AWCC
South East Region Report to National AGM 24 March 2007
Ladies and Gentlemen
In the interests of time I have split this report into four short sections, which will, I hope, give an insight into the workings of the region.
One: - The Region Committee
The region had been operating without a secretary for the last two years, making administration and communication difficult. I am very pleased to say that this post has now been filled by Jenny Sullivan from Oundle Cruising Club. Jenny has made an immediate difference to the meetings and contacts with the clubs, and we look forward to a better-organised region. I can also report that John Brown from Northampton Boat Club has taken the post of Vice Chairman. John, an ex commodore of the club will bring much experience to the group, particularly in matters concerning the clubs on EA Waters.
The region meets at Northampton Boat Club one week prior to a National Meeting, and is well supported, with a couple of notable exceptions, by a loyal group of representatives. We hope to improve this in the near future.
Once again I would like to extend our gratitude to the Commodore and members of NBC for their hospitality.
Two: - The Clubs
The club count currently stands at twelve, including two without a permanent
base, spread over three navigation authorities; this makes an interesting group
of contrasts. The club sites vary from owner-occupier to those leased from BW,
the EA and private landlords all of which create their own problems. Two
examples are worthy of a mention. Firstly the re-development of Aylesbury Basin
and the pressures this is putting on the Canal Society. Following protracted
negotiations with a private developer, BW and the local authority, it now
appears that BW has sold the land to the local authority without formal notice.
This will, no doubt, put another slant on an already worrying situation. We
wish ACS well and will support them in any way possible. A different, but
equally worrying event, was the fire that destroyed the clubhouse at Taverners
Boat Club on the GU. Forensic investigation suggests this was caused by the
incoming main supply but despite this the club is suffering financial loss over
the episode. On a bright note, the restored building is almost finished, not
unfortunately, in time to mark the anniversary of the club’s foundation on 1
April 1967!
Three: - The Waterways
The canals and rivers in the region are becoming severely overcrowded and the rules of license and mooring are blatantly ignored by an increasing group of boaters. Continuous cruising appears to have a popular interpretation of Occasional Movement, usually to the local free facilities. Mooring restrictions are being viewed on a time system which has little association with any lunar or Greenwich standard. Hours become days and days become weeks except, of course, where the restricted return rules apply. We are told that the many applications for marinas in the region, when they are finally opened will resolve this problem. This issue is centred on the canals but there are signs of similar problems on the rivers. Region will continue to keep this topic alive in user meetings and forums.
The DEFRA cuts have affected the maintenance programme for this year and will certainly have a knock-on effect in the future. I would however like to complement our local BW Operations Manager and his team on minimising the impact over the winter. The EA have a small amount of additional monies for improvements to river facilities for the National Rally but overall the river navigations are woefully short of funds. We consider this lack of funding to be one of the crucial points for the immediate and long-term future of the Fenland Waterways in particular.
Special projects like the Bedford to MK Waterway, the Fenland Link and the proposed new canal into Daventry are all making progress but funding remains a major issue, depending increasingly on the whims of the lottery organisations.
Chairman SE Region.