Leaderboard

I volunteered for BW restoration work on the Droitwich Canal two years ago. My experience since then and that of others on my team has been entirely satisfactory. We have been well led by a newly recruited supervisor who has been trained for the task, and have ourselves received good safety, navigation and workshop training. To see work completed of the sort that we have done has been immensely satisfying, and to me, as a boater, a cause for much optimism. The existing BW professionals have made us welcome and recognise, I think, that our presence has released them from much mundane work, leaving them free to concentrate on major work and that requiring a higher level of expertise. Any large organisation takes time to adjust to such cultural and economic change as BW has had to endure since the change of government. I believe that we should recognise that past events and attitudes may not apply to the future course of CaRT and so, if we can, personally contribute to its success.

Hi, As the weather is forecast to be a little milder I'm thinking of heading from Braunston to Oxford and back over the Christmas break. I think the trip should take 4 days each way which leaves me a couple of days to explore. I'm not aware of any stoppages but if anyone knows better please let me know. Thanks Martin

Here’s a quick poll - How many of you good boating people have made a fire emergency plan and does it take account of everyone aboard? See Boat Safety Scheme news Here are just a few memory joggers :- (does everyone know about it and what to do) (have you tested it) (are routes clear) (can all doors and escape routes be unlocked/opened from the inside) (have you fitted a smoke alarm) (is it working) (are your extinguishers close to escape routes (are your extinguisher to hand – i.e. not buried in clutter) (do you know how to use a fire extinguisher) (have you thought about using your fire blanket as a flame/heat shield if you have to escape) (do you sleep with a grab bag – is your phone and are all important keys, including the car keys, in there) We are aware of over one fire a week on inland waterways in the UK, there been eight so far in December 2012 2011 (doh!). One boat fire in Kent this year was fatal. But here’s the good news – it is highly likely that fire won’t happen to you. However, assume the best, but plan for the worst. Because after all, if it does happen, we want you to still be around to enjoy boating. Have a safe and jolly Christmas and very happy and healthy New Year Regards Rob

Hi, Only a new member so I don't know anyone on the forum yet. Planning to take Mr Bunbury single handed from Braunston to Oxford & return leaving tomorrow. Hoping to reach Banbury by Christmas afternoon in time to cook dinner and find a good pub. Just got the new CAMERA guide for my birthday so that should help. Martin

We had a similar experience whilst cruising along the Staffs & Worcs canal with our friends. Whenever we go cruising together, we always help single handers along the locks knowing how difficult it can be for them. On this occasion, while attending to the other boater, we'd opened the bottom paddles of the lock my wife was waiting to enter, in readiness for our return so that the lock would be set. Some of the crew of the boat behind ours (a man and his two teenage daughters), proceeded up to the lock and opened the gates to allow my wife to enter. Once safely in the lock, my wife thanked the chap but asked if he would discourage his girls from raising the paddles, as our 40 footer had a tendency to lurch back and forward in the chamber if the paddles were raised too quickly. Obviously in a hurry to progress, he ignored my wife's plea and allowed his offspring to rack up the paddles with great enthusiasm. As she'd previously experienced, the boat shot forward then back with the onsurge of water. Returning to the lock, my wife's expression was enough to explain what had transpired. Because we were going to be leading the way infront of this chap along the series of locks, I reminded him about the dangers of inconsiderate lock wheeling and again asked if the girls could refrain from doing it. The chap, who was probably in his forties, took the huff and bellowed that he and his family had been boating for years and they knew exactly what they were doing! Just then, his elderly father arrived from their boat enquiring as to what had unfolded. He took his arrogant son to one side and had a quiet word in his ear. From that point onwards, the girls would come along side the locks, await the signal from my wife then slowly raise the paddles. Their father on the other hand would skulk along with them, without uttering another word of his reputed wisdom. So yes, I agree with your sentiment about children being supervised at locks, even if they are forty years old!

When did BW "STOP" volunteers?? They obviously "RESTARTED" them a while ago. Otherwise what have the BCNS, IWA, SUCS etc been doing in the last few years?? Apart from restorations there is a lot of unpaid work done on the waterways which is to everyones benefit - even yours. You may not like the "old" BW and I would agree that the top end needs pruning but todays BW are in my experience are good to work with - and even better THEY learn from us!

Not BW whilst the management are overpaid and under managing. sue