Before I get on to the subject, I have been on this planet 65 years plus and I do support some of the measures being taken to save our planet. Having been a boat owner for some time and reading and speaking to people regarding the canal network and marinas etc. I am beginning to see a pattern developing whereby some of the above (not all) seem to be soul less i.e. marinas plant a few shrubs and trees, erect a solar panel on the office roof, no items to be left on the boat roof, lights out at 9pm, coal to be painted white etc, etc. I appreciate there has to rules and regulations, but the way I see it some of these marinas seem to be 'boat parks' for money orientated robots. It strikes me that years ago there used to be a sense of community spirit where more people helped one another and actually said 'good-morning' or good-night' as appropriate. Yet having said the above, I have heard of some marinas that still have this sense of community where you can sit on the bank by your boat watching the world go by with friends, have a BBQ etc.
I feel I must end this thread for now and I would like to wish all fellow boaters and those marina owners/managers who have happy communities all the very best for the New Year.
P.S Having written all of the above, my wife and myself are very happy on our boat and happy with our marina.