The Magazine of the National Association of Boat Owners Issue 1 February 2019

PAUL HOWLAND RIP CO ALARMS WIDEBEAMS ON NARROW CANALS 2

The NABO Council Regional Representatives Chair Anglian Waterways Stella Ridgway Vacant The magazine of the National Association of Boat Owners 07904 091931, [email protected] East Midlands Waterways Issue 1 February 2019 Vice-Chair Joan Jamieson Vacant 0115 981 2047 [email protected] Contents Cover photo Treasurer London Waterways Helen Hutt David Williams 4 Editorial This month’s cover photo and a few other snowy 5 In the Chair ones throughout this issue are by Gillie Rhodes 07831 682092, [email protected] 07813 496208 [email protected] Middle Level 6 NABO: Paul Howland, Legal Affairs and BSS Rep. Win a year’s free membership by having your Mike Rodd Vacant 7 Membership and web issues,New NABO recruitment flyer photo selected for the front cover of NABO North East, Yorkshire and Humber, Shared 07831 860199, [email protected] 8 Fly on the wall News. Please email photos as JPEG attachments, NABO News Editor Ownership Rep. 9 Around the regions: Wales and South ideally portrait format with a file size of 2MB or Peter Fellows Howard Anguish West, East Midlands.,West Midlands, larger 19 High Street, Bonsall, Derbyshire, DE4 2AS 01482 669876 [email protected], shareowners@ nabo.org.uk Yorkshire & Humberside 01629 825267, [email protected] 12 Thames meeting Webmaster, NAG (Operations) and BSS Rep. North Wales & Borders Waterways 14 Fraenkel report David S. Fletcher David Fletcher [email protected] 15 Scottish canals update, CRT sells BWML 07719 276659, [email protected] 16 Boating: CO alarms Media Officer North West Waterways 19 Short-term moorings Alison Tuck Peter Vickers 07517157154 [email protected] 20 Clean air strategy 07450 108659, [email protected] 22 Talking points: March of the widebeams Communications Officer, Moorings Rep. River Severn 24 Techies Corner: Can you smell rotten Mark Tizard Phil Goulding (details left) eggs? 07818 757676, [email protected] River Thames 25 Rewind: Issue No 1, 2004 Graham Paterson Continuous Cruising Rep. 26 Letters, I name this boat Phil Goulding 0118 986 3959 [email protected] 01271 865340, [email protected] River Trent Next NABO News copy date Regional Reps. Coordinator, Promotion and Vacant Recruitment South East Waterways Articles, letters, cartoons and photos are most Ken Hylins Geoff Wood wel­come. Images in JPEG format please. 07852 911539, [email protected] 07968 491118 [email protected] Please email or post your contributions Minutes Secretary Southern Waterways by March 23rd 2018. Our email address is Vacant Mike Rodd [email protected] General Sec. (External Relations) [email protected] Mark Tizard Welsh Waterways 07818 757676, [email protected] Mike Rodd NABO News is published by the [email protected] National Association of Boat Owners West Midlands Waterways PO Box 7366, Wolverhampton, WV1 9GQ Alison Tuck NABO Online Editor: Peter Fellows Production: Chris Pink [email protected] National Association of Boat Owners Additional Contacts Whilst every care is taken to ensure that the contents of this newsletter are factually correct, we accept no liability for any direct Mark Tizard or consequential loss arising from any action taken by anyone as a result of reading anything contained in this publication. The Assistant for the Disabled views expressed are not necessarily those of the Association. The products and services advertised in this publication are not Twitter @NABO_Official necessarily endorsed by the Association. Ken Hylins David Fletcher 07852 911539, [email protected] CRT Emergency No: 0800 4799947 EA Emergency No: 0800 807060 Administration Contact CRT waterway managers at canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/our-regions Vacant NABO News Issue 1 February 2019 4 5 The Editor’s Column In the Chair

e were all shocked by cations of all the canals in the system appy New Year, although ics for discussion are cyclists and news of the sudden at that time, describing which are tinged with sadness as shared space on towpaths, and the death on Boxing Day designated wide or narrow canals. we report the death of future of boating. Your feedback on of Vice-Chair, Paul David has also looked into the im- our Vice-Chair, Paul either topic would be invaluable. Howland,W and I have included an plications for boat stoves in light of HHowland. He will be sadly missed I hope that the rest of your winter obituary for him from his friend and the revised DEFRA clean air strat- by all who knew him; his knowledge is hassle-free and, for those without colleague, Alison Tuck. egy and Mark suggests minimum was always welcome and his ad- a home mooring, enjoy the peace NABO’s advocacy work on be- standards for water depth at visitor vice given freely and always useful. of winter boating - I certainly miss half of boaters depends entirely on moorings. This leaves a place open on NABO snow-boating. All the best for 2019 income from membership fees and, After the CRT management re- Council and, therefore, if you would to everyone. although the number of members organisation and appointment of like to volunteer, please let us know. is holding steady, we can always do six new regional directors last year, I have had a quiet few months, more to attract new people. The NABO councillors and regional reps. although the Trust hasn’t. It Council has redesigned our recruit- have started a programme of regular announced the next lot of redun- Capturing knowledge ment flyer and I have included a meetings with directors to exchange dancies just before Christmas and Stella Ridgway is concerned that CRT’s few copies with this issue. Please views and information. In this issue, the outcomes should be known be- redundancies will result in experience being lost. there are reports from Mike Rodd fore the start of summer. We wait on a meeting with the Wales and the to see the impact of these and how South West director and from Joan many people will opt for redun- Negative NABO? Jamieson with the East Midlands dancy. But, potentially, this could director. Howard Anguish, the result in the loss of people with dec- Editor Peter Fellows thinks the magazine reflects Yorkshire & Humberside rep., gives ades of experience of working on the the views of NABO members, notice of events in 2019 on the waterways. NABO realises the need Pocklington and Driffield canals and for these redundancies, but we hope Alison Tuck reports on CRT’s West that the potential loss of knowledge Midlands’ annual public meeting. is being captured. The meetings help if you can, by giving one to any Several CRT people at the meet- with the North West and North neighbouring boaters who are yet to ings complained about the ‘negative East Waterway Directors have been become members – personal rec- tone’ in NABO News towards the postponed until next month, and, ommendations are one of the most Trust. I’m pleased that they are read- although this is not ideal, we real- effective recruitment methods. ing NABO News and point out that ise that people are concerned about In the light of changes to BSS re- the magazine reflects the views that options and jobs. However, it is en- quirements to be introduced in April NABO receives from its members couraging that these meetings are this year, I have followed up the ar- and the wider boating community. I being held and maybe it is true that ticle on carbon monoxide alarms think it is fair to say that, for several the Trust wants to listen to boaters in the last issue with further infor- years now, these views have become and capture the knowledge in that mation on where to locate them on increasingly negative towards CRT, way. your boat, and how to prevent CO especially after last year’s rebrand- In this issue of NABO News, from being produced in the first ing. The real issue is whether CRT there are details of the BSS an- place. There is also a letter from a is beginning to address boaters’ nouncement that CO alarms will member, Brian Holt, on his experi- concerns – NABO News is just a need to be installed on boats with ences with CO detectors. In Techies messenger. effect from April 2019. You need to Corner, Tony Brooks has some good Finally, my thanks to Janice install one, even if your BSS inspec- advice on checking that your batter- Steckerl for her help with proof- tion is not due. Fit alarms that meet ies are charging correctly. reading NABO News for many BS EN 50291-2, which are best suit- Mark Tizard writes about the years. I would be grateful to hear ed for boats. This is to keep both the growing issue of widebeam boats on from you if you are able to give up a owners and other boat occupants narrow canals and David Fletcher few hours in March and September safe. has delved into the 1975 Fraenkel to proof-read these issues. I will attend a Canal and Report, which gives detailed specifi- River Trust Council meeting in Manchester in March and the top- Photo Gillie Rhodes at Flickr NABO News Issue 1 February 2019 NABO News Issue 1 February 2019 6 7 Obituary Obituary

the completely feasible. Along with the other the island. Unsurprisingly, his second home Paul Howland members, he devised an innovative proposal to was Screwfix. slowly regenerate land at Horseley Fields back Paul was not a man who enjoyed a fuss and, 16 November 1952 to 26 December 2018 into a productive living space for boaters, and as per his wishes, there was no funeral. As a Remembered by Alison Tuck a focal point for the community. Over the last permanent memorial, we would like to create a two years, the land around the boathouse and seating area at the point of the island, for visi- the wharf has gone from overgrown buddleia tors to enjoy, and place a bench at its centre in and piles of bricks, to bricked paths, conserved his favourite spot where he liked to watch the t is our sad duty to inform members of the trees, attractive planting and boat moorings. world go by. He will be sorely missed by the untimely death of NABO Vice-Chair, Paul Paul was indefatigable in shifting rubble, trim- whole canal community, and we extend our Howland, who passed away suddenly on ming trees and buddleia and working with the condolences to his wife Jennie and their family. his boat at Urban Moorings, in Horseley Canal and River Trust and Wolverhampton If you would like to make a small dona- Fields, Wolverhampton on Boxing Day. Council. Paul put all his practical knowledge tion towards his memorial then please visit I and skills as a craftsman and woodworker into www.urbanmoorings.co.uk, select ‘In memory Paul and his wife, Jennie, moved onto the waterways twelve years ago after Paul took the project; travelling across the country to of Paul Howland’ and click the ‘donate’ but- early retirement, to fulfill their dream and fit source alder for the pilings and working hard ton, selecting ‘Paul's Memorial Fund’ from the out their own narrowboat, Panda Julienne, as who needed it. He was a great innovator and to construct the walkway that now surrounds drop-down list. a home. Paul and Jennie were a regular sight would give his all to getting a project off the around the whole canal system; Paul making ground. His contribution to both the RCTA and selling fenders as they travelled and at- and NABO was as a steady hand on the helm. Membership news tended floating markets, accompanied by his Paul was a founding member of the group faithful friend Patch, the Jack Russell cross. who formed Urban Moorings, a Community Email and only communicate by paper mail. This is not Paul’s first association with NABO was as Interest Company. He was instrumental in We continue to have difficulty with emails sent the way we want to go, but there is no point in us the Roving Canal Traders’ Association’s trad- developing the ideas which underpinned this to members using BT Internet addresses, NTL holding email addresses that are not responsive. ing representative. He later joined NABO ground-breaking project to bring life back World addresses and also some personal web ad- as a member and, four years ago, he became to disused areas of urban canal land. The in- dresses. Emails are not being received by some Can You Help? a Council member for Trading and also the ception of Urban Moorings has provided a of these members but we get no rejection notice NABO has some vacancies that it would like Regional Rep. Coordinator. In 2017, he became template for future boaters to adopt neglect- and so we are unaware. We continue to talk with to fill: we need a Minutes Secretary and an Joint Vice-Chair and was voted to full Vice- ed stretches of land along the canals that are our ISP to resolve this, but it is likely that some Administrator, and also reps. for the Middle Chair at NABO’s 2018 AGM. His contribution owned by CRT, which is why he fought so hard members’ systems are blocking them. You can Level, Anglian Waters and the River Trent — can was invaluable in supporting the Council and to make it happen. It is an achievement he was help by making sure that NABO is listed in your you help? The membership team would welcome he naturally slotted into the role of Vice-Chair. proud of. Urban Moorings is now a living tes- address book someone who could spare half an hour, every A devoted family man and a fine friend, Paul tament to Paul's life. He was a hands-on guy CALLING ALL PRIVATE BOAT OWNERS AND BOAT CLUBS and by checking fortnight or so, helping to maintain the mem-

was always ready with a helping hand for any who excelled at making the impossible into Need a voice? Tired of not being listened to? your junk folder. bership database, and we would also welcome Want to make a difference – today and in the future? If you are not contact with a member who has a legal back- Then please join getting renewal ground. The National Association of Boat Owners and add your voice to ours emails, please get in touch so New recruitment flyer that we can both NABO Council has redesigned our recruitment FEARLESSLY INDEPENDENT trace individual flyer. Please help us to sign up new members if STANDING UP FOR YOU RUN FOR BOATERS BY BOATERS messages. you can by giving one to neighbouring boaters or There areto boaters you chat with at locks or visitor moor- about 20 email ings. If boaters express an interest in finding addresses we out more, please either put them in touch with hold where we Ken Hylins or send him their contact details for have never had him to follow up. He can be contacted on 07852 The Jubilee Pageant by Tim Lewis a response, and 911539 or [email protected]. If you would like

JOIN ONLINE EMAIL WRITE so we are going to receive more flyers, please tell us how many www.nabo.org.uk contact_us@ National @NABO_Official NABO nabo.org.uk Association PO Box 7366 of Boat Owners Wolverhampton to delete these by email at [email protected] or via the PO WV1 9GQ from the system Box number.

NABO Recruitment Flyer.indd 1 29/01/2019 08:18 NABO News Issue 1 February 2019 NABO News Issue 6 December 2018 8 9 NABO Council, January 20th 2019

he first Council meeting The BSS will be introducing Richard stressed CRT’s commitment to work- of 2019 was a teleconfer- compulsory CO alarms for boats in Around the ing with schools and he was looking forward to ence, which was welcome April and boaters should make sure a new appointment to take the lead for him in as I didn’t have to fly they have one, whether or not they this area. I stressed that much work is going on Tthrough the fog to attend and could have a BSS inspection due. There in this area at Crofton, together with industrial listen in from the comfort of were more boat fires last year com- regions with partners, and I was sure that this work can all be my winter bolthole. The pared to recent years and the BSS is done in collaboration with CRT. Phil and I were new waterway directors also collating reports from the Fire delighted to see that Richard was determined to are ‘bedding in’ to their and Rescue Service and navigation work with the ‘coalface’ canal users and we look jobs and Council members authorities to see if further preven- NABO’s forward to the next meeting. and regional reps. will be tative advice is needed. meeting them all over the There was another discussion of West Midlands coming months. During the issue of widebeams on narrow regional reps the autumn, councillors designed a canals, such as the North Oxford Alison Tuck flyer to attract new members and, canal, parts of the Grand Union and I invited Ronnie Payne hopefully, existing members will the Leicester Arm. It is expected that Wales and the (Chair of Roving Canal give them out to neighbouring boat- CRT will issue advice on this dur- Traders’ Association) to ers to help with this. There has been ing the year, and some councillors South West take Paul Howland's place considerable variation in the take-up suggested that the licensing system Mike Rodd at CRT’s West Midlands of winter moorings this year, with could also flag-up whether a boat Annual Public Meeting on some areas such as the Peak Forest is to be moored on a narrow home On 3rd December, Phil 10th January. John Hudson, canal being full and others, like the waterway when widebeam owners Goulding and I had another Chair of the West Midlands Regional Advisory Grand Union and K&A, having apply for a boat licence. of our regular meetings with Board, introduced himself and was the opening Visitor moorings came up for dis- Richard Thomas, Director speaker. In his presentation he stated that the ca- cussion, now that there are no longer of the Wales and South nals provide £38bn in ‘wellbeing benefit’—I have Fly on the wall 14-day moorings. Council members West region, at Devizes. Richard had agreed to no idea how they have calculated this!—a 43% consider that the minimum require- Observes proceedings at the January Council meet NABO representatives on a three-month- increase in cycle use on the canals around the ments are an adequate water depth, ly basis and and this again proved to be a most BCN and 55 miles of canal cycle paths have been rings/bollards or piling, and vegeta- valuable session. It was clear that Richard has completed. The Birmingham, Wolverhampton, tion cut to the edge, each of which become aware of the urgent need to improve Sandwell and Stoke councils, along with the West NABO calendar 2019 plenty of empty moorings – perhaps require coordination by different communications with waterways users and he Midlands Combined Authority, have signed CRT teams. Council meetings are boaters in some areas think there is said that he was pleased with the attendance at a memorandum of understanding with CRT. held at boat clubs in the little enforcement so why pay for a Keep warm and byeee till the the recent user forum. I stressed how valuable They announced that the Icknield Port Loop Midlands area. Members mooring. spring. the smaller boaters’ representatives meetings are, and the Wolverhampton Horsley Fields housing are welcome to attend; Likewise, there is a big variation which are held on the Mon & Brec, and the de- developments are underway. They will be col- please just let the in activities by CRT volunteers: in tailed information sharing that goes on at these laborating further with CRT to build on more Secretary or the Chair some areas, they are painting lock meetings. Richard responded that he is anxious brownfield sites along the canals in the West know in advance (contact gates, tidying up and keeping veg- details inside cover). to find ways of ensuring that the knowledge Midlands (housing seems to be the priority for etation under control, whereas in and experiences of active boaters is captured by the West Midlands councils). Solihull Council, The dates for Council others they only want to operate CRT. Of particular interest was his response to covering Knowle Locks at the top end of the GU, meetings in 2019 are as locks – provided they are not the follows: March 17th, the serious problems that had been caused on is not interested in working with CRT at the mo- big heavy ones. There are reports of the K&A when the winter works’ closures were ment, but CRT wishes to change this. Stoke on April 28th, June 23rd, hire-boats being helped through the September 1st, October announced without consultation with users. In Trent Council invested £1m in improvements 13th, November 17th Foxton and Watford flights on the fact, an earlier notice had been sent around for to towpaths and buildings facing the canal and (includes AGM). Leicester Arm and then waiting for- comment, but those proposals were then radical- hosted a very successful poppy display/installa- lornly for volunteers to appear at the ly changed by the CRT central staff responsible tion at one of the bottle kilns. CRT supervised Buckby flight. But volunteers will do for the works’ delivery – changes which had not the towpath so that visitors could view the in- what they want to do and the varia- been checked with Richard’s team. I pointed out stallation. The premise throughout was: if we can tions may be down to management that these changes had caused major problems change peoples’ environment, we can improve of volunteers by the different CRT for the K&A Canal Trust’s public boats. their wellbeing. Adnan Saif, CRT Director for the regions. Photo Gillie Rhodes at Flickr NABO News Issue 1 February 2019 NABO News Issue 6 December 2018 10 11 Around the Regions NABO’s Regional Reps

West Midlands, presented the highlights above help CRT with the strategy, especially since they follows the enjoyable celebrations marking the and then made a big speech about the boating are dealing with the Government at the moment, bi-centenary in 2018 of the opening of this beau- community - to be congratulated on their pas- is to not be so critical of CRT. Make of that what tiful and unspoilt waterway, and the reopening sion and dedication in restoring the canals. He you will. of two more miles of canal, including the refur- wants there to be a consistent, reliable basic Further information on the West Midlands bishment of two locks to enable boats to reach service across the network. He is committed to Regional Advisory Board can be found at the Bielby Arm. The dedicated PCAS is respon- canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/how-we-are-run/ the navigation and it is his top priority. He paid regional-advisory-boards/west-midlands-regional- sible for preventing the loss of this waterway tribute to the CRT workers who attended and advisory-board. and is now working to extend the navigable sec- thanked them for their dedication to CRT and tion even further. To mark this 50th anniversary, for their work (we all gave them a round of ap- there is a busy programme of events, including a plause). East Midlands boat rally, so please put the dates in your diary. Joan Jamieson Sunday 17th February – National Bird Box The Q&A session Adnam Saif Making Days, Melbourne Arm, Pocklington Interestingly, I think CRT expected to be bom- In December, Paul Howland, Canal. Make your own bird box. Take it barded by boaters’ questions and criticisms after Board and has already had several meetings with Alison Tuck, Gordon home (£5) or choose a place to put it on the Adnan’s speech, which was top-heavy in support Adnan. I have asked if NABO can have a meet- Jamieson and I had a meet- Melbourne Arm (free). of boaters, but what actually happened surprised ing with him and he said: “Yes” - just email him ing with Phil Mulligan in Boat Trips from Melbourne: the season will me: the questions came from towpath users from to arrange a date and time. Richard Parry came Newark. We explained start with short trips on the first Sunday in the ‘ethnic’ specific groups that have been intro- up for a chat and said he was sorry to hear about that this is one of a series April. At Easter, PCAS will run short trips on duced to the canals by local engagement officers. Paul. I was with Andy Tidy and we got talking of meetings being undertaken by NABO reps. Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Bank Holiday They wanted to know how to improve security about trading. Richard also mentioned the nega- with CRT’s regional directors to explain who we Monday. The boat can be booked for longer on the towpath and make it a more open place tivity in NABO News, to which I responded that are, our aims and purpose. Phil had the most re- trips on any day until the end of October ex- to be. They also wanted to have more gardens it would help if lines of communication were still cent copy of NABO News and felt that it shows cept for Sundays and Bank Holidays, when (currently a large orchard is being planned by open for boaters. To which he responded that a negative attitude towards CRT. We pointed out short trips run from Melbourne. volunteers all along the BCN Main Line). The they are. I disagreed. He also apologised for not that boaters are beginning to feel marginalised PCAS 50th Anniversary Dinner – Date and Bangladeshi group cited a project in Bangladesh getting to my question in the Q&A session. I said by various CRT initiatives and are disappointed venue to be arranged. where they have improved river water quality it was actually positive for a change! I was going that NABO’s views are being ignored. Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th May – after decades of pollution and now grow food to say that CRT has been very supportive of our Phil did not accept that there had been a loss Pocklington Canal Exhibition, Melbourne there. They wanted to do the same on the canals project where boaters build their own moorings of experienced staff, or a lack of maintenance. Village Hall. Also 26th May, a Heritage Open around the BCN and CRT could learn from that. and I was going to ask if CRT can help us open up We invited him to write an article for the next Day, Melbourne Arm, 11am to 4pm. One question was how CRT was going to in- the opportunity to others to increase the use of issue of NABO News, offering assurances that it Friday 6th September – Frog Racing Night, crease ethnic diversity in its users and workforce; canals around the BCN, especially in light of the would not be altered and he would be able to ap- Melbourne Village Hall. they congratulated CRT on making Adnan a di- previous comments about the need for security prove the finished product. He agreed to do this. Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th September – rector. Another comment was about the ‘white and improvements. He said he would look into When asked about methods of consultation un- Boat Rally at Melbourne, evening barbecue nature’ of canal boat-owners and how CRT can it (sigh!). der the new regime, he proposed to hold another and exhibition. increase ethnic diversity in boat ownership. I got the opportunity to speak to some of the meeting with us and other organisations repre- The sailing club at Edgbaston Reservoir CRT workforce that I know through my volun- senting boaters in the spring, but he doesn't want Driffield Canal wanted to know what CRT was doing to main- teering for the Trust on the BCN. I haven't seen meetings to degenerate into people complaining Another gem of a waterway in our region is tain the levels in the reservoir. The canoe club them for a while because of Urban Moorings. about specific maintenance issues. the Driffield Canal/Navigation, which now has there suggested that they back-pump from the Morale is low because they are still waiting to not one but two trip boats running during the Titford Pools’ underground aquifer along the see if they have jobs - I could see the stress and I summer. Efforts are progressing to transform a canal to maintain levels. There was only one felt so sorry for them. I found out that they want Yorkshire & canal warehouse into a focal point for the scenic boater’s question: what is CRT doing to improve to have ‘volly’ lockies on the Wolverhampton terminus of the canal in Driffield, which confus- the canals outside of the city centre, as they need 21, so I volunteered to be a lock-keeper again as Humberside ingly is called ‘Riverhead’! Last year, the Driffield dredging and are full of rubbish and there is it’s just down the way from us. Ronnie got chat- Howard Anguish Navigation Trust & the Driffield Navigation nowhere safe to stop? The answers were pretty ting with the CRT Press Officer and I joined Amenities Association held a very successful standard to each: “we (CRT) are looking into it the conversation: he noted I was in NABO and Pocklington Canal weekend gala event at Riverhead, which was and will take the comments into consideration”. again commented on the negative tone of NABO This year marks the 50th enjoyed so much that plans are afoot to hold After the speeches and the Q&A session, News. I said again that the lack of inclusion of anniversary of the founding another event in 2019. The date is yet to be fi- there was a chance to network. I found out that boaters in the new wellbeing strategy is a cause of the Pocklington Canal nalised, but it is hoped to be sometime in June. IWA is heavily involved in the West Midlands of concern for us. He said the way boaters can Amenity Society (PCAS). It Watch this space. NABO News Issue 1 February 2019 NABO News Issue 6 December 2018 12 13 News News

Conversely, boating tourism is Funding Father Thames well established in London, but there is very little on the Upper The Thames All-Party Parliamentary Group meeting Thames. This creates opportunities Peter Fellows reports. to bring back boat hire to the Upper Thames and to establish more mari- nas in London. he meeting was held on currently out to planning; the The major barriers stopping in- 14th November, 2018, Marlow Flood Plain scheme, which vestment are the condition of the chaired by John Howell, is virtually completed; and the Major river (lack of infrastructure fund- MP for Henley, and at- Lower Thames Scheme, involving ing) and, in London, planning policy Ttended by representatives from bypass channels and weir rebuilding and a lack of vision. Drastic cuts in the Thames Councils, the Port of below the Jubilee River. This last is government funding have had a ma- London Authority, the EA, river currently limited to critical activities jor impact on provision of services user groups, Thames businesses and to maintain the programme while and on maintenance of the non-tidal recreational boaters. The meeting funding is secured. Thames. After improvement some was supported by the River Thames During the 2014 floods, there years ago, there is now a significant Alliance. The subject for the meeting was flooding in Somerset, and risk of deterioration in the Thames Photo: Peter Fellows was Thames funding. Surrey was also badly affected. The infrastructure. Funding for the The multi-faceted responsibilities Somerset flood protection work has Boaters on the Thames provide Major Lower Thames on the Thames all require funding, been completed, but in Surrey and Scheme 50% of the current revenue income including water supply, movement below the Jubilee River, businesses from their registration charges. The Grant-in-Aid of treated sewage and waste, conser- and houses are still subject to flood- EA is suggesting a funding gap of funding from central vation, ecology, fisheries, recreation, ing. It is essential that the entire Government £233m circa £15-20m needed to maintain navigation and tourism. It is prob- Lower Thames Scheme is delivered. the navigations under its control, Pledged in the autumn ably one of the most managed rivers The Government expects funding to of which the most significant is the 2014 budget £60m. % in the country. It has a mainly dry come from central Government, lo- non-tidal Thames. The above-infla- 7.5 OFF Local councils, the catchment, but when the river is cal authorities and partners. With a tion increases in registration charges Thames Regional Flood in spate there is very little that can funding gap of approximately £234m of 5.7% year on year from January BOAT INSURANCE and Coastal Committee be done, other than opening all the at current cost levels, the involve- and Local Enterprise 2018 can only have a ‘sticking plas- THROUGH SPECIALIST INSURANCE BROKER CETA Partnerships £61m weirs to let the water flow down to ment of insurance companies would ter’ effect in overcoming the lack of the sea. be helpful, but they require assur- funding. Funding gap £234m There are currently three ma- ances on their return on capital. A The EA is severely limited by jor flood prevention measures; the ‘game change’ might be a financial Thames Conservancy legislation, CALL CETA ON Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme, contribution from the development which prevents alternative methods Photo: Peter Fellows which is now mainly funded and of the new runway at Heathrow of financing the Thames. Millions of 01608 647601 and there might also be a possibil- people visit the Thames, which ben- ity for funding from UK Highways efits their wellbeing, but they make AND ASK FOR A BOAT Authority. no contribution to the cost of main- The economic benefits of boat- taining the river. INSURANCE QUOTATION ing tourism and recreational boating The Government recognises the were discussed, both in London and public benefit of the waterways, OR CETURL.COM/YMZ6J on the non-tidal Thames. There is a and permits and enables changes combined estimated figure of £200- to the current legislation. If the FOR AN ONLINE QUOTATION 250m GDP for London and the Government decides to transfer the Thames Valley, being £100m in rev- EA waterways to CRT, sufficient Say you are a member of NABO and enue and £100-150m in added value. government support would be likely qualify for 7.5% discount. But there is a sector imbalance: rec- to be provided. The challenge is to reational boating is well established identify, from the different issues Talk through your requirements for a on the Upper Thames, but there is presented, which are the ones to pri- quotation. very little in London. oritise. NABO News Issue 1 February 2019 NABO News Issue 1 February 2019 14 15 News News The Fraenkel report Scottish canals update David Fletcher delves into this important report on the canal infrastructure. In December, the Lowland Canals Association petitioned the Scottish Parliament to appoint a Scottish waterways ombudsman. The Public The report was placed was at a CRT Navigation Petitions Committee considered it but did not Photo: Scottish Canals in the public domain Advisory Group meeting last Peter Fraenkel reach a conclusion. However, they acknowledged by CRT in response to a the £70m backlog of maintenance and the prob- Freedom of Information year, talking about the issues of widebeam boats operating Peter lems relating to the impact on tourism, and also request and can be the potential waste of £98m of public money that downloaded in three on narrow canals. There was refer- Fraenkel, who I died in 2010 had been spent on the Millennium Link. They are Bonnybridge lifting bridge parts from this page; ence to a ‘Frankel’ report, familiar www.whatdotheyknow. to those with longer experience aged 94, was a to invite Scottish Canals to give evidence at a fu- com/request/frankel_ than me. This 1975 report provided civil engineer ture meeting. ment will use sensors and predictive weather report_1975 note the a reference for the canals that were at the heart of There was also news that Scottish Canals technology to give early notice of wet weather. It wrong spelling. considered ‘suitable’ for widebeams. a movement had secured £350,000 from Sustrans to repair will then be possible to drain rainfall from residen- I had never heard of it before and the of British Leamington Lift Bridge and make it operational tial and business areas into the 20-mile summit moment passed. Then, when I was consulting by the summer of this year. This will reinstate the pound from Glasgow to Cumbernauld. Scottish going through boxes of old NABO engineers, navigation to the end of the canal in Edinburgh. Canals believes that it could take up to 20 years archives, I came across a paper copy responsible for infrastructure all Repairs to Bonnybridge and Twechar Lift to fully connect the scheme to the canal, and that of the report. Of course, the name over the rapidly developing post- Bridges on the Forth and Clyde Canal are un- £434k pa may be needed to pay for maintenance is Fraenkel, not Frankel. It is a 300- colonial world of the 1970s and derway, together with repairs to Lock 6 and the of the system and the Glasgow canal corridor. page tome, packed with fascinating 1980s. He built up a 160-strong bascule bridge at Bard Avenue in Glasgow, which However, the depth of this stretch of canal is details of the canal system, in a snap- practice that produced innovative, are expected to be completed by the middle of currently 60cm lower than it was before the canal shot from the early 1970s. heavy engineering solutions to such April. closed, and the canal was restored and reopened The report summarises many problems as how to support the These works include designing and installing a using the lowered water level. The reduction in aspects of canal structure, usage, world's then longest cable-stayed new hydraulic system and lifting cylinders, install- depth affects the numbers and types of craft that conditions and cost and follows on bridge in Thailand and how to ing a bridge deck levelling and monitoring system, are able to pass through the Forth and Clyde from the 1968 BW Act. There is build the biggest road projects at electrical wiring, traffic barriers and lights, and an Canal. Some argue that funding could be used to something in this for all canal lovers, that time through the challenging operator kiosk with CCTV system. improve the stability of the canal banks, so that from high level summaries of issues topography of Hong Kong. In the Scottish Canals has also launched a ‘smart ca- the water depth can be significantly increased like widebeam usage to a lot of detail UK, he quickly made a name for nal’ scheme, named the North Glasgow Integrated above the current level, while also allowing suf- of individual canals, systems and le- himself by carrying out research that Water Management System. This £17m develop- ficient bank height to accept the flood water. gal background. led to the regeneration of Britain's The report, for the Department stricken canal network. Fraenkel of the Environment, was a catalyst was asked to put together teams to Established in for some early projects, such as walk along some of the country's CRT sells BWML 2004, BWML the restoration of 39 locks on the canals to research the feasibility of operates marinas Kennet and Avon canal and the res- bringing them back into commercial BWML was CRT’s wholly-owned marina subsidi- ers. With our support, with more than toration of the Avoncliff aqueduct, use. Many had fallen into dereliction ary and the largest operator of inland marinas in the management will 2,500 residential which Peter Fraenkel and Partners and it was only through the efforts the UK. It has been sold for an undisclosed price focus on delivering im- and leisure carried out. of enthusiasts that the occasional to LDC, a private equity investor that specialises provements across the moorings. Anyone can download the re- pumping house or lock had been in management buyouts. LDC has a portfolio of marina sites and add port, which is divided into a number restored. The Fraenkel report argued 90 businesses in a broad range of sectors across new locations to further strengthen its brand and of parts. Unfortunately the pdfs are persuasively that there was a case for the UK. market position.” Stuart Mills, CRT’s chief invest- not searchable. There is an index of restoring much of the network, aided One of its directors commented: “We are able to ment officer, said that CRT “will be investing the the parts set against the table of con- by Central Government funding. provide the investment to support BWML’s man- proceeds into other income-generating assets to tents on the NABO website. Happy theguardian.com/technology/2010/ agement team in growing this established brand, support our core work of caring for the nation’s reading! jan/21/peter-fraenkel-obituary in order to enrich the experience of its marina us- canals and rivers”.

NABO News Issue 1 February 2019 NABO News Issue 1 February 2019 16 17 Boating Boating

Care of the alarm Stay safe: CO alarms Test the alarms when you board the boat and weekly when the boat is BE AWARE! in use. Alarms have a replacement date marked on them; do not use „„ Alarms only detect CO; they an alarm beyond that date. If in any cannot prevent a dangerous rom April this year, carbon NB. 'Black-spot' colour-changing indicator cards are not good enough doubt, replace it earlier. build-up of the gas. Further information is at monoxide alarms, fitted in – they do not give an instant warning If you work on the boat with www.boatsafetyscheme. appropriate locations, will of dangerous CO levels and there is no paints, solvents, degreasers or „„ CO alarms may not fully safeguard people org/stay-safe/carbon- become mandatory for all alarm to wake you up. strong chemicals, cover the alarm or who have specific medical conditions. monoxide-(co)/further- boats that have accommodation information-and-links. F remove it temporarily to protect the spaces. NABO supports the BSS „„ CO alarms do not detect fires, smoke or sensor.But remember to remove the Recommended types of in promoting both the use of CO leakages of petrol or LPG fuel vapours. cover or replace the alarm as soon CO alarms were described alarms and the careful monitoring in NABO News, Issue 6, as the air clears and before you use and maintenance of equipment that „„ A CO alarm can activate if it senses December 2018, p.21. any appliance or the engine. You can risks producing CO. We take a look hydrogen, e.g. from a boat's batteries nabo.org.uk/files/nabo- remove the alarm from a winterised at installing and maintaining them gassing off when under charge, perhaps news/nn-2018/6.pdf boat to protect its sensor and bat- and simple measures to reduce the indicating a charging problem. tery from long periods of sub-zero risk of CO production. temperatures, but remember to re- install it before using the engine or Locating CO alarms possible. CO poisoning can only be appliances after de-winterisation. All boats with an engine or a fuel- detected for a short time after expo- burning appliance should have an Recognise CO poisoning sure as its traces begin to disappear alarm fitted. If there is any chance symptoms and act on them as soon as you start breathing fresh of appliances, generators or en- air. If CO poisoning is confirmed, Early symptoms of CO poisoning gines being used while people sleep, find and fix the source before using can easily be mistaken for the flu, all sleeping cabins need their own appliances or the engine again. food poisoning, a hangover or gen- alarm. Follow the manufacturer’s in- eral tiredness. These can include a stallation instructions as far as the Prevention is better than headache, bad temper, feeling sick, space and nature of the boat allow. treatment dizzy, tired or confused. The more If instructions are difficult to meet Taking a few simple steps dramati- CO there is in the air, or the long- on your boat, use these best practice cally reduces the risks. er you breathe it in, the worse the points: symptoms become—drowsiness, Heating appliances: In living quarters, place the alarm Ensure that all appliances are extreme tiredness, general weak- between 1m and 3m (on plan suitable for use in boats. Never ness and difficulty in moving, loss view) from the fuel-burning ap- use mobile gas heaters - they are of balance and sight. Very high CO pliance, high up on a wall, but at not suitable. Do not leave LPG levels can cause chest pains and an least 150mm from the ceiling and heating appliances on overnight, increased heart rate, breathing dif- where the indicator lights can be unless they are the room-sealed ficulties, seizures, unconsciousness seen; type. and death. In sleeping quarters, place the Properly install, maintain and ser- If a CO alarm activates, or you alarm in the ‘breathing zone’ near vice appliances using competent suspect you have CO poisoning, you the bed head. fitters. Always use proprietary need to act fast: get all people and If you are asleep, you will not notice replacement components – a pets out into fresh air as quickly as CO poisoning symptoms as they de- bodged job brings risks. possible and stay there. Leave doors velop. It is therefore essential that Check there are no build-ups of and windows open to allow fresh air you position CO alarms where they spiders' webs, debris or other to flow through the boat. See a doc- can be heard while you sleep. Make blockages in cabin vents. Open tor or vet and tell them you may have sure that you can hear an alarm from windows when cooking, especial- suffered CO poisoning. Anyone with any position in the boat; if you can- ly when using large pans on LPG severe symptoms needs immedi- not, buy an additional alarm. hobs. Never block cabin ventila- ate hospital treatment as quickly as NABO News Issue 1 February 2019 NABO News Issue 1 February 2019 18 19 Boating: CO Alarms Boating

sooty smear at a flue-pipe joint is Headline a bad sign. Short-term moorings DANGEROUS OLDER Use a metal ash bucket with a SubheadCOOKERS lid when removing hot ashes Is it time for a review? Intro and embers. When you take it Mark Tizard calls for a review of the visitor mooring framework policy. outside, keep it away from ven- The BSS is supporting Beko tilators because the embers can and Belling to find and fix still be producing CO. RT put a lot of time and suggest one metre to allow for sub- dangerous older models of Beko, Flavel, Make sure that the outlets to all effort into creating asequent silting. Once this has been Leisure, Belling and New World gas cookers flues or exhausts are outside cov- short-term visitor moor- done, the framework process should that can produce potentially fatal levels of CO ered decks, awnings or cratches. ing framework policy, be used to review whether existing if used with the grill door closed. The model Check that vents and flue ter- which is available on their website. visitor moorings are fit for purpose. and serial numbers are on a plate behind the C minals on the cabin roof are not This laid down an evidence-based Do they meet boaters’ needs in terms oven door. damaged or restricted by equip- process behind any proposed chang- of location, depth, length and stay There is not always an ment, ropes or tarpaulins. Never es to visitor moorings. The policy times? With the current campaign adequate depth at visitor Model numbers for Beko, Flavel or Leisure came to the fore in the 2016 South to recruit volunteers in mind, this moorings cookers are: Leisure CM10NRK, CM10NRC, use an appliance if you think it might be faulty or if it has a East visitor mooring consultation, could be an ideal project for them. Photo: Mark Tizard AL6NDW, CM101NRCP, CM101NRKP, Flavel when changes to stay times DCGAP5LS, AP5LDW Flavel Milano ML5NDS. crushed flue terminal. Never bring cooling barbecues were proposed for various loca- The model numbers for Belling and New into a cabin or covered cockpit tions in the region. NABO was World cookers are: Belling Country Chef 100G area—hot charcoal gives off large instrumental in pointing out Silver (444445945) or Anthracite (444445946) amounts of CO, it is only safe that CRT had failed to follow Belling G755 MK2 Anthracite (50531082) when stone-cold. its own policy. Indeed, once the or White (50531081), Belling GT 755 White Engines and generators: evidence was gathered, many (444449050), New World Vision 50TWLM Exhausts from petrol engines, gen- of the proposed changes were SV LPG (444445698), 50WLM WH LPG erators and outboard motors can shown to be unnecessary and, (444445021), 50WLM SV LPG (444445020) and produce dangerously high levels of to CRT’s credit, these were 50TWLM WH LPG (444445697). CO, but do not underestimate the dropped. While there are mini- risks from diesel exhausts – these mum standards for the grass The companies will arrange a free have also been linked to CO illness- cutting and surface level of visi- modification to your cooker to remove any es and deaths. tor moorings, there is nothing risk. Call Beko on 0800 2943129 or Belling on Routinely service engines and regarding water depth. And, as 0800 1105728, 9am - 5 pm, Monday to Friday. check exhaust manifolds, joints, many members are now dis- hoses, silencers and through-hull covering, this is becoming an fittings for signs of leaks. increasing problem in getting boats safely alongside, espe- tors or the air inlet or heat Avoid running your engine when cially for some of our disabled outlet on an appliance. moored near to other boats, colleagues. Depth is also not Check rope seals on sol- particularly when the air is still. taken into consideration when id-fuel stove doors. Check Never run an engine if the ex- new moorings are created. New the stove for cracks or miss- haust outlet is restricted in any mooring rings were introduced ing cover plates. Do not burn way, including when your boat is by the winding hole at Stoke damp fuel or rubbish that moored with the exhaust against Bruerne (where even CRT’s can cause the flue to clog up. a wall or another boat. Don't own workboat couldn’t get Sweep solid-fuel stove chim- swim near boats that have their Generator death trap alongside) and the new visitor neys at least annually. Never run engines running—exhausts can www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk- moorings above Soulbury can a solid-fuel stove with its doors create a toxic atmosphere at wa- england-34810360 only safely be used by shallow- open. ter level. Photo: narrowboatworld drafted boats. So please CRT, Check flue-pipes regularly for Never run a portable generator in can you amend the framework rusting, pitting or loose connec- a covered cockpit, or on the bank document to include a mini- tions. Look for signs of leaks—a if it is close to a door, open win- dow or ventilator. mum required depth; I would NABO News Issue 1 February 2019 NABO News Issue 1 February 2019 20 21 Boating Boating

wood from the canalside, then you improving the efficiency of burning Clean air strategy must make the effort to store it un- by using less fuel for the same heat der cover and dry it out before use. output, and also reducing the par- David Fletcher looks at the options for boat stoves in the light of new The sting in the tail is the last part ticulate content of the smoke. regulations. concerning local authorities. It im- We can expect greater empha- plies that, say, in London, Boroughs sis to be placed on emissions, and may decide to ban solid-fuel stoves these clean-burn efra has just updated its ticulate matter in the smoke, and because of extreme pollution levels systems are a report on the Clean Air sulphur dioxide, the pungent smell in their locality. solution that is Strategy. This is all about from burning fuel. Burning wood But is there something more that coming down the the impact of pollution and coal in open fires and stoves can be done? The other thing that line fast. On this fromD solid-fuel stoves. Defra is tell- makes up 38% of the UK’s emissions can help is the choice of flue and issue, Defra says ing us how it intends to tackle these of fine particulate matter. To tackle stove. For the flue, the aim is to in- it will legislate to (and other) sources of air pollution, this requires two things: using ap- crease the efficiency of burning by ensure that only making our air healthier to breathe, propriate fuels, and designing and keeping the flue hot, because this the cleanest stoves protecting nature and boosting using the stove so that combustion gives the fire good draught, even are available for the economy. Air quality is known is complete. The best practice for when turned down, and it also aids sale by 2022. It to be the biggest environmental fuel is well known and nothing new: more complete combustion. A bare is currently giv- health risk in the UK, as it shortens if burning wood, it must be dried flue, cast-iron roof collar or unin- ing approval for lives and contributes to chronic ill- out (or seasoned) before going into sulated top chimney, all have the clean-burn stoves ness. Health can be affected both by the stove. The water content can be effect of chilling the rising flue gas, when they are short-term, high-pollution events checked with a simple and cheap and this reduces the draught in the intended for use and by long-term exposure to lower damp-meter. Almost all problems flue, causing incomplete combus- in smoke control levels. associated with burning wood are tion. Insulated wall flues have been areas. So, can The concerns about solid-fuel caused by damp fuel. Taking wet logs around for a while and as time goes we expect older Photo Chris Reynolds licensed under stoves are the emission of fine par- from a roof basket to put straight by improved designs are coming designs to be Creative Commons Licence onto a fire sucks the heat out of the out and prices are coming down. banned and taken fire and causes incomplete combus- They are certainly proven, if costly. off the market, or tion. The smoke emissions increase For stoves there is new technology: will they be al- (with dense white smoke), carbon the focus is now on stoves that are lowed to be used monoxide goes up, and the boat referred to as ‘clean burn’, which are outside cities? next door is none too impressed. A equipped with primary, second- There has been log of fresh wood will contain about ary and tertiary air supplies. These a steady tighten- a mug of water and the steam pro- provide better fuel efficiency and ing of regulations duced when this ‘burns’ doesn’t help also significantly reduce emissions. for stoves for what many believe to the stove either. For black fuels, the Taking the standard Squirrel stove be purely political reasons. But mo- use of smoke-free is best practice; as an example, the primary air wheel mentum is gathering and we can house coal is full of tars and toxins is at the bottom and controls the air expect regulations will tighten yet and should not be used. though the grate. The secondary air further over time. As a consequence, Defra is not suggesting changes supply enters via the wheel above the getting a stove with Defra approval is to the best practice. It says that it will glass and is often called the ‘air wash’ key, especially for use in smoke con- legislate to prohibit the sale of the system, which ensures that the glass trol areas. A clean-burn stove and most polluting fuels, make changes remains clear. The new facility is ter- insulated flue is the only way to do to existing smoke control legisla- tiary air, which enters the body of the this. And we cannot expect to have tion to make it easier to enforce, and stove at the top, through an air-box, grandfather rights for old stoves give new powers to local authorities usually at the back. The preheated in places like central London. They to take action in areas of high pol- tertiary air improves the secondary will be banned. So if you are in the lution. In general there is nothing to gas burn-off by burning, re-burning market for a new stove, take care to fear with this so long as we do what and re-igniting gases and particles look at one that has Defra approval. we know to be sensible when choos- created during the first burn in the It could be an expensive mistake to ing fuel. If you are dependent on grate. This has the double benefit of buy old technology just now. NABO News Issue 1 February 2019 NABO News Issue 1 February 2019 22 23 Talking Points Talking Points

that the Oxford canal north of March of the widebeams Braunston is a narrow canal. Today there are many reports of wide- Mark Tizard considers the implications of increasing numbers of larger beams cruising in this area, based craft. in marinas on the North Oxford canal. Other widebeams have been reported moored in marinas on If you experience any n my recent Christmas tailed account of the condition of the narrow Leicester section of the navigational issues due cruise from Foxton to the waterways under its manage- to widebeams, please let Grand Union. The Fraenkel Report us know at gen@nabo. Tring, I was able to see ment. The report identified 1,743km shows 'channel dredging dimen- org.uk. at first hand the rapid of cruising navigations and 548km sions' for the Oxford canal of 4.26m Ogrowth of widebeam boats, especial- of commercial waterways, with each x 1.39m. BW dredging standards ly among the continuous cruising canal described as either a wide or (2000) show 5.3m x 1.1m. A little fraternity. Personally, I enjoy seeing narrow canal. research suggests that the GU was the wide variety of boats on the sys- There has been much discussion dredged to a 30-foot wide channel tem, but from Cosgrove south there recently in the canal press and social south of Berkhamsted and a 25-foot Photo: newandusedboatco.uk was a noticeable increase in the media regarding widebeam cruising channel north of there, although I don't believe the channel is designed has substantial cost implications. A and constructed to a different stand- narrow canal has a ‘U-shape’ profile, ard. with a deep channel in the middle and shallow sides. Over the years, Increased licence fees for with predominantly narrowboat use, widebeams wide canals have also adopted this CRT is presumably aware of the profile. But a wide canal now needs growing trend of widebeam own- to have the profile of an inverted sta- ership, evidenced by the recent ple, with deeper water across the decision to increase licence fees. width of the channel to enable wide- This in itself is not likely to slow the beam boats to pass. In many areas, growth of widebeam construction, this will entail considerable dredging which often costs well into six fig- and re-profiling of the navigational ures, as the bigger ones can qualify channel, together with much greater for zero VAT - a big incentive to go priority given to offside vegetation large! management to maintain the line of The increasing number of wide- sight along the navigation. NABO beams presents the Trust with two believes that the great diversity of problems: the first is how to restrict boats is very much part of the attrac- widebeams to wide canals. This tion to boaters and towpath visitors surely can be done via better com- alike. CRT should recognise and munication and signage, with repeat embrace this change and adapt its offenders perhaps being offered re- canal management techniques ac- Photo Ray T Canalworld.net stricted licences, or licence refusal in cordingly. However, with the greater number of widebeams, especially in inappropriate areas, especially extreme instances. emphasis on wellbeing, I suspect it’s those in the 10-12 foot beam range. south of Birmingham where much of unlikely that the additional invest- Struggling to pass one near a bridge, the growth in the number of boats is Boats to fit the canal ment will be forthcoming. Perhaps where boats were also moored, located. The Fraenkel Report makes The second and, in my view, the the increased widebeam licence in- made me think of the potential it clear that the GU Mainline from bigger challenge is to ensure that come can be used to identify and issues that may arise from this con- Brentfood to Napton is a wide ca- designated wide canals are fit for prioritise pinch-points. The alterna- tinuing growth. nal (earlier copies of Nicholson’s, purpose (i.e. to ensure that two full- tive is to update the Fraenkel Report First some history: in 1975, if I recall, talked about it being width widebeams can safely pass and with new definitions, which will British Waterways published the from Brentford to Berkhampstead). that a full-width widebeam can pass no doubt open a whole new can of Fraenkel Report, which was a de- However, the report makes it clear a deep-drafted narrowboat). This worms. NABO News Issue 1 February 2019 NABO News Issue 1 February 2019 24TECHIE’S 25

recent discussion reminded me it’s Rewind about time to raise the causes Issue No 1, 2004 CORNER andA dangers of hydrogen Howard Anguish explores NABO News from 15 years ago. sulphide gas. Hydrogen sulphide is produced when Aspects of boat design, faulty lead-acid batteries construction, equipment, are being charged, or if the What’s in a name? In the Chairman’s Mooring issues at Oxford. charging voltage is too high. Column, Stuart Sampson sug- “British Waterways Tackles facilities or maintenance It smells like rotten eggs, gests that critics think NABO may Unauthorised Mooring at Oxford. tarnishes copper and brass and alternators can become faulty be in disarray when we don’t seem British Waterways is beginning to a silvery colour and later and supply excess voltage that de- to agree on how to pronounce our a drive to combat unauthorised to black, and will often set off CO stroys batteries. It will also give you own acronym. His preference was mooring by boats on the Oxford alarms. If you smell it, ignore it, and a tool to assess the state of charge for NAYBO rather than the alterna- Canal, from Isis Lock at Oxford, by measuring what is known as the tive NABBOW because it goes with past Drinkwater’s Lift Bridge up to ‘rested voltage’. While I am on about SAGO and NATO (and he doesn’t Kings Bridge (known as the Oxford monitoring batteries, please do not think that we would be mistakenly Mooring Zone) from Monday 12 Something stinks! trust any meter showing state of called the North Atlantic Boating January 2004. Oxford is a popu- Can you smell rotten eggs or has your toilet tank charge, percentage charged, or time Association!) I don’t know about lar destination for visiting and leaked? left/amount of electricity left (al- you, but I agree with him; it never residential boaters and canal though Smartgauge is pretty much sounds quite right to me to hear us moorings have, in recent years, be- Tony Brooks finds an unlikely source for the smell. OK). Typically, as time goes on, described as NABBOW. What do come prone to overcrowding because those readings will become larger you think? He also says we get some some boats overstay on moorings or the smell goes away, this is a sign that and larger lies, thereby encouraging stick from folk who say that we ig- moor in prohibited areas. This dis- it has ‘paralysed’ your nose and is boaters to destroy their batteries by nore our members and that we are courages short-term visitors and has now getting to very dangerous con- constant under-charging. anti-BW. To dispel the first criti- a detrimental effect on waterway centrations. It is heavier than air and Any of the Amps, Volts, Amp- cism, he points out that NABO has wildlife. British Waterways’ staff will flammable so you need to vent your hours in and state-of-charge meters only two ‘layers’ – Members and be patrolling the area over the next bilges to be safe. I know on many will be fine as long as you ignore Council - so direct contact with the few months.” Well, that worked well, boats it is far more difficult than it any Amp-hours left or percentage policymakers is just one call or email didn’t it! should be, but I would urge you to charged. Taking voltage readings at away, and he urges members to con- Waterways Dossiers. Chairman regularly inspect your batteries for night just before you turn in, with tact elected Council members with Stuart Sampson reported that the initial signs of faults developing nothing running, will allow you to any points or complaints; still valid Council has agreed to start imple- - like a hot cell, one battery hotter assess how discharged the batteries today. menting Waterways Dossiers, aimed than the rest, or a cell or battery gas- are – or first thing in the morning, 2006 – The End is Nigh? “Would it at covering every waterway in detail. sing more, all when charging. Also unless you have solar that will have be too alarmist to say that the boat- They would have a section for each check for one cell or battery needing raised the voltage, at least for much ing way of life will end in 2006 when pound, containing notes about each far more topping-up than the rest, or of the year. Use the Amps to decide EU regulations force boaters to use item needing attention – missing Tony Brooks has offered the battery case ends bowing out. If when the batteries are more or less DERV (white diesel) instead of gas or broken equipment, overhang- to answer any technical you find anything like this, on no ac- fully charged. When the charging oil (dyed diesel)?” Well, that dooms- ing trees, shallows etc. Each dossier enquiries that members count leave the batteries on charge current drops to between one and day scenario fortunately didn’t come would be run by a local member with may have. Please send when you are away from the boat or two percent of battery capacity, at to pass, but we are now entering yet help from others who could walk the your question(s) to Tony overnight. To do so is risking your around 14.2V or more, the batteries another period of uncertainty about lengths and report back. With reg- via [email protected]. health or a battery exploding as well will be more or less as fully charged the future of red diesel, with the con- ular meetings with local waterway uk and I will forward as having to deal with the hydrogen as you can get them, but this can tinuing saga about Brexit. In 2004, managers it may have helped to re- them to him. Note: Tony sulphide and, potentially, sprayed take very many hours. So with a NABO had joined forces with IWA duce longstanding issues, and the NABO News back issues may use the questions are available online at; and his answers without acid. 440Ah bank, you would be looking and RYA to fight for the retention of idea may well warrant another look red diesel. Do we now need to res- so that CRT can be advised of issues nabo.org.uk/index.php/ further permission to Make sure that you have a for around five to eight Amps. The reference/nabo-news- advise others. method of monitoring the charging reading of Amp-hours consumed urrect that campaign or is it dead in that they may have missed or dis- back-issues-2 voltage regularly because chargers will also be accurate. the water? missed! NABO News Issue 1 February 2019 NABO News Issue 1 February 2019 26 27 Have Your Say Letters to the Editor

tinue to test them every time we visit the boat. I name this boat … Letters to the Editor My personal opinion is that the ten-year models Opinions expressed here are independent of NABO policy and don't last as long as the manufacturers claim .... If you have spotted a boat name that made you statements made have not been verified as true. or at least not in a winterised boat. Incidentally, smile, please let me have a photo to use in fu- we have identical ones at home and test them on ture issues. Here’s one I spotted last year. the first of each month. Cost of volunteers that's a massive figure for hours you can't attrib- Thank you for reminding us. ute to a cost centre within other departments of Brian Holt, nb Simon Angel The following correspondence took place in CRT! Can we come up with a better statement or January between Matthew Symonds, CRT’s a breakdown with an explanation maybe?” Strategy and Engagement Manager (Boating) The mills of CRT grind exceeding slow and Alison Tuck, following her article on p.10 of To which Matthew replied: “Hopefully this helps Recently we gained a contract to use one of our Issue 6, 2018 of NABO News: explain the figure that includes volunteering Re: the article about CRT volunteers in the boats to remove 50 tonnes of building waste supervision in the annual report. The £19.7m from a canalside building site with the intention December issue of NABO News, it was informa- relates to costs from our various waterways op- tive as always, but I noted a misinterpretation of of transhipping to lorries at the nearest wharf. erations teams (customer services, direct services, As with most canalside properties access was far the cost of volunteering in the Trust’s annual re- engineering, operational contracts, volunteering port figure. The £19.7 million that you reported easier by water than by road. A small triumph, management, asset strategy, mechanical & engi- you may think, for the canals. as the cost of volunteering is not all for volun- neering, programme planning, length inspection, teering, but a number of things that have been The developer approached a well-known asset delivery management, programme and haulage firm who had experience of working grouped together under the title ‘supervision, project management, third party works, work volunteer management, training, safety, travel near the water, all the relevent health and safety 'Er...' said CRT 'we can't do that, we'll post them development, restoration, and integrated deliv- in place, risk assessments for the various wharfs to you'. 'When will I get a decision?'. 'Er...' said insurance, etc.’ Of the £19.7 million, only £2.6 ery). It refers to time that wasn’t spent directly million relates to volunteering. This obviously and insurance to cover working from boats. Our CRT 'we don't know, it might take a few weeks'. on operational tasks, and includes activities like boat was booked and ready to go. So everyone involved in this small but impor- greatly reduces the hourly figure for the 616,300 management, supervision, training, and travel. It volunteer hours in 2017/18 to £4.21 rather than All we needed from CRT was permission to tant job was willing to move with a couple of days also includes insurance. Of this total, £2.6m was use one of the accessible wharves and for them notice, but not CRT. And all they have to do is the £31.96 you quoted. The remaining £17.1 mil- spent on volunteering, which includes manage- lion is ‘unattributed’ costs in other areas of the to unlock the gate. 'No problem' they said 'We open a gate! ment, materials, training and expenses. We will know the contractors'. 'OK' said the developer Chris Pink business, where timesheets either did not record be re-categorising this for the next annual report the activity (often this will be supervision, train- 'we would like to proceed tomorrow'. 'Er...' said to ensure that how we are spending our funds is CRT 'you'll have to fill in the forms'. 'OK' said PS in the end we used a non-CRT wharf, though ing, meetings and other times not directly spent made clearer.” on tasks) or timesheets that were not completed the developer 'I'll come to the office tomorrow'. several miles further away. by the operative. It would be helpful if you could CO detectors clarify this in the next issue of NABO News. If you have any other queries about the annual re- In response to the article on faulty CO detectors port figures (or anything else) we’re happy to in NABO News, Issue 6, December 2018, we have help answer those. two CO detectors and an optical smoke detector Matthew on our boat. Although not liveaboards, I always test all the detectors each and every time we Alison replied: “I'm happy to be corrected on the visit the boat. I noticed that in the spring of last cost per hour of the volunteers. I thought it was year, none of the detectors responded to the test high and just assumed it was because all the buttons. All of them have ten-year, non-replace- hours hadn’t been logged! What would you like able batteries. The detectors were approximately me to put the £17.1m down as? It just seems odd seven years old, so still within the ten-year op- that that sum was included in that section on erational lifespan. I replaced the detectors with the report. Surely the £17.1m is support costs? new ones and I made sure that the CO detec- I'm just trying to understand what the costs are tors were the correct BS EN 50291-2 marked .. because I don't want to put down unattributed and I purchased ones with replaceable batteries. costs. It's accountancy speak for balancing the I now replace the batteries at the start of the sea- books and the way boaters are feeling at the mo- son, regardless of whether they are good or not; ment (me included) it will just sound wrong. Also that way I know the detectors will work. I con- Photo Gillie Rhodes at Flickr NABO News Issue 1 February 2019 NABO News Issue 6 December 2018 For all your chandlery needs EXPERT ADVICE | 4 RETAIL OUTLETS | PROMPT SERVICE

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Nabo News Feb 2019.indd 1 04/02/2019 15:02:27