The Magazine of the National Association of Boat Owners Issue 5 October 2021

Let’s talk rubbish Messing about in les bateaux The green revolution and boating 23

The NABO Council 2021 Regional Representatives:

Chair, Legal Affairs and BSS Rep. Anglian Waterways The magazine of the National Association of Boat Owners Mike Rodd Mark Tizard Issue 5 October 2021 07831 860199 [email protected] 07818 757676 [email protected] Vice Chair East Midlands Waterways Contents Next NABO News copy date Mark Tizard Peter Braley 07818 757676 [email protected] 07940 269771 [email protected] 4 Editorial Articles, letters, cartoons and photos are most Treasurer London Waterways 5 In the Chair wel­come. Images in JPEG format please. Helen Hutt David Williams 8 Fly on the Wall Please email your contributions to 07831 682092 [email protected] 07813 496208 [email protected] 9 News: Let’s talk rubbish [email protected] or post to the Editor by 10 Summer on the canal th NABO News Editor Middle Level November 20 2021. Peter Fellows Mark Tizard 11 Disappointment on the Leicester Line 12 Winter moorings, Winter stoppages, Cover photo 19 High Street, Bonsall, Derbyshire, DE4 2AS 07818 757676 [email protected] Waterways Ombudsman report 01629 825267 [email protected] North East, Yorkshire and Humber, 13 Talking points: What’s in a name? This month's photo was taken on the Kennet and Webmaster, NAG (Operations) and BSS Rep. Shared Ownership Rep. 14 Companions on the cut Avon by Paul Kennard, while enjoying a hire boat David Fletcher Howard Anguish 16 Strategy, what strategy? holiday. 07719 276659 [email protected] 01482 669876 [email protected], 17 Boating: Rugby’s missing bridges. Win a year’s free membership by having your Publicity and Communications Officer, Floating [email protected] 18 Messing about in les bateaux photo selected for the front cover of NABO Trader Rep. North West Waterways 21 In my Very 'umble Opinion: Has CRT News. Please email photos as JPEG attachments, Anne Husar Matt Thompson forgotten to peruse nine-tenths of the data? ideally portrait format with a file size of 2MB or 07796 868482 [email protected], Details left 22 Techies’ Corner: The green revolution and larger. [email protected] River Severn boating Continuous Cruising Rep, Moorings Rep. Phil Goulding 25 Rewind: Issue No 5 2006 Phil Goulding Details left 26 Letters, I name this boat 01271 865340 [email protected] River Thames Recruitment and Welfare Officer Graham Paterson Ken Hylins 0118 986 3959 [email protected] 07852 911539 [email protected] River Trent Technical Officer Peter Braley John Devonald Details left 07899 898115 [email protected] South East Waterways Members John Devonald Matt Thompson Details left 07973 849466 [email protected] Southern Waterways, Welsh Waterways Peter Braley Mike Rodd 07940 269771 [email protected] Details left Minutes Secretary West Midlands Waterways Peter Braybrook Peter Braybrook NABO News is published by the Details left 07865 086082 [email protected] National Association of Boat Owners General Sec. (External Relations) NABO Online 20 Oak Grove, Hertford, SG13 8AT Mark Tizard Editor: Peter Fellows Production: Chris Pink 07818 757676 [email protected] Mark Tizard facebook.com/master.nabo Whilst every care is taken to ensure that the contents of this newsletter are factually correct, we accept no liability for any direct or consequential loss arising from any action taken by anyone as a result of reading anything contained in this publication. The views expressed are not David Fletcher necessarily those of the Association. The products and services advertised in this publication are not necessarily endorsed by the Association. Twitter @NABO_Official

NABO News Issue 5 October 2021 4 5 The Editor’s Column In the Chair

t’s been a busy summer on the encroaching reed beds and places At last we were able to have a we cannot concede. Your Council is waterways as many people de- where the canals were narrowed to real NABO Council meeting and it thus working up a crisp summary cided on a ‘staycation’ instead one boat-width. I’ve included a se- was such a pleasure to meet our new of our concerns that will be sent to I of holidaying abroad, with lection of their photos in this issue. councillors physically! It is amazing CRT and widely publicised within a hireboat companies reportedly fully The issue of CRT’s revised terms how we have coped over the past few weeks. This is important, as we booked. and conditions rumbles on, with let- year, especially with so much going are convinced (on the basis of legal Unfortunately, those who decided ters from members agreeing with on in both CRT and the EA—but advice) that there are issues that will to head north had their travel plans NABO’s stance and Mike Rodd fur- nothing can replace a face-to-face cause problems in the near future disrupted by a series of stoppages ther questioning aspects of them in discussion. With the AGM coming for many boaters. For example, we on the Macclesfield, Peak Forest, his Chairman’s column. Mike is also up in a few months, we do have an cannot agree with CRT on whether Leeds and Liverpool and Rochdale delighted that the EA has made a urgent need to recruit someone canals. Further south those on the U-turn in employing the car park- to take over Mark Tizard’s roles Are we about to witness Leicester Section of the GU and the ing company to manage Thames as General Secretary and Vice South Oxford did not fare much bet- moorings, but is concerned that Chairman. Sadly, Mark has sold his ter. The lack of maintenance brought the waterways maybe becoming beautiful boat and will be stepping different licences for ‘Disneyfied’, like Forestry England’s down from the Council. He has continuous cruisers? Canals full of boats, Westonbirt National Arboretum, in made a huge contribution to our an attempt to broaden their appeal work in so many ways. Chairman, Mike Rodd, believes that this is what the to a wider audience to secure further but frustrations galore Government funding. Those Terms and Conditions new words in CRT’s terms and conditions are saying, Rubbish features in this issue, CRT’s current revisions to the even though CRT denies this. Editor, Peter Fellows, includes a roundup of with members sending letters about Terms and Conditions for boat li- Eight members of the members’ photos. the lack of facilities in some areas cences continue to dominate many Council (left to right); David and photos of overflowing bins, but of our discussions. Fletcher, Peter Fellows, Helen Hutt has some sympathy for Whilst CRT has moved part of there are now different types of li- Anne Husar, Helen Hutt, CRT, noting how difficult it is for the the way towards taking on board our cences for continuous cruisers. CRT Mike Rodd, Peter Braley, lock failures and a lack of vegetation Trust to prevent fly-tipping by the comments (and our legal advice), says that we are incorrect in claim- John Devonald and Peter Ian Hutson meets one of management resulted in many mem- general public. there are still several issues on which ing that there are, and that they have Braybrook CRT’s boat spotters bers sharing photos of overhanging Elsewhere in this issue, past (see page 21) trees with lines of sight obscured, NABO Chairman, Stuart Sampson, writes about his experiences of boat- ing in France and Paul Monahan calls for the correct terminology when describing the language of the waterways. John Devonald surveys the furry and feathered friends that accompany many boaters and also examines the options available to boaters when diesel fuel is phased out in a few years’ time. Mark Tizard reviews what has been happening to CRT’s London strategy and its plans for the River Lee and Ian Hutson continues an occasional series of ar- ticles with a wry look at CRT’s boat spotters. NABO’s AGM will be held at Tamworth Cruising Club in November and the Council mem- bers look forward to seeing you there. NABO News Issue 5 October 2021 NABO News Issue 5 October 2021 6 7 Chairman’s Column Chairman’s Column

change of direction on the non-tidal the Thames, are now trying to en- don’t know what the actual finances CRT says that they have made no Thames, where it has withdrawn its sure that their waterways appeal to a look like, but I have never seen so substantive changes, but neither we nor contract with the car-parking com- much wider audience. Of course, all many families there and the car park pany, District Enforcement. canoeists, kayakers, paddle board- was packed. What was once a won- our legal advisors believe this. The Enviroment Agency has said ers, etc. are required to pay a licence derful quiet place, close to nature, that this followed “a review that sub- fee, but that is relatively small and is now clearly also a very popular sequently identified issues with our often ignored—or it is paid though destination for families and friends made no substantive changes, but internal procurement processes that boater representative organisations wanting a day out with all mod cons. neither we nor our legal advisors be- were not undertaken correctly”. We as a part of their membership pack- You even have to pre-book a specific lieve that this is what the new words and the other Thames boater repre- age. The bulk of the fees coming to entry slot. Would I go again? Well, are saying. The worry is that once sentative organisations that we have CRT and the EA are from those who it was a convenient meeting venue this gets established, will CRT then been working with are naturally de- own or hire powered boats. I guess. But I would certainly have start setting different charges and lighted—and trying not to grin too It was interesting that the Forestry some concerns if this sort of vision requirements for those with home widely or even hint at saying “We told Commission was also targeted by moorings and those who continu- you so!” NABO’s concern has always David Cameron at the same time as ously cruise? And what happens if been that this approach to mooring BW—unsuccessfully, however, may- The revised T&Cs imply that CRT’s (like many) you have a home moor- monitoring and enforcement by us- be due to public opposition? It was ing and then also go cruising for a ing a car-parking company could set nevertheless clear, even then, that it volunteers are in charge of boats good part of the year? As another ex- a pattern to be adopted by CRT in too would have to become far more ample, we are also deeply concerned the future. It’s still quietly worrying, self-sustaining, attracting significant passing through locks operated by that the T&Cs essentially imply that though, that the very same company new supporters and visitors and CRT’s volunteers are in charge of has been retained by those devel- hence increase its own direct income them. This cannot be right. any boats passing through locks be- oping the revised proposals for the and lessen the load on government ing operated by them. This cannot River Lee! Ouch! funds. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? be right, as both the MCA and most I recently visited Westonbirt, the for our historic and unique water- insurers clearly state that the ulti- Finding funding wonderful National Arboretum in ways, with their amazing working mate responsibility for a boat and Both CRT and EA are coming up to Gloucestershire, which is managed examples of the pinnacle of British the safety of those on it lies with the their respective government funding by Forestry England, a division of engineering and the cornerstone of Boatmaster (in the case of an MCA- exercises within a few years, follow- the Forestry Commission. Forestry the industrial revolution, were to registered boat) or the person at the ing the (then) Prime Minister’s plan England was first formed as Forest lead to their ‘Disneyfication’! helm for other boats. some years ago to get rid of govern- Enterprise in 1996, before devolving ment quangos, taking them out of to Forest Enterprise England in 2003 But back to what we do best U-Turns: Progress on the government into self-supporting, and then rebranded in 2019. And Anyway, having just had a wonder- London Consultation… possibly charitable, operations. what a transformation has taken ful three weeks on our boat on the More positively, CRT’s London As we know, one early trans- place since our last visit, about five Mon & Brec, it was just amazing to consultation, which would have re- fer was BW (then part of the EA) years ago! Huge new car parking, a be back on this most lovely and pre- sulted in new mooring restrictions to become the CRT charity, with new entrance hall with scooters and cious canal. on the River Lee, has suddenly taken government funding promised for wheelchairs available for hire, and This was despite my wife’s un- a U-turn, following an external re- 15 years; this will soon come to an beautiful newly laid high-quality scheduled plunge into the cut, view of the proposals. end. As a result, we are seeing both paths. One leads up to the expand- having tripped into a hidden pothole And—surprise, surprise—one organisations spending consider- ed Visitor Centre, around which in a heavily overgrown mooring— of the conclusions from the inde- able effort (and funds!) on ensuring there are now various facilities for quickly followed by me, diving in to pendent review was that the boating that our waterways are not (mistak- children to play on, while parents rescue her glasses—and despite the community should be consulted be- enly!) seen as being of value only to and families enjoy the pricey food almost complete lack of both tow- fore future changes are proposed. the limited number of (apparently!) court offers. Oh, and of course, the path and offside vegetation cutting. Oh dear—how very obvious! rich boaters who can afford to own entrance fee is much higher than Back home, our K&A Canal Trust a boat, or others who can afford to before—now there’s a surprise! trip boat in Hungerford, on which I ...and mooring enforcement on hire one. Addressing this pressure to Fortunately, the wonderful trees re- am a volunteer Boatmaster, is back the Thames become self-sustaining, both CRT main for those who wish to get away in business, so we are once again In these days of U-turns, we have and the EA, which is responsible from all the slick ‘visitor destination’ generating critical income for the also been delighted to see the EA’s for many non-tidal rivers, including site layout. Does it work? Well, I Trust. Happy boating! NABO News Issue 5 October 2021 NABO News Issue 5 October 2021 8 9 NABO Council meeting September 4th 2021 News Fly on the wall Let’s talk rubbish Observes proceedings at the September Council meeting As a CRT Boaters’ Rep, Helen Hutt has seen several complaints about overflowing skips and bins this summer, and indeed has or the first timeals could not have worked. reported a couple herself. since November It seems that two organisations 2019’s AGM, may be interested in renting the ll credit to CRT though, for us’ form on the CRT web 22 months ago, stop-house at Braunston. Apparently F dealing with every incident site and email the relevant I buzzed down to the CRT’s newly revised Heritage immediately a report was regional team, eg enquiries. Tamworth Cruising Club Advisory Group met for the first received. In at least two eastmidlands@canalriver- to keep a compound eye time in April, but no minutes of A cases the contractor had missed a trust.org.uk. on eight Council members the meeting have been published. collection but despatched a lorry gathered to meet face-to-face. The advisory group says that it will within hours. As to the cause . . . Everyone was pleased to see each provide a strategic overview but well, that’s another matter. From the other after so long and, for Council not deal with individual issues, cases I know about, it’s not boaters members who have joined since such as the stop-house. After an who are to blame for filling the bins then and have only heard each oth- initial refusal following a Freedom of and then dumping rubbish on the er’s voices during teleconferences, it Information request, CRT has now ground when the bins are full. It’s was good to put faces to the voices. agreed to produce a list of buildings members of the general public who, They kicked off with a discussion that it has sold. apparently, cannot be bothered to The first photo (above) taken at of outstanding issues with CRT’s Reports from across the net- dispose of their unwanted items re- 11am, when the problem was new terms and conditions. These work suggest that refuse facilities sponsibly, and see a CRT-sponsored reported. The second (left) at issues have not all been addressed are under increasing pressure, with skip as an easy, free option. 3pm after the contractors had in the revised T&Cs, issued in June overflowing bins on the L&L, the CRT already spends over £1m done a first sweep. The skip was after NABO’s objections the previ- South Oxford and Grand Union a year on refuse collection, and replaced the following morning. ous December. Council members among many others. Some have this figure is increasing due to the Photos: Helen Hutt will draft another letter to CRT been caused by the contractor miss- scourge of fly-tipping. What’s to be explaining why NABO considers ing collections—another example of done? A member wrote to NABO: “We are at present heading into these proposals to be illegal under the current lorry driver shortage? Siting the bins in a locked Liverpool. The lack of CRT boaters’ bins on the route is deplorable. the 1995 Waterways Act. But CRT Council members had some sym- compound is one possibility but From Anderton Boat Lift services to Salthouse Dock in Liverpool, has responded to the majority of pathy for CRT as the incidence of The next Council meeting experience shows that people just there is only one set of bins at Bridge 35, Moss Bridge near NABO’s 20 complaints about the non-boater waste fly-tipping at CRT will be a teleconference chuck their stuff over the top, or Burscough—a total of 49 miles on CRT waters. This was the state of quality of the GDPR and privacy pol- refuse stations is increasing. This is in October, followed leave it outside the compound, or the bins at bridge 35. The other route from Marple services is the icies and it has made changes. Three a difficult and expensive problem by a face-to-face AGM borrow a key from a boater. CCTV same, with a total of 59 miles on CRT waters without bins.” issues remain and NABO will write for CRT and reflects wider societal at Tamworth Cruising might identify offenders but does Club in November to the Information Commissioner’s problems with waste disposal. A trial CRT have the resources to pursue (Kettlebrook Road, B77 Office about these. Also CRT should using a rubbish boat to collect larger them? Taking the bins away com- 1BS). not require a boater’s agreement to waste items is planned for the K&A. pletely would provide a huge saving Members are welcome the T&Cs as a condition of issuing a NABO will write to Calor about but would lead to even more serious to join in the meeting; licence—insurance and a BSS certifi- the shortage of gas cylinders in some fly-tipping—not to mention very please just let the cate are the only requirements. parts of the country. Some boaters disgruntled boaters! Secretary or Chair know In London, following numerous who have a vehicle are buying refill- in advance (contact There seems to be no workable protests from boaters, the proposed able cylinders and visiting self-filling details inside cover). solution to one of society’s biggest ‘safety zone’ on the River Lee has stations away from the canals. It is problems. Just keeping on top of it The two remaining dates been abandoned and a rethink is un- about a third of the cost of exchang- for Council meetings seems to be the only way so, please, derway. If a proper consultation had ing Calor cylinders at boatyards, but in 2021 are therefore if you see an overflowing bin, report taken place, with boaters’ views tak- NABO does not recommend this October 9th and it immediately. Don’t just bleat about en into account, it would have been practice on safety grounds. November 13th (after the it on social media! Use the ‘contact AGM). clear from early on that the propos- Byeee.... NABO News Issue 5 October 2021 NABO News Issue 5 October 2021 10 11 Vegetation News Summer on the canals Disappointment on the Leicester Line With intrepid NABO explorers, Anne Husar, Helen Hutt and the three Peters; Fellows, Braley and Braybrook (to say nothing of the dog) his summer, both Peter Braley and Helen Hutt travelled the Leicester Line, about two weeks T apart—and both had a series of unwelcome experiences which they re- ported independently to CRT. They included poor lock functionality, extended stoppages, poor or invisible sig- nage, a serious lack of water and excessive vegetation growth. Nothing new there, perhaps—but when they all came to- gether in the space of a few days it made a boater’s life very frustrating. Friars Mill moorings, Leicester Photo: Helen Hutt However, all credit to CRT, their concerns were taken seriously. Peter subsequently met had been taken. Also included was what action and had a useful discussion with East Midlands would be taken with regard to misleading sig- Manager, Phil Mulligan, at the Crick Show, cul- nage at Friars Mills moorings, information on On the Grand Union near Birmingham minating in an arrangement for one of Phil’s weed and reed control, reasons for the acute wa- team to go out with Peter on his boat to expe- ter shortage and much more besides. Minsworth before the bridge (yes, there's a bridge) rience first-hand some of the issues he raised. Too much to print in full in NABO News but These included signage obscured by overgrown Helen would be pleased to share her account of vegetation and channels narrowed by an explo- her frustrating journey along with Wayne’s full sion of reeds and overhanging trees. response with any NABO member who may be A few days later, Helen had an extremely de- interested; just email her at [email protected] tailed (nearly 3,000 words!) and informative email Helen says: “At the time, I told CRT I wouldn’t response from Wayne Ball, Area Operations be cruising this way again any time soon. Now I Manager. It contained precise explanations of have some hope that things will improve and I problems encountered at four locks between will return to the city of my birth and the coun- Derwent Mouth and Leicester and what action tryside of my childhood!” Only time will tell.

GPs refuse to see nomadic patients Grand Union Leicester Line Spot the sign Friends, Families and Travellers conducted liveaboard boaters, when I became a mystery shopping exercise which found pregnant, my husband tried to register that 74% of GP surgeries broke NHS with a GP, to see how achievable it would England guidance by refusing to register be for me—but without me having to a nomadic patient in March and April this deal with the stress. We cruised across year. 3 or so cities, trying to register with 5 or A further 17 GP surgeries did not answer more GPs. No one would take my husband the phone despite receiving calls on three without evidence of a fixed address.” different dates and times from the mystery The full report is at www.gypsy-traveller. shopper. org/news/locked-out-74-of-gps-refused- Lydia, a liveaboard boater, outlined registration-to-nomadic-patients-during- her experience “My partner and I are covid-19-pandemic The South Oxford Canal Grand Union South of Birmingham NABO News Issue 5 October 2021 NABO News Issue 5 October 2021 12 13 CRT News Talking Points Winter moorings Winter stoppages What’s in a name? This year, CRT’s winter moorings are divid- 71 stoppages are due to take place before ed into eight price bands that reflect each site’s Christmas and 94 are scheduled for the New What we might be tempted to refer to as a long-handled gardening relative attractiveness (location and nearby fa- Year. tool with a spatulate metal blade, Paul Monahan wants us to call a cilities), level of demand and pricing in line with Three will span the Christmas period. Larger spade. long-term moorings and private mooring opera- works include essential maintenance at the tors. Anderton Lift, new lock gates on the Bingley The order has been reversed with Band 1 be- Five Rise locks, replacing gates on the Wigan he inland waterways have a something else; lines, strings, snub- ing the lowest priced and Band 8 the highest. Flight and repairing locks and a bridge at Stoke rich, colourful and expres- bers, snatchers or straps. Even words Compared to last year, 64 sites have dropped Bruerne. sive vocabulary all of their specific to canal boats are often mis- a price band or have a price freeze and 42 sites The full list of stoppages can be downloaded T own, which is an important used; ‘cratch’ is a good example. The have a price rise. Moorings will be available from from canalrivertrust.org.uk/media/report/win- part of their history. trapezoidal wooden board at the 1st November to 28th February 2022. You can ter-notices.pdf. Unfortunately, this is being lost as front is not the cratch; that is a ‘deck- browse the available sites on the boat licensing more and more people use terminol- board’. The cratch refers to the whole website. Permits will be charged at a ‘per metre, ogy associated with motor-cruisers structure. per month’ rate, and you can book moorings and sailing boats, or even cars—as in Consider too the regional vari- in increments of one month. A list of sites and ‘driving’ the boat (as opposed to the ations. Would you recognise only prices is at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/winter- horse or steam engine, which would the word paddles, or would you talk Driving the barge 'Success' moorings. Bookings start on 1st October at 6am be correct) and ‘parking’. ‘Nearside’ of sluices, slackers, ranters, cloughs with Krystyna helming the on a first-come, first-served basis. For further in- and ‘offside’ are similar imports from (jack, screw, box, or scissor) or even helm with lots of rope. formation, call CRT customer services on 0303 the world of wheels; it should be ‘in- types? Pounds, pools or reaches? Krystyna steering the butty 040 4040 or email wintermoorings@canalriver- side’ and ‘outside’, from the position Gates or pointing doors? 'Success' with a fine display trust.org.uk. of the towpath, please. Please, let us all keep alive the of ropework; swansneck, Motoring expressions can some- language of the waterways; as top plait, bottom plait, Photo: Chris Pink times be excused as the result of George Orwell said, in 1984, “If the kicking strap and ellum lack of knowledge, but yottie-speak words do not exist, it is impossible fender.

is often used by those who really to express an idea”. Photo: Roger Kidd (geograph.org) should know better. The RYA does Waterways Ombudsman report not avoid blame as a consequence of its introduction of ‘helmsman’s’

courses and certificates but, sadly, The Waterways Ombudsman, Sarah Daniel, and problems. The Annual Reports of certain commercial magazines do the Waterways Ombudsman Committee have is- W a t e r w a y s The Waterways Ombudsman Committee

and not escape either. One of their regu- sued their Annual Reports for 2020/21. Ombudsman The Waterways Ombudsman

2020-21 lar contributors peppers his reviews During the year, she received 77 enquiries scheme deals about the Trust, a substantial rise in number with complaints with such choice blue-water terms from to the previous year when there were 41. about the Canal as ‘pulpit’, ‘dodger’, ‘sole-plate’, ‘prow’ The number of premature complaints more than & River Trust and many other unwanted fugitives doubled on the previous year’s number to 34. Ten and the Avon from the deep. Possibly the most new investigations were opened and the number Navigation irritating is ‘helm’. I hope prior to of complaints resolved was eight. Trust, which are every issue that he will have used the

phrase: “the helm was helming at the Of these, three were upheld in part, one was referred to the settled and four were not upheld. A goodwill Ombudsman helm”, but thus far I have been disap- pointed. award was proposed in one case which was partly after comple- WIPO FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY upheld, which the complainant accepted. In the tion of the Every part of a canal boat has upheld complaint a goodwill award and apology Trust’s own complaints process. its own name as does every item was required. The report is available online at: on it and sometimes this agrees As before there was a very diverse range waterways-ombudsman.org/media/1191/woc- with nautical terminology, but that of complaints, the majority about boating is- annual-report-2020-21.pdf. should never be assumed. For ex- sues. The common thread was communication ample, there are no ropes on a canal boat—rope is what you use to make NABO News Issue 5 October 2021 NABO News Issue 5 October 2021 14 15 Talking Points Barking Points Companions on the cut “One lady who lives on a 30-foot boat has a John Devonald surveys our furry and feathered friends afloat Rottweiler that would make Mike Tyson cross o you remember a few “Wherever it wants to!” He’s actu- weeks ago we had lovely ally a great big softy and, as someone the road to avoid it.” sunshine and warm eve- once said: “There’s always room for nings? I do ... just! a dog”. D years. Funnily enough I’ve never Anyway, I was sitting out on the Then we have cats. I see many canal on my boat watching the world more cats on boats than I would re- seen budgies, but there must be peo- (and boats) go by when a very hand- ally expect as I always thought they ple who have them as pets on boats. some tug-style boat came along. needed their own territory. If you are I would have thought they would The thing that caught my eye was moving around it must get confus- be an ideal companion for boat life, the cage on the front deck with an ing for them but, from the numbers not least because of their small size. African Grey parrot preening itself on boats, especially continuous What about other birds? Oh yes, within. It brought back memories of cruisers, it obviously isn’t an issue. chickens. Someone passed me with a small oil tanker I worked on that Personally, I’m not sure about cats a chicken coop on the roof of their had an African Grey as the ship’s as pets as I haven’t quite worked out boat. I presume they put it on the mascot. It took great delight in who owns whom. They look at you towpath when they moored so the informing you it had the world’s big- as though you are hardly worth their chickens could have a root around in gest… well, you know what sailors effort unless it’s food time. Don’t bite the dirt. Fresh eggs as well, yum. are like, it wasn’t polite! my head off cat lovers, I can’t help it Now I’m starting to struggle. I’ve This got me thinking about the if I am firmly in the dog camp! I ex- never seen or heard of people keep- pets we keep on our boats and how pect it must be just as wonderful a ing reptiles on a boat although I’m it differs from people who live in life for cats as it is for dogs. Different sure a nice python would be a good houses. Dogs are probably the most places to explore, new rats and mice security asset! I’m guessing power is popular non-human companion to catch, half eat and bring back the again the issue with having to have on boats. Many people have them remains as presents. Lovely. heat mats and lights but someone for company and as mobile secu- So onto the more unusual pets I somewhere has got to have a thriv- rity for themselves and their boats. have seen on boats. Let’s start with ing Komodo Dragon on board. It’s a wonderful life for a dog. My fish. I know one boat that has a tank Other pets that don’t seem to be old German Shepherd used to love with goldfish. I suppose you would common on boats are rabbits, guin- coming out with me on the canal, have to be careful about tropical fish ea pigs, hamsters or any of the caged about your pets and I’ll do a follow- which brings me on to another ob- in case your batteries go flat and you rodents. Maybe they are there but up article showing the diversity of servation. You would think that the end up losing the heating, but I’m people just don’t mention them and companions on the cut. majority of dogs on boats would be sure there are people who success- they don’t get taken for walks, so it’s My companions I hear you ask? small breeds, just because of the lack fully keep them on boats. I do love not obvious you have them. Perhaps Well I didn’t really but I’m going to of space, but a surprising number I watching fish and I can see them it’s because they are seen to be a tell you anyway. I have carnivorous see are large. Labradors, German being therapeutic for some peo- child’s pet. Everyone I know who has plants consisting of Venus fly traps, Shepherds and Retrievers are quite ple. Don’t they put them in dentists a hamster has it because a little per- Pitcher plants and Sundews. They common and there is a plethora of waiting rooms to calm people down son wanted it. Us adults remember aren’t very affectionate but you do medium sized dogs like Spaniels. before the smiling fiend is let loose how much their bites hurt when we have to feed them and they help the One lady I know who lives on a 30- on their molars? I also wonder if fish were children and wanted hamsters spiders to keep the fly populations in foot boat has a Rottweiler that would get seasick being sloshed around as ourselves! check. They keep the spider popula- have Mike Tyson crossing the road the boat moves. I might have to ask I’m sure there are many differ- tion in check as well if the spiders get to avoid it, it is so big. Whenever I David Attenborough about that! ent and unusual pets on boats that too close! see it, it brings meaning to the ob- Parrots we have mentioned and I haven’t even thought of. Why don’t I’d still rather have another dog servation: “Where does it sleep?” I have seen a few on boats over the you send me pictures or comments though. NABO News Issue 5 October 2021 NABO News Issue 5 October 2021 16 17 Talking Points Boating Strategy, what strategy? Rugby’s missing bridges Mark Tizard shares some thoughts on mooring in London. Helen Hutt has been investigating

or several years, CRT local press campaign and two pro- sought views via the Boater test flotillas. A key outcome was the along one side of a nature reserve and eventually Relationship Group and obvious breakdown in communica- ducks under the M6 and out into open country- F subsequently, when this col- tion between CRT and its principle side. The site of Bridge 54 remains elusive but I lapsed, it facilitated meetings that customers, boaters. CRT put its can report that Bridges 55, 55A (new), 56 and 57 resulted in the publication of its proposals on hold and launched a are up here, alive and more or less well, spanning London Strategy document in June process of stakeholder engagement the still-in-water-but far-from-navigable canal. 2018. with independent facilitators to This outlined the actions that manage the process. This will result CRT would take to address conges- in the creation of a facilitated Lee tion in London. A key outcome was Navigation Forum, not unlike the improved information and commu- Boaters Relationship Group that was nication for boaters in the area. The disbanded. principle conclusions were: Meanwhile, as discussions con- ’ve cruised the North Oxford More general towpath mooring tinue, CRT says that it will seek to many times, frequently stopping at and limited offside moorings out- enforce existing mooring regulations Brownsover for a Tesco shop, to fill side the Regent’s Canal area; more vigorously in the area by out- the water tank or to catch a train. The I Increasing the number of short- sourcing monitoring and reporting bridge sequence here goes: 53, 53A (foot- stay visitor moorings; to a car parking company, District bridge), 58 (carrying the A426), 59 and 66. Increasing the monitoring and Enforcement. This might have much I often wondered what happened to the management of towpath and visi- wider future ramifications for boat- ones in between. tor moorings and ers should CRT decide to expand Two aqueducts between Bridges 53 and 53A Major improvements to facili- the outsourcing of enforcement to are, confusingly, numbered 54 and 55; but let’s ties—six new water points, nine a third party. Elsewhere District leave them out of the equation for now! new rubbish disposal areas, four Enforcement earns its fees from the Whilst moored here for a few days in new pumpouts , six new Elsans. penalty payments it recovers. September, I took time out to investigate. Firstly, Since this was launched with great What of the wider London I discovered the old canal arm which runs north- fanfare in 2018 very few of these Strategy, initially due to be intro- wards from Bridge 58, accessed from the adjacent But what of the six missing bridges between changes have been implemented. duced this Spring then deferred to footbridge 53A. What a delightful and charming 59 and 66, less than a mile apart? Presumably 60 So in late 2020 CRT decided to this Autumn? There are obviously walk it turned out to be! The old towpath runs stood where now a footpath stops dead on either try again. It launched yet another challenges ahead given that I believe side of the canal; it ran between Clifton-on- consultation to address what it saw that the water safety zone proposal Dunsmore and Rugby. A little further on, the OS as the increasingly unmanageable was thought to be one of the easier map shows a disused railway line. Presumably number of boats. NABO’s response proposals in the pipeline. In my mind this crossed the canal at Bridge 61, although was simple: why not implement the we need a carrot and stick approach. there is now no trace of it. Then there is a ‘nip’ 2018 proposals in full and assess CRT should demonstrate its com- where Bridge 62 could have been, at the junction their success before launching yet mitment to improving facilities as with a feeder canal which now houses moored another consultation? Results were promised in 2018 by giving a greater boats. Spanning this arm you can just about see promised early in 2021. In April financial priority to them, dredge to Bridge 63 and there was once a second bridge, 2021, CRT launched its new safety the edge where currently mooring No 64, about half a mile further up. Back on the scheme which, when implemented, is difficult and enforce against those main canal, another railway line once crossed would restrict or ban mooring on that moor inappropriately. near Clifton Wharf and the wall of—I assume— substantial areas of the River Lee. Nearly time for a new consulta- Bridge 65 still stands by the towpath. This caused a furore among London tion I hear you cry—after all, it’s So there you have it! Another canal mystery boaters, resulting in a substantial nearly two years since the last one. (almost) solved. NABO News Issue 5 October 2021 NABO News Issue 5 October 2021 18 19 BylineMessing about Le Boating pected to alight at locks. Where commercial traffic runs smaller “A big difference between British and locks are automated. These locks are in les bateaux fairly consistent but the means of continental cruising is that in Europe introducing yourself to them varies you are not expected to alight at locks.” widely. The crudest, and presumably earliest, are plastic tubes dangling over the water which you reach up to (down), leaving the boater to decide. and pull or twist on your approach. Bother if you get it wrong. Buttons Fairly easy from a barge with lots of and sophistication multiply until deck but tricky for small boats in the you get something that has to log wind. into the lock and uses up its battery Easiest are pairs of infrared charge before the day is out. beams across the water. Vessels ap- It all adds to the fun. Success is proaching break the outer one first usually accompanied by an amber without having to slow or divert. flashing light. A red stop light will Commercial barges NABO ex-chair ust before the recession, enjoyed for narrow beam type boats. Sadly, I guess too many ducks used stay on if the lock is in use. A green All photos: Stuart Sampson Stuart Sampson Carole and I had plans to have One thing you do get in on British this method too so almost all beams describes boating in a barge built and emigrate to waterways is free visitor moorings lie abandoned, superseded by radio France. European waters. However and facilities that are not provided zappers. Beams are still used at the J lock mouths. the promised value of our home in by VNF. Yorkshire shrivelled up so we bought Most of the navigable waterways Thetelecommanderies vary wide- a flat in Lichfield, which we could in France are concentrated in the ly; the problem is detecting whether lock up and leave, and saw our be- top right quarter, where commercial the boat is approaching upstream loved boat, Sulaskar, depart from traffic still plies. The closer to the or downstream. Simplest is a single Barton Marina on a low loader to an Belgian border, the bigger the gauge button box you press when passing address in France we had absolutely and the less emphasis on the plaisan- the ‘ICI’ sign with its short range no knowledge of. cier, the leisure boater. Commercial aerial. Fine, but you have to back up I am sure as boat owners, read- barges carry grain, aggregate, scrap if it doesn’t work. Others have two ers will empathise. When we caught metal and other bulk cargoes. We buttons: Montant (up); and Avalant up with her, we found our little have however found considerable ship floating on the river Yonne in camaraderie between vessels over Burgundy, filthy and in need of re- seven times as long as they are wide construction after the journey. Once and barge crews will come out on settled, it was a very strange feeling deck to photograph us. at first waking up and finding the The standard gauge of the French coffee jar where we expected, but ‘narrow’ canals is just about double emerging to ‘Bonjour’ rather than ours in every dimension. Barges ‘Good Morning’. of this size are just about commer- French navigable rivers and ca- cially viable for carefully chosen nals were under the management of cargo types and routes, such as bar- one authority, VNF, so when we left ley from the Champagne region to the UK there was no need to consid- the breweries of Belgium. There’s er multi-authority licences like the also it seems a desire to raise the Gold Licence. Our full year’s Liberté level of the ‘Îles de France’ at the navigation permit, the vignette, was expense of surrounding country so barely a third of the BW licence barges carrying aggregate converge at the time, partly because they on Paris. charged by area rather than length. The one big difference between Since then VNF has adopted length British and continental cruising charging so there is less saving to be is that in Europe you are not ex- NABO News Issue 5 October 2021 NABO News Issue 5 October 2021 20 21 Le Boating In my Very 'umble Opinion

light will accompany it while the lock sets itself. “Once in the chamber, Has CRT forgotten to peruse When the red light goes all gate and paddle off you can enter. Once in nine-tenths of the data? the chamber, all gate and operations start when Ian Hutson shares some thoughts on boat spotters. paddle operations start when a rod in the lock a rod in the lock wall wall is lifted. There is an- ver received one of those about every boat’s position. A boat other rod to pull in case is lifted.” passive-aggressive, thor- is seen or it is not seen—i.e. logged of emergency, which stops oughly patronising, where moored or where positively everything. Larger locks joys of extended cruising—day and E incredibly annoying “Have not moored and thus—by an odd capable of penning several weekend cruising from boat clubs you forgotten to cruise…” emails rule of science called ‘Cold Hard M barges are controlled by a but rarely much further than that. from CRT? Spatial Reality’—unarguably located I HO Tube Gibbet human éclusier to save ar- The main pleasure users were the “Why gosh! Yes! Something’s somewhere else. guments. Dutch and Belgians in steel cruisers, been nagging at me for a while now That I was also apparently not Further south and west and quite frequently sailing craft en that I just couldn’t put my finger on seen by any other patrol anywhere there are more pleasure- route to the Mediterranean, from as and then your email arrived and I re- else is probably rare but not too sur- oriented waterways, far north as Scandinavia. The French membered! Cruising! So that’s why prising because I cruise on a totally where locks are manned are boating more now. I’m on a boat…” toss-of-a-coin whim, and towpath and the traffic includes I am afraid my interest in the po- Nobody knows exactly how of- walkers—well, who knows what they hire cruisers and hotel litical side of waterways was retired ten, or with what regularity, the do? boats. Management of when I left NABO, so I am no expert towpath walkers walk the towpath Our meeting is never guaranteed. these is increasingly being on the relationship between VNF and I suspect that rural ‘cowpat’ ar- It is also immaterial; CRT still knew devolved to local authori- and the users. My French isn’t up to eas are patrolled less frequently than positively that I’d moved at least the ties or tourist boards. The it, so I rely on the Barge Association the ‘cor blimey guv, my old man’s a distance covered by those interven- River Somme is run this (DBA) to champion our cause at dustman’ places, such as London. ing Middlewich Branch patrols. way too. meeting level. On a day to day basis, Not long ago The System appar- There’s no need for extra staff or The zapper has an ear Moorings and facili- when things go wrong the little white ently logged me just twice during my even for changing the way sightings splitting sound which we ties are not usually owned by VNF van usually arrives quite promptly cruising in a six-month period, once are logged. All that is needed is to attempted to moderate with but provided by private enterprise after a phone call. Most towpaths are either side of Cholmondeston Lock regard not seeing a boat on any par- the cork! or local authorities. Some are free to fit to drive along and lengths and wa- (albeit headed in opposite directions ticular patrol as a positive item of encourage visitors, but many charge, ter levels are usually inspected daily and weeks apart). I duly received my hard data. either for the mooring or based on where commercials ply. passive-aggressive (but mostly just The Big Throbbing Electric Brain your use of hook-up and/or mains We haven’t been boating this year plainly-aggressive) “we assume all at the (stone-cold) heart of CRT’s water. If you want to overnight for because of Covid restrictions, so I boaters without a home mooring are system could then use equally cold free it is possible on commercial can’t answer first-hand the question highly reluctant in matters of cruis- logic and think to itself: “Hmm—we canals at locks, providing you give many will ask: “How has Brexit af- ing” email. patrolled Canals A, B, C & D, and commercials priority. fected continental boating?” We used The presumption was that I hadn’t he wasn’t seen there, so he must be Mooring on-line is not advis- to cruise for four or more months a moved other than a few hundred on Canals E, F, G or H where we able unless it is well out of the way year and arrange l'hivernage (win- yards. Rural though Cholmondeston didn’t patrol this week—or else in a and your lines are anchored to ter mooring), at different locations may be, those two sightings were marina dry-dock out of sight, or on something capable of withstanding including Champagne, the Loire most certainly not from just two pa- the Canal du Midi, or bobbing about the draw of barges travelling at full valley and close to Strasbourg in the trols of that stretch of canal by the in the water at the base of the Trevi speed. You shouldn’t expect them to Alsace. Now we have a more or less spotters, and yet CRT ignores the Fountain in Rome—and they’re all slow but many do. Normally moor- permanent base half way between data from the patrols in-between X, Y or Z miles distant from his last ing is to bollards rather than rings, Paris and Calais which will be more when I was positively seen to not be known position and/or none of our but in France there is much less convenient if we are limited to three there. business, so perhaps I won’t send bother with undesirables letting months. We have also made limited Every patrol of any and every that email...” craft loose. forays into Belgium and Germany stretch of canal on the entire system Maybe the Chairman’s nephew When we first arrived, it seemed and even had to use the Rhine; an from Tewitfield to Taunton always could undertake the necessary soft- the locals hadn’t discovered the experience I won’t want to repeat. collects one of two cold, hard facts ware changes. NABO News Issue 5 October 2021 NABO News Issue 5 October 2021 22TECHIE’S 23 Techies Corner

ome of you will gaining ascendency. There are boat have seen NABO’s builders successfully making these bulletin on sus- now and I’m sure they will become S tainable boating in more commonplace over the years. CORNER the future and our deci- However, we in NABO cannot see sion to push hydrotreated this becoming the practical way for- Aspects of boat design, vegetable oil (HVO) as the ward for us to support in the present best solution for boaters. economic and social climate. construction, equipment, This article is to put We have no idea what the future facilities or maintenance some flesh on the bones holds for us. The Government could of the bulletin article and ignore the boating world as being the reasons we have come not big enough to warrant looking to this decision. I will mainly be dis- at, or we could get caught up in a cussing electric and HVO as other total ban on the sale of diesel to any- potential fuels, like hydrogen and one; we just don’t know. The IWA fuel cells, are really just non-starters has come up with its ‘green future’ at present. document and CRT is in the pro- cess of writing its own, which will be interesting reading when it is pub- The green revolution lished and we have added our own view to the discussion. have no such standards. A battery Cory switches its traditional and boating The obvious future would seem The obvious future bank is what the builder decides to Thames tugs to biofuel to be electric. The technology is out put in, be it lithium, lead acid, AGM corygroup.co.uk/media/ there and well tested, but as you dig would seem to be news-insights/cory- John Devonald peers into his crystal ball. or whatever. In most cases, charging deeper, the impracticability of full electric… comes from 16-amp bollards and a switches-iconic-thames- electrification on the canals and riv- full charge takes a long time. An all- tugs-biofuel-part-net-zero- Green has become one of the ers is almost insurmountable. First, excess of £15,000 and looking at my electric trip boat in our marina uses drive Photo: Cory Group most important topics over the last what parallels can we draw with own boat I can well imagine it. My both a 32-amp and a 16-amp sup- few years with the Government the car industry? Well, not so many engine space is tiny with no room for ply to fully charge its battery bank making promises to cut carbon foot- actually. Cars have a finite life, 15 a battery bank, even with the diesel overnight, which brings us nicely prints, plastic waste and emissions. or 20 years after the Government engine removed. It would have to be onto the biggest obstacle to electric We have seen political demonstra- implements its ‘no more inter- structurally modified to fit the bat- boats: charging. How can you charge tions, the results of climate change nal combustion engined cars’ teries where my bedroom now is. up when on the cut? There is talk in the weather, and the rise of the policy. Most of them will have been Not ideal as I would have to totally from some quarters about a mas- electric car as the future of motoring scrapped and the fuel industry won’t reconfigure my accommodation. sive electrification of the waterways, in the UK. Inland waterways users make enough to keep petrol stations Electric cars are designed and with power bollards springing up are going to be caught up in this spi- open, so that will hasten their de- built to certain standards. The bat- at all the popular moorings so peo- ral towards the green future so we mise. Boats last much longer. Even teries are designed to take fast ple can recharge their boats. In an need to try and move this in a direc- ignoring heritage boats, there are charges safely, so in modern cars you ideal world that might be a feasible tion that we boaters are comfortable many from the 70s and 80s still go- can get to something like 80% charge proposition, but CRT is struggling to with, both in the ‘green’ aspect and ing strong and will be for many more in 30 minutes and also charge them maintain the present system, so any the financial implications. years. You cannot expect boaters to overnight off a home charger. Boats electrification would have to be gov- As mentioned, the future of mo- replace perfectly good boats, which ernment financed. I do not see why toring is electric. The government in some cases are their homes, …but the biggest it would do that for a relatively small has said no new diesel and petrol with new ones costing in excess of number of boaters when they haven’t cars will be allowed after 2030 and £100,000. It’s just not going to hap- obstacle to electric yet done anything for people with many manufacturers will soon make pen. boats is charging. How electric cars who don’t have drive- only electric and hybrid cars. Some The alternative would be con- ways on which to recharge them. If it people think the future of boating verting your boat to electric. I have can you charge up happens, they will be so few and far on the inland waterways will mirror been told that the cost to do that between as to be practically useless, this, with hybrid and electric boats to a conventional boat would be in when on the cut? NABO News Issue 5 October 2021 NABO News Issue 5 October 2021 24 25 Techies Corner

of microbial growth (diesel bug) and NABO has concluded that HVO as a water ingress to which standard die- sel products can be susceptible. This Rewind direct replacement for diesel fuel will means you have less exposure to fuel Issue No 5, 2006 allow the continuation of boating as we contamination and less risk when Howard Anguish explores NABO News from 15 years ago storing it for long periods of time. want it. From one of the websites promoting HVO, the benefits of this fuel are: Chairman’s Column. One for the significant part of the water- except as eco-points like the London FAME-free, fossil-free and sul- ‘Where did things go so wrong way network. moorings. An electric canal system phur-free; department’? Stuart Sampson, Even more relevant to- is going to limit people to marina Year-round performance and Chairman, comments about mem- day, Stuart Sampson sums moorings and short trips within the exceptional cold-weather perfor- bers he met on a recent cruise up his article with an appeal range of the battery bank. How the mance; bemoaning the scarcity of the ‘lesser for boaters to spend more 5,000 or so continuous cruisers will Up to 90% reduction in green- spotted lengthsman’. time exploring this under- manage in this situation is question- house gas emissions; This led to a telling comment visited part of the system. able as even the biggest solar array is Shelf-life of up to ten years com- which I quote: ‘one hears, at least ‘Obviously I am appealing not going to stand a chance of keep- pared to one year for mineral once a year, that there is a breach or here to the canal enthusiast, ing the batteries charged, except diesel; catastrophic failure somewhere on but the area has much for maybe in mid-summer. A simple step towards ‘net zero’ the system. This isn't confined to BW; others too, concerts and the- Along with electric, let’s look at with no capital expenditure re- the collapse of Osney Lock bullnose atre in central Birmingham hybrid boats. These will work. You quirement; last year (2005) shows it happens within a short walk of your have batteries and when they be- 100% hydrocarbon, sustainable, to the EA too. Immediately it jumps floating accommodation. come depleted you either have a renewable and biodegradable; to mind that if the waterways were Restaurants and shop- small diesel generator to recharge Clean burning, reducing particu- properly inspected, a 'stitch in time ping too, and more retail them or you plug into a power point. late build-up and engine wear; might save nine'. therapy at Merry Hill. The Figures from testing show this to be Drop-in alternative for mineral My only comment: ‘At least once Black Country Museum is more efficient than a conventional diesel (conforming to EN15940) a year!’ Oh, how I wish that this was a must. If you want to es- narrowboat and you have the abil- and approved by numerous origi- still the case! CRT take note. cape congestion, get away ity to run emission-free when going nal equipment manufacturers; Further comments in his column from lines of unauthorised through cities and locks. Of course, Produced from renewable and refer to issues of speed and noise— residential boats or other on-line the problem with hybrid boats is you sustainable sources. especially the ‘nasty little petrol moorings, or you feel the challenge still need diesel. In the event of a to- Of course, what we are really in- generators... deliberately placed far has gone from boating, try boating tal diesel ban they are rendered as terested in are its green credentials from the offending boat, hence as the BCN properly, not just rushing obsolete as a conventional boat. and the fact that it is a direct re- near to you as possible’. through as fast as possible. We need At NABO, we have come to the placement for mineral diesel with Despite being well discussed over to keep reminding the planners and conclusion that only a direct re- no machinery modifications. Also, the years I have been boating—near- powers-that-be that canals were dug placement for diesel fuel is going to it doesn’t cost too much more than ly 50 years—neither of these issues for boats.’ allow the continuation of boating as mineral diesel at 10—15% more ex- ever seem to be resolved. A purely Rivers During June 2006 the River we want it. HVO fits the bill. It is a pensive. biased view, but I wish more boat- Thames catchment received only paraffinic diesel fuel that can be used To summarise we really cannot ers would concentrate on learning 31% of its normal rainfall with a sig- as a direct replacement for mineral see a downside to HVO except the the basics of boating and boating nificant decline in river flows. diesel. It is a fossil-free, low carbon higher cost. There is already a fuel etiquette and worry slightly less This led to an application for product made from 100% renew- boat on the Thames supplying it about making their new boats match a Drought Order for London and able waste, residues and vegetable and its introduction means no huge their houses as closely as possi- NABO joined in the call for boat- oils. It gives sizeable reductions in expense to CRT, the Government, ble. Let’s start a campaign ‘Bring ers to use water wisely, reiterating greenhouse gas and exhaust emis- marinas and, most importantly, Back Boatmanship’. How about it, the appeals for care and considera- sions. It also significantly reduces us boaters. Therefore it is NABO’s Council? (Rant over) tion when boating the Thames, with NABO News back issues nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and choice for the future and we hope Why fear the BCN? A fascinating a number of ways in which boaters are available online at nabo.org.uk/index. particulate matter. As HVO has no other organisations will agree and and comprehensive article extols could help in keeping the unneces- the virtues of the BCN in all its glo- sary use of water—especially when php/reference/nn-back- fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) con- join us in promoting HVO for sus- issues-2 tent, it significantly reduces the risk tainable boating. ry, a less well known but historically using locks—to a minimum. NABO News Issue 5 October 2021 NABO News Issue 5 October 2021 26 27 Have Your Say Letters to the Editor

T&Cs (2) people I meet may have challenges to their phys- Letters to the Editor ical and mental health. This has been the same Opinions expressed here are independent Many thanks for all your work. A brief reply when we have encountered CRT volunteers who of NABO policy and statements made have on your request re CRT's T&Cs: Yes, absolute- may find decision making a challenge or have ly I agree that this is an important matter for not been verified as true difficulties with communication. The assump- NABO to concentrate resources on and continue tion that instructions must be followed from a monitoring and holding CRT to account. I was volunteer who may have very limited boating New national park to be joint members from the early days and still flabbergasted to read what they had put in after experience, or other compromises to their cog- believe that NABO is the only national organisa- the consultation. My suspicion is that no other I found the piece on a new national park inter- nitive ability, is very alarming. tion with boaters’ interests of primary concern. boaters' organisations would check this and call One of the issues we had recently was with dou- esting. As a boater, I find the idea of making As a voluntary organisation it is quite remarka- it out, and it is so important to many, potentially the canal network a new national park very ap- ble locks on the Grand Union canal when, if ble what so few of you have achieved. Regrettably very many, individual boaters who stand to lose there is only one boat going up in the lock, open- pealing if this would have a separate managing the continued existence and influence of NABO their homes and lifestyles when these nasty lit- authority, solely charged with maintaining nav- ing the paddle a small amount on the side the is ever more important. We thank you all, past tle changes will be used to catch them out in the boat wishes to exit allows the water flowing in igation, the canal infrastructure and boating and present, for all your hard work on our behalf future. Whether it's down to incompetence or services. It is clear that the current CRT mod- to gently bring the boat to the side of the lock and wish you every success in the future. Take deliberate attempts to change the T&Cs in CRT's without getting off and handling ropes or exces- el based on creating wellbeing projects in order care, stay safe and enjoy your boating. favour—who knows, probably a combination of to secure government funding will gradually, or sive use of the engine. The paddles can then be Terry Lomas, Membership No. 406. both—it needs timely intervention and rigorous- fully opened to speed up filling of the lock and not so gradually, marginalise boaters and there ly calling out every time. I don't think IWA or will never be sufficient funds allocated to provide the boat doesn’t get bounced around at all. This RBOA have the will to do this, and my feeling is makes a much smoother passage for all those on preventive maintenance to keep the canals open Birmingham towpaths that this isn't NBTA's strength either. I have al- for boating, and CRT will go on selling the family board. We have encountered volunteers who in- ways seen this holding of BW/CRT to account as sist on opening both paddles fully straight away silver until it is all gone. Here in Birmingham our superb high speed cy- one of NABO's biggest strengths and the main The idea floated at the time of CRT coming into cle tracks (a.k.a towpaths) have developed some “because that is the way they do it”, despite our one which I bang on about to other boaters when request for them not to do this. This means the being was that canals could use the National serious faults with large cracks appearing on given the chance. Trust model, with funding being raised from the Worcester and Birmingham Canal close to boat can be tossed all over the place which is un- Thanks and best wishes necessary and uncomfortable for those on board donations and licence charges. This was clearly Bournville and University Railway Stations. The Ellen Dexter flawed as all the canal users except boaters ex- damage occurred in April last year with CRT as well as potentially causing damage. pect free access to the canals at all times and the making a ‘temporary’ repair about two months We also encountered a volunteer who was sup- posed to be assisting our passage down the Friends of the waterways seem to be few and far later. This is now getting worse. T&Cs (3) between. The problem would be in the allocation Another ‘temporary’ repair was made to the tow- Hatton Locks but whose inability to be proac- of funding to two bodies for the canal network path by Selly Oak winding hole about ten years The clause 11.2 which is causing concern to tive in seeing what needed to be done next or rather than one and, as the Government may ago! Also, a section of the towpath by Bristol NABO regarding the statement that boaters make decisions impeded our journey rather view dealing with one authority for canals as one Road Bridge has disappeared! I think CRT has must follow the instructions of volunteers is than helped it. When faced with a half full lock too many, the idea would surely be kicked out lost the plot and need to get their priorities right. something that as regular boaters we would be and a boat going up and a boat going down—he into the long grass on the canal towpaths. Given that some of the lycra clad cyclists seem concerned about. The employment of volun- just stood and looked at it leaving us to decide Stuart Clarke to think that they are competing in the Tour de teers by the CRT is an admirable community who had right of way. He spent a lot of time just France, it won't be long before a serious accident initiative which has huge benefits for both the standing muttering to himself. happens. Has similar deterioration been seen organisation and waterways users. However in Two small issues which were not a matter of life Farewell elsewhere? our experience, the ability and competence of and death but I am sure other boaters will have Mike Russell, Gas Street Basin those volunteers assigned to manage the pas- the same concerns raised by NABO; and the issue Sadly, we have sold our boat NB ‘Break-Away’ sage of boats through locks in particular is very about insurance is valid. The owner or skipper and as we have moved on in a different direction, variable. Whilst they may have undergone train- should be in charge of their vessel at all times. I membership of NABO is no longer appropri- T&Cs (1) ing and supervision to undertake their volunteer can understand both sides of the argument, how- ate for us. We now find canalling too strenuous role, as with any job, the ability of people to car- ever, because we do meet boaters whose lack of and, no longer being able to maintain the boat What you are doing on CRT’s proposed new ry out their assigned tasks varies considerably. experience or understanding leads them to poor as well as I would wish, have decided it's time to terms and conditions is terrific. All boaters owe Employment of volunteers has to include access decision making as well and a CRT volunteer is give up. The continued lack of maintenance and you huge thanks. It is all too typical of bodies to the scheme by anyone who meets basic crite- in an ideal position to help put things right and frequent failures on the system have contributed these days to try to slip in changes under the ria. As a health professional with more than 40 give advice. Once again, it may be a question of to this and, to us, there seems a different atmos- radar which often seem uncontentious. A huge years’ experience in the NHS and latterly work- semantics and how CRT has worded this clause phere around the inland waterways than there eroding of trust results. ing in the community as a Specialist Community which needs to be reviewed. was 30 plus years ago. It has been our pleasure Robert Neff, Mercia Marina Public Health Nurse (HV) I often recognise when Liz Sargent, NB Inglewood NABO News Issue 5 October 2021 NABO News Issue 5 October 2021