more enjoyable. narrowboat ‘Precious Time’ to see out our re- maining time on this earth. We have been on more people that complain the greater the ‘noise’ self-sufficient ‘WaterwayGeoffrey Rogerson predicts. Some we can make, but it’s an uphill struggle as you are Business Units’, with, in months ago, I drew attention to the various boats throughout our working life and have noted a lot of changes, not least allowing aware. I hope that you are a member of NABO. As most cases, each unit cov- fact that a number of canals were a volunteer organisation we need your support. If ering two or three of the now ‘full’. As of now, (2003) some cyclists to use the towpath. A few years ago, this was not a problem, but it has changed with time, you are not please consider joining via our website old waterway areas. The 26,000 boats are registered and ap- www.nabo.org.uk. existing regions will now proximately 1,000 new boats are the upgrade in cycles, and the attitude of bik- be merged into just four: being built each year. Most of the ers that the towpaths are theirs and everyone Scotland; North; South; ‘old’ boats have gone, following the else should get out of their way. It has put the I name this boat … and London. Robin Evans, BSS. Accordingly, the current fleet towpath out of bounds for my wife, grand-kids and pets. Does anyone else have problems and If you have spotted a boat name that made you BW’s new Chief Executive, is fairly stable and existing boats can smile, please let me have a photo to use in fu- is adamant that the chang- be expected to be around for the is anyone doing anything to sort this problem? I NABO News back issues note that, at a recent CRT meeting, they talked ture issues.Here’s one of several I’ve seen with es will bring more management staff next 20 or 30 years. New boats are this name, inspired by Pink Floyd. are available online at; to the ‘front line’, and reduce du- tending to be longer (taking up more about Health & Safety, but how can it be safe on nabo.org.uk/index.php/ plication of effort. He is also very mooring space) and cruising is be- a towpath with speeding cyclists mixed with pe- reference/nabo-news- destrians? I would love to rant on, but don't know back-issues keen to see much more consistency coming more ‘local’ and ‘weekend’. It across the system, with boundaries is estimated that by 2007 the num- if you want to listen, I have written to my local between units becoming ‘seamless’. ber of boats will be 30,000 and, by MP but I’m still waiting for a reply. I just wanted Long-serving BW staff will have a 2012, 34,000. Nice to see his crystal to know if this is something you hear about and feeling of déjà vu, as the new map ball was working so well! is anything being done, or am I the only person with problems? I have to consider whether this is looks very like the ‘Area Engineer’ And finally, seen on a boat: structure of old, however the precise ‘Professionals built the Titanic; ama- the life for us. Don & Linda Hall boundaries have yet to be finalised. teurs built Noah’s Ark’. NABO News Issue 4 July 2018 NABO News Issue 4 July 2018 IT’S TIME TO SET SAIL FOR SUMMER

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