cB) 2 NATIONALASSOCIATION OF BOAT OWNERS
NEWSLETTER a February 1995
[Editor's comment | Newsletter... 1 : Editor's comment...... 4 It is good to know that we can . : provide a channel of comm- Chairman's comment ...... 2 unication between members - N@WS ees 2-13 whether it be in solving a prablem Council meeting...... 3 (see letters) or in collecting oo statistics (see good idea on page Navigation Forum...... 3 14). The next idea is to publish BW Users meeting ...... 6 members' small ads - an easy BW BIL... 8 way to sell that unwanted gas fire _ perhaps? Details on page 14. BW Managers meeting ...10 In the other direction, we are NABO Business...... 14-16 again asking for your help. If you Reports... 17-18 have not already done so, it is A BON Tout ..ecccccccsecceces 17 time to pester your MP! The Environment Bill needs amend- OMENS... eee tenets 19 ment and there is just time to.add NABO representatives...... 20 your voice to the mass protest.
Published by
Whilst every care is taken to ensure that the contents of the Boater are National Association of factually correct, we accept no liability for any direct or consequential joss Boat Owners arising from any action taken by anyone as a result of reading anything contained in this publication. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Association.
NEWS
|Chairman’s comment
1995 has started with a flurry emerging as an Act on the 16th oft activity. January is the British Waterways BW have held a Managers’ General Powers Bill, now the Conference and a Major Users’ British Waterways Act 1995. Most Conference, at both of which of the implications of this have NABO was in attendance, and we yet to emerge. have had the first National Users What is known is that the only Forum for navigational interests, duty to immediately take effect on jointly arranged by NABO and the the Board is the general IWA. environmentai duty. The other We are also still going through duties and powers are the turmoil of the Environment discretionary and will onty Bill {previously called the commence when BW choose to Environment Agency Bill - don’t eniorce them. ask me why they had to change This means that the the name!). This is going through requirements for 3rd party Parliament at high speed - insurance and boat standards though not as high a speed as | have not yet come into effect. thought it would be. Having - The notice period for the looked at the options, it is clear introduction of standards of 12 that we should support the. months for boats built on or after amendments being sponsored by ist January 1970 (and 24 months the BMIF, RYA and IWA. Their for boats built before) will only access to a Parliamentary Agent commence when BW have gat and other organisational the inspector scheme up and resources, and the non existence running with the inspectors in of a petitioning mechanism, place. It is probable that the means that our cause is best requirement for 3rd Party served by supporting their insurance will come in at the amendments which have the best same time as boat standards. chance of being adopted. We will of course keep you Rather slower than the informed ot developments as they Environment Bill, but finally occur. NEWS
\View from the Council meeting held on 14th January, 1995
Moley, having been unable to the House of Lords, Council are mind his own listening equipment on the bail and working with other at the last Council meeting, boating groups to try and put asked me to give it the once over. Navigation on the new Agency’s They seem to be a fairly busy lot. tist of tasks. Gilad I’m not the A Parliamentary Waterway House of Commons postie. Group meeting (which NABO had Dredging also surfaced, with a attended) had been given a BW commitment to dredge to presentation by Audrey Lees of original profiles where the silt IWAAC. It seems likely that there was easy to get rid of, otherwise will be a new IWAAC strategy itll depend on how much they document in the Spring, with the can afford to tip. | thought Muck emphasis on heritage. Us Zimmer and Brass went about together. frame boaters might even get Heard something too about a looked after then! Pity is that Broads rep; nearly volunteered IWAAC no longer sees its role as until | found out they meant a watchdog to bark at those who Norfolk (too near Essex for me). endanger the waterways; never But there must be someone out mind though, NABO is still here! there who could spread our The Environment Bill got message in East Anglia - write to talked about almost as much as Jon Darlington if you could help. mooring charges, but with this Bill There’s a lot of boats on them having passed its 2nd Reading in Broads. - Ratty
[National Navigation Forum |
On the 2ist January the There was an overwhelming leading national user groups with consensus that such a network of a primary interest in navigation communication would be of great met in Birmingham at the joint benefit to user groups. It was invitation of NABO and the IWA decided that the main purpose of to discuss their mutual interests the forum was as a means of and to see if regular meetings communication between user like this would be useful. groups so that we are all made NEWS
|National Navigation Forum (continued)
aware of events of mutual horizon is the DoE review of interest that come to the attention navigation which is expected to of any one of the groups. go to the Minister next week It was also decided that the before being printed and group should meet from time to distributed in the next two or time, probably quarterly, with the three weeks. This may effect the provision that additional meetings whole way navigation operates would be arranged if something and who will do the operating. arose which needed a quick Clearly a consensus view about response. the way forward would be better than tragmented views. The The group will not be issuing forming of the National mandates on tis own, and no Navigation Forum will have come chairman wili be permanenily just in time to help make a appointed, so that each member concensus view possible. group can act on its own behalf. Attending organisations: One immediate benefit of the meeting is that the group are Association of Pleasure Craft Operators (APCO) considering the BW Act 1995 and Association of Waterway Cruising the associated legally binding - Clubs (AWCC) undertakings, and statements of | intent. British Marine Industries Federation (BMIF) Another immediate benefit is Canal Boatbuilders Association that the group communication (CBA) network has enabled consensus Commercial Narrowboat on the way forward on the Operators Association (CNOA) Environment Bill. There is historic Narrow Boat Owners’ general support tor the Club (HANBOC) IWA/RYA/BMIF amendments put Inland Waterways Association forward in the House of Lords. (IWA) This consensus of support will NABO hopefully improve the chances of Residential Boat Owners the amendments being passed. Association (RBOA) The next problem on the Royal Yachting Association (RYA)
NEWS
Background to the Forum
Some significant events of the being formed, which resulted in last few years have shown the the meeting on 21st January. For desirability for co-ordination this, thanks go to Michael between ail boating interests on Stimpson who worked hard at the Iniand Waterways. For promoting dialogue between the example, the passage of the two groups, and to David British Waterways Bill, the Stevenson, who as the previous introduction of boat standards, IWA chairman made the meetings and most recently the advent of possible. the Environment Bill. It is perhaps surprising that All these are examples of “the there are so many national user powers that be” wielding their groups, but each one has come power without proper regard for about to fill a particular niche for user interests. They (BW and a particular reason. Each has its Government) are bodies with own agenda, but all have an immense power and resources overriding common interest in which individual user groups are navigation on the’ inland unable to match. What has added waterways. to their power is the fact that Navigation is under threat there are so many bodies from various angles. For speaking for different example, we have seen BW navigational interests on the shifting away from navigation intand waterways. The different towards developing other messages sent cut by users activities on their waterways. The gives Government and removal of a significant number Navigation Authorities the idea of “boaters” from IWAAC appears that users don’t really know what to be evidence of this change. they want, and the excuse to There are even more sérious impose their own solutions on threats to navigation by so called them. environmentatists, and the It was with this in mind that Environment Bill will leave the IWA and NABO met together navigation totally unprotected on and explored the possibility of a the waterways currently operated Forum of national user groups by the NRA.
NEWS
Background to the Forum (continued)
With the future of navigation unication. Specific instances being the subject of a were discovered where NABO consuitation document soon to be and the IWA had apparently been released from the DoE, we are told very different things by BW potentially facing one of the most on the same subjects. Because important changes to inland there was previousiy no navigation since the passing of mechanism for communication the Transport Act in 1968. If we between users, one group could are to get what is best for be set off against another, navigation it is vital that users making all of them tess effective. agree on what they want, and are The last point in favour of the seen to agree. Forum is that one group may There is one other matter identify a problem which affects which came to light during the us all, but which then could fail to NABOHWA talks which get the attention it deserves strengthened the resolve to because it is being dealt with improve inter-user comm- solely by that group.
BW Users Meeting in Watford: Jon Darlington reports
Apparently for the first time for was to discuss the matters of a while, BW held a consultation concern te users. meeting for the chairmen of major The first item on the Agenda user groups in Watford. It was was the BW Act 1995. Some attended by IWA, BMIF, APCO, concern was expressed by the AWCC, RYA, NFA and NABO for Board that the powers of the the users and Bernard Hend- Board to control moorings had erson (Chairman), Brian Dice been lost. This concern was {Chief Executive), lan Valder shared by a number of others too {Commercial Director), Stewart (you may remember the clause Sim, Ken Dodd and Jim Kelly for which allowed BW to fine people BW. The purpose of the meeting whe moored contrary to notices
NEWS
IBW Users meeting in Watford (continued) a restricting mooring, such discussed. It was decided that restrictions being for the there was need for another purposes of safety or of meeting to clear up some of the preventing congestion}. The difficulties that had arisen in the clause was withdrawn after the way it was being operated. House of Commons decided that One of the questions which it shouldn't be a criminal offence, was discussed was which but without penalties BW claim it organisations should be invited to is of no use to them. this meeting. | suggested that all The problem now is that BW areas of activity should be intend to introduce the powers of represented which should include that clause which they have lost residential boaters (RBOA), by means of a byelaw, and are commercial boats (CNOA) and currently reviewing the byelaws the historic boaters (hNBOC). generally. There seemed to be some We have previously asked to reluctance to increase the be kept informed of byelaw numbers above those that were alterations and are particularly there, which makes me wonder concerned that byelaws are not why the question was asked. used to create more onerous Another main issue to be powers than were included in the coming up shortly is the pricing of Bill. This is an area we will licences. BW gave an pursue. undertaking 3 years ago to keep The question of consultation prices in line with inflation and came up with reference to the have done so, dut the three years Managers Conference {see report expire in January 1996. They are on Page 10}. It appears that now looking at whether there may consultation procedures are be alternative ways of charging going to be looked at again taking for use of the canals and have into account comments made by asked users to come up with Audrey Smith ((WA Chairman) ideas. If any of you can suggest and myself at the Conference. any equitable method of charging for the use of the canals piease The moorings matrix was also let Jon Darlington know.
NEWS
|The BW Bill becomes an Act - what next? by Stephen Peters
The General Powers Bill be understood when one which BW promoted finally considers the shambolic way in received Royal Assent on 16 which the proposals were January 1995 - and is now the promulgated some 4 years’ ago. British Waterways Act 1995. Owners of most canal boats it is timely, therefore, to will generaily have little difficulty consider practical implications of in meeting the requirements of the new Act for boat owners - the Standards which are based especially those with older craft on the long-standing construction or river boats. standards applied to hire craft. The Act contains far-reaching However, older craft may need provisions affecting land owners, modification work in order to houseboat dwellers and comply. The biggest problems customers wishing to moor tor will occur with river and sea- short stay or longer term on BW going boats - those on the waterways. But the greatest Severn and Trent, for example. It impact is likely to be felt by remains the case that these craft owners of boats on the river are allowed to navigate on the navigations controlled by BW. _ high seas (if their owners wish), but are considered ‘unsafe’ for The timetable for imple- - use on inland waterways. mentation of Boat Standards has . not yet been announced but the The problem has arisen Act does give some indication. It because BW originally intended is likely that boats up to 25 years’ that Boat Safety Standards would old will be required to comply be applied only to canals, and with Boat Safety standards in would be phased in gradually on 1996. With the deadline now only rivers. This would have given a matter of months away it is owners the opportunity to alter surprising how many owners their craft during refits, and have so far ignored the would have given the marine implications. Some through trade time to adapt to the new ignorance, and some with the regime. The first draft standards attitude “wait and see what contained draconian proposals happens’. The latter attitude can which frightened many river boat
NEWS
The BW Bill becomes an Act - what next? (continued) users. It is true that the BMIF incident occurring. subsequently helped to reduce A secondary problem is likely unnecessary requirements but to arise from the requirement for the lack of an orderly and compulsory Third Party insurance meaningful consultation process, cover. Many craft are presently coupled = with inadequate not insured, and one does not communication, has resulted in generally fear the unknown very little prior preparation taking presence of such craft. Many may place. New craft are still being be uninsurable for one reason or sold for river use without another and defore such cover complying with the Standards. can be abtained owners may Some manufacturers even charge have to pay for expensive extra for a fire extinguisher! surveys and associated costs. So what will really happen? What prior thought has been Some owners have already given to this potential probiem by taken the decision to leave BW insurers and professional bodies? waters and base larger craft in There is likely to be a coastal! marinas. Others have considérable flurry of activity said they will take no action during the next 12 to 18 months whatsoever, and will continue to as everyone's minds become use their boats without a licence. concentrated on the issues. (NABO would not condone any NABO will be at the forefront of such licence evasion.) The end efforts to safeguard the interests result will be many disillusioned of its members and boat owners boat owners who are forced to in general. The small print and give up their chosen leisure complex clauses and schedules activity. And fewer craft will use of the new Act offer some hope BW waterways. It would be tragic that implementation of the indeed if a boat owner who had legisiation may not be as been forced to move his boat to straightforward as the authorities the coast were to be involved in a hope. More of this anon! fatality due to inexperience or the Finally, we do not yet know natural perils of the sea, but one how the NRA (or its successor can almost predict such an the Environment Agency) wil! NEWS
|The BW Bill becomes a Act - what next? (continued)
implement the Boat Standards on comments on potential or real its rivers, although Thames problems arising from the new Region has announced that the legislation. And we look forward Boat Standards came into force to increasing our membership on the River Thames on ist amongst concerned river users January this year (1995). throughout the country so that we NABO will be seeking a can fight on their behalf. meeting at the highest !evel to if you have any commenis to clarify the situation for owners of make or problems to report craft on the Nene, Ouse and concerning the new Boat Safety Medway and other river Standards, please contact navigations controlied by the Stephen Peters if your boat is on NRA. a river, or Nigel Parkinson if you In the meantime, we would aré a canal boat owner (contact welcome your views and addresses on back cover).
IBW Managers Meeting: Jon Darlington gets a good dinner
lt was something of a surprise | | chose to speak on the ta me to be invited by BW to talk . subject of consultation (why to their managers at their training- would | want to do that? | hear conference near Northampton on you ask) and having started | 17th January. wondered if it was a good choice. Although there were a few The opportunity for bending friendly faces, it was clear that the ears of all the waterway managers at once was one not to there were others who were less than enthusiastic. be missed, so ! accepted the challenge and attended the Fortunately looking ai a sea of function. restrained antagonism didn't put me off the dinner that followed. The other guest speakers What surprised me about that were Audrey Smith of the IWA and Ken Bali of the National dinner was that with the array of Federation of Anglers. cutlery | started with, | don't see
10
NEWS
BW Managers meet'g (cont) | \Grand Union South meeting
how | ended up with two forks Nikki Timbrell attended the and a teaspoon to eat my lastest GU South User Group “pudding” with - | chese the meeting (otherwise known as teaspoon rather than using the Chris Mitchell's soirée) on Jan three implements together! 30th at Marsworth. These events Being placed next to Bernard are now to take place three times Henderson at the dinner, | had an a year. Attendance was good opportunity to find out more about considering ihat BW failed to him. He is a friendly, genial man announce the time or venue! with a sense of humour but he Dredging, the main issue of has a strong sense of purpose the last meeting, was given a and seems to believe in an brief update. BW have decided autocratic style of management. on the profile to be used on the He also seems to be going to get Grand Union - 4’6" over a 20’ more directly involved than his channel, tapering to 2’-3’ at the predecessor did. We can only towpath edge, and to various wait and see how we get on in depths according to circum- the long term. stances on the offside. Narrow | must confess to being sur- eanals will have a 10' channel. prised by the NFA chairman Ken The dredging budget has been Ball. Like many boaters | have increased, but it will take a long developed a negative attitude time. It is, however, an improve- tewards anglers, but if all boaters ment on the original proposals. and angiers were as reasonable BW are over the moon (sorry, and sensible as Ken Baill, there but they really are!) about their would never be another dispute new Act. They are delighted that between the two groups! they can now have a right of All in all, | think there was a access across land to get io the benefit to NABO in attending the canal bank, and sadly also conference, and inviting users to delighted that they wiil eventually speak does show a willingness be in a position to refuse a boat a on the part of BW to listen, which licence if all the conditions we should somehow try to (insurance, Safety Certificate and encourage. mooring) are not met. 11
NEWS
IGU South meeting (cont) [Mr Finch
GU(S) are first tackling the lf you moor your boat in the problem of unauthorised Midlands, you have probably moorings. BW have had to give heard of Mr Finch. He is an an undertaking that they will not accomplished boat thief, who refuse a licence to any boat on breaks in with the minimum of the system last October just damage, takes only clothes, food because it does not currently and alcohol, and then moves on, have an authorised mooring.. sometimes walking up to 20 or 30 There are 248 boats in this miles to the next boat. He is well category in GU(S), and the known to the Police, but very meeting was invited to come up difficult to catch. He is known to with ideas to solve the problem of have been as far south as how moorings could be provided Marsworth and Kidlington, north for these boats. ideas ranged to Foxton and the Ashby and trom leaving the boats where Coventry canals. He also they are, but levying a charge, to operates in the Shropshire Union designating moorings for groups area north of Birmingham, and of 10-12 boats, to using mooring was once arrested in Crewe. charges to subsidise the building Recently (last week of January) of more marinas - these are he has been in Blisworth and currently uneconomic due to. Braunston. BW’s enormous ‘connection. British Waterways in charges’. Sensitivity was Braunston, with the co-operation suggested in dealing with boaters of the Daventry Police who are (new idea for BW). Chris Mitchell co-ordinating the search for this has gone away to think. man, are now offering a reward of A quick resumé of the £100 for information leading to engineering works in the area his arrest. They hope that by {currently problems with too publicising his existance, he will much water!), the obligatory at least discover that everyone is discussion about dog dirt, and a loaking out for him, and will be tew local questions concluded the deterred. Otherwise, even a meeting, apart from a bit of tea prison sentence may only be a and gossip. brief respite. 12 NEWS
Mr Finch (continued)
Identification How to protect your boat Tony Finch is 5°10", balding, Lights are the best deterrent, with scruffy long fairish hair, blue but failing that, good security. He eyes and various amounts of will smash a padlock, rather than beard. He is in his early 50s, pick it, so a short shackle padlock walks with a slight limp and a on a metal bar is recommended. stoop from the pack on his back. Window shutters inside or outside He nearly always wears a hat, can be effective. Alternatively, and up to 4 layers of waterproofs. remove all food and drink and But his chief characteristics are leave a note in the window to say that he is usually drunk, and so (not guaranteed, but worth a smells strongly. try). He breaks into boats by first What to do if your beat is trying the doors, but if he cannot burgled by Mr Finch break a door lock will break a Please report this to the Police window. He does no more {either Daventry (0327) 300300 damage than is necessary, and or your local Police station) as leaves everything tidy when he soon as possibile. Keeping track laaves. He is primarily after of him is important. alcoho! (whisky and rum, but not vodka or gin), but also takes What to do If you see Mr Finch food, batteries for his Walkman, Ring 999. He is a wanted man binoculars, waterproofs and other by the Police Forces of clothes, but rarely anything else. Staffordshire, Northamptonshire He often carries his takings away and Warwickshire, for breaking in a pillowcase. !f he is very his Probation conditions. If drunk, he may sleep in a boat. He possible keep him in sight. He is is very good at escaping not known to be dangerous, but . detection, moving around at dawn should only be approached if or dusk, and breaking in without a there are more than two people sound in the early hours of the available to detain him. And if morning. The canals are his main you succeed in getting him transit route, but he does take to arrested, call BW Braunston to the fields too. claim your £100!
13
NABO BUSINESS
|Advertising in the NABO Newsletter |
Now we have allowed proper obtained from the Editor, Nikki time for members to comment on Timbrell (address on back page). the issue of advertising in the Members wishing to use the NABO Newsletter, the Council pages of the Newsletter to have formally adopted the policy advertise boating merchandise that advertising will be allowed. for sale, or services wanted, are Display advertisements wili be welcome to send a few well- available in units of a quarter, chosen words to the Editor. This half or full page: details of rates service is free, but a small and copy requirements can be donation would be appreciated.
(Stone throwing: the next move
Bill Winterburn and the White would be an excellent idea, and Rose Boat Club in Wakefield will gladly co-ordinate a have come up with a good idea nationwide incident book. if your for recording stone-throwing and club or group is interested in other unhappy incidents on the pursuing this idea, and you would canais. On behalf of his Boat like a copy of the White Rose Club, Mr Winterburn keeps an Boat Club's incident sheet, incident book, compiled from please contact Nikki Timbrell.
reports sent to him on special incident sheets issued to Environment Bill members of the Club. He encourages members to report ali If you have not already done such incidents to BW and to the s0, please could you find time Police, and keeps a note of when to write to your MP concerning this was done (this can then be the amendments we are used in evidence against them). advocating to the Environment Mr Winterburn suggests that Bill. A sample letter was included in the last Newsletter: other clubs and groups of boaters copy this or use your own could do the same, and then annually send a copy of their words. There is still time before reports to NABO. We think this the Bill reaches the Commons.
14 NABO BUSINESS
INABO Sweatshirts - time to get fitted out for the summer
As reported in previous Newsletters, the NABO sweatshirt is now available with an embroidered logo and your boat name, as well as with printed logo (large or small). T-shirts and pennants are also available. They are good value, as the quality of T-shirts and sweatshirts used by the manufacturer is very good, and they wash and wear well!
T-SHIRTS Heavyweight cotton, only £7.50 each. Colours: while, rec, sunflower, navy, black, grey, bottle green, emerald. Sizes, small (36"-38"), medium (40"), large {44"), X-large (46"-48").
SWEATSHIRTS Heavyweight polycotton with either raglan or drop shoulder (please specify), only £12.50 each, or £17.50 with embroidered logo and boat name of up to 15 letters. Colours:white,red, sunflower, navy, black, royal, bottie green, charcoal, heather grey. Sizes:small (36"-38"), med (40"), large (44"), X-large (48"-50").
LOGOS Loge available on both in either black or white. Please state preference for large (futl chest) or small (pocket size, printed on left). Embroidered logo (small) + boat name available an sweaishirts only.
PENNANTS Pennantswith rope and toggie - only £8.00 Pate blue with biack loge.
Please turn over for order form
15
NABO BUSINESS
INABO Sweatshirt order form |
Please send completed order form, together with a cheque made payabie to the National Assiciation of Boat Owners, to Penny Barber,
item type
ltem colour
item size
Logo type
Logo colour
Logo size
Boat name
Price
Total Price: Your name, address and phone number:
16
REPORTS ita praise of BW! A BCN Tour by Chris Boxall: part 1
Last October half-term | had a that about 20% of the paddles did week spare, a boat and a crew. not work. There were no ‘BW So where to go? We decided to Aware’ labels on them. One lock do something we hadn't done did give us problems because the before, so we settled on a lesser only working paddie on the top used part of the BCN. Our route gate was the gate paddle! One from Solihull was the Grand feature of the Tame Valley is its Union to Spaghetti junction and duck weed - enough by each top then up the Tame Valley canal. gate to cover the canal for some Using the short Rushall canal we yards. This caused us no would connect to the Wyrley & problems but the dog was Essington to take us on ta confused and walked straight Wolverhampton. Down the onte/into(?) it. Initially the canal is Wolverhampton 21 would tead to surrounded by industry but this the Staffordshire & Worcester- guickly falls away, yielding to shire canal from where we could open spaces and housing. At return to the BCN via the Perry Barr top lock there are Stourbridge and Dudley canals. water and refuse facilities but no Well, the first bit was the sewage disposal. worst bit. The rubbish in the By mid afternoon we turned Grand Union resulted in several into the nearly straight Rushall stops to clear the propeller. canal. The condition of the locks Nothing unusual there then! At and the towpath was generally the end of the first day we were good and only one pound was near Spaghetti junction. We had low. From the dryness of the lock seen no other moving boats, but walls it looked as though no it had rained for much of the day. boats had passed this way for Next day dawned bright and several days. This canal is mainly Clear, and good weather and rural, except near the locks. in clear skies were to remain with the afternoon sun the views were us for most of the week. We very pleasant. At the top lock we turned into the Tame Valley passed from the Rushali to the canal. The 13 Perry Barr locks Wyrley & Essington canal. This were all in good condition except canal seems to take ‘contouring’
17 REPORTS
In praise of BW (continued)
to the limits with wide bends to dirtier. AS we approached Sneyd avoid ‘hils’ 15 ft high! By nightiali junction the houses feil away we had made Aldridge. Despite again and the rural nature of the the brilliant weather we had seen canal returned. At Sneyd there is only one boat - in the distance. the only sewage station we It's a day’s trip on the Wyrley encountered in 3 days on the from Aldridge to Wolverhampton. BCN. Definitely a bad point (my Initially we passed above large informant says you missed some grave! pits, attractive in their -camouflaged against vandals! deep red colours, then Catshill Ed) At Wednesfield junction we junction which is now the only inspected the site of the Bentley connection to Chasewater, but canal. Now all that remains is the originally was the main line down top half of the top lock. The rest about 30 locks to the Coventry has disappeared under some canal at Huddlesford junction. form of recent open cast Whilst industry is never far away workings or fandscaping. Earth the canal is principally rurat until moving machines were moving Walsall. At the junction with the over the line of locks like ants. Cannock extension at Pelsali We arrived at Wolverhampton top there is now a large open space lock just at dusk. The basin was so it is difficult to imagine the busy, but we wanted access to industry that was there a hundred Wolverhampton’s restaurants. years ago. Then there were 2 We had spent 3 days on the blast furnaces, 40 puddling BCN. Most of the route was rural, furnaces, 7 mills and forges, a and is to be recommended. The gas producing plant and fimekilns state of the locks was satisfactory and locomotive sheds ail in the and there was sufficient depth. immediate area (as my guide The only significant problem with book says). Near here we passed rubbish had been on the GU the first boat going in the other between Solihull and Camp Hill direction for 3 days! top. We had seen a total of 3 AS we approached Walsall boats moving. Now | like things to housing began to crowd the canal be quiet, but this is empty! and the water became noticably Continued in the next issue.
18 LETTERS
Vetus Bowprop problem solved: from a satisfied member
Thank you so much for ot confidence | had not previously publishing my letter concerning enjoyed. Thank you once again the Vetus Bowprop. | was con- for your indulgence and ca- tacted by many members and the operation. information received was most Mr J Clarke illuminating, and | would like to thank then publicly for their time The Old Coach House, Abberley, and effort. Worcs WR6 6BN. For anyone interested in the problem, namely the constant shearing of the bronze 3mm pin Look out for your wind from the mator drive to the gear generator! box, | have now had a modifi- cation done which gives me the A brief warning to other safety factor and yet the reliability members of NABO. Like many which | consider to be of the other boat owners | had a wind utmost importance to any generator to keep the batteries navigational aid. The remedy was on my boat topped up, and to fit an overload device rather unfortunately over the Christmas than a shear pin. Now if the prop period this was stolen (along with becomes obstructed the device its 8’ polel). will emit a sound like a icud rattler. This will tell me that i must The boat was moored in the not use it until the obstruction has iocal Marina, and although the been removed from the prop. generator and pole were not padlocked they were extensively lf any of our members are clamped,and the thieves just cut interested in the remedy, though | through the lead with a pair of admit rather costly, | will be only wirecutters. So a word of warning too pleased to give them the to everyone who has one of these address of the engineering expensive items - padiock company who gave so much time securely. and effort to solving the problem. Philip Douetil | look forward to being able to use this useful aid with a degree Pirbright, Surrey 19 NABO REPRESENTATIVES
|Council members contact addresses
Penny Barber (Rally organiser)
Phil Bland
Chris Boxall {Midlands rep) Jon Darlington (Chairman) Melanie Darlington (Treasurer) Roger Hancock (Secretary) Neil Hutchinson (Navigation Otficer/NW Rep) Mij Lambert. (Marketing Officer)
Peter Lea. (Vice Chairman/SE Rep Nigel Parkinson (Engineering Officer) Stephen Peters (River Users Co-ordinator) Christine Potter (Membership Secretary) John Rowland
Peter Sterry {NERep/Publicity) Nikki Timbrell (Newsletter Editor) 20