roggie

The following is taken from the NBTA website http://www.bargee-traveller.org.uk/crt-extends-election-after-restricted-licence-holders-excluded-in-error/ CRT has apologised to the NBTA and extended its Council election for 6 days after the NBTA complained that, contrary to an assurance by CEO Richard Parry in September, boaters without home moorings who had been forced to take a restricted 3 or 6 month licence had not been included in the election. Previously, only 12-month boat licence holders were able to vote in the election. CRT admitted that the exclusion of those on restricted licences from the election was an unintended consequence that it had not anticipated, and it had not meant to exclude them. The election will now end on 17th December not 11th December. If you do not receive a letter or email inviting you to vote, complain to Electoral Reform Services who are running the election on 0208 889 9203 or onlinevoting@electoralreform.co.uk Roger Hanbury, CRTs Head of Governance, said: We have checked our actions following the agreement with Richard Parry to include restricted licence holders in the election. I can confirm that ERS were provided with the details of the licence holders in this category but regrettably this morning ERS have confirmed that they did not incorporate them into their list for the election mailing. This is a matter of great regret for which ERS have apologised and the matter will be further reviewed with ERS in due course. Today ERS will send out voting instructions to all those involved by email to the address provided to the Trust by the licence holder or, where there is no email was provided, a letter will be sent by first class post to the postal address provided by the licence holder. We will also extend the deadline for voting in the elections from 11th December to 17th December. I am sorry to have to write in these terms and we apologise for this error. Our clear intention is to include the restricted licence holders in the election.

Cycled down the closed, drained Regents Canal last Sunday, thought you might like to see what it looks like. Just on the left is the entrance to the Hertford Canal which is still in water. A table tennis table from the university accommodation opposite (the other 2 are still there) is in the middle of the cut. Looking at Mile End lock with Canary Wharf in the distance. Larger resolution photos here

Voting now extended to the 17th December according to the ERS website.

Steve Heywood wrote about the elections in this months Canal Boat, I think he is of the same view as some on this forum. I hope this link to the article works https://t.co/8WXa3xSAUG as its a link to my Twitter post. If I am elected (don't forget voting closes on the 11th Dec) I'll make sure to represent you and let you know what is happening. http://rgstocker.blogspot.co.uk/

Took me a while to figure that out too...

We have a Cello for well over a year, low power as said previously and use a external speaker, I brought on that you can charge and it's not too bad. Don't use it very often though. Handy for plugging in the laptop and playing via usb external drive. Can charge your phone too via USB socket. I think we got it via eBuyer, 22" plus did for £145 and money back via Quidco.

I understand ABC are there this year whether that's to advertised the hire fleet, shared ownership or their marinas I know not. Perhaps all of their services. That and the IWA is about it in my previous experience. from memory the only boats moored in the dock were those who went down on the St Pancras cruise. The Camden lock closure will stop us joining them this year...and I am not going to the tidal Thames from Brentford instead, certainly not in January.

Dave_p I nominated Mr Owen amongst others as I thought his 150 word statement was reasonably well written and included some issues that I think are important, I also nominated others who must have already had the 10 supporters (eg Mr Phasey who I know and does a lot of good work). Star also ŵrote that she was worried about voting for anyone who would support Bandsman Jim and in hindsight it was a error (and perhaps bad luck in that he hadn't already had the required number of nominations) but what is done is done, how can I redeem myself? I struggled to support many and I thought that the 'field' wasn't particularly strong and decided, at the last minute, to add my name to the list. It was then that I started to post to forums such as this about me and pointing people in the direction of my webpage/Twitter etc. should they want to know more. There have been various critical comments about Mr Owen and some of his 'views', which are not something I would agree with ( a few Facebook posts posted late at night, perhaps after a few liquid refreshments etc.) and this forum gives him a ideal opportunity to explain some comments, he has chosen not to. It's a tad disappointing for those looking for who to vote for that so few candidates have used this forum to introduce themselves apart from Stella and myself (unless I've missed a posting), not sure if or how those others who look to be elected will feedback to their 'constituents'. Happy to field questions about my views and what I would try to achieve but initially I see a main focus in feeding back to all of you using forums such as this. http://rgstocker.blogspot.co.uk/@roggys

Kingswood, if you have a private boat license you are entitled to a vote in the current CRT Council elections. If you havnt been contacted get in touch with the Electoral Reform Society and they should sort it out for you. See http://www.votebyinternet.com/CRTelections2015for details. There are 8 people standing (including me) and some of them have posted in this forum as to where to find out more about them and what they would like to do to make a difference. Some havn't and you can make your own mind up (other canal Internet forums may be available). Unfortunately many people will simply ignore the elections which will be a shame as some research could show some of the candidates haven't tried anything to say something about themselves other than their 150 word statement.

Also let them know where it is moored. When we brought our boat she had been in Frounds Bridge Marina for over a year, this if off CRT waters and therefore didn't need a licence. When we 'renewed' it we had no problems, I think we had to say where it had been moored. I would think the same is true for boats moored on EA waters who then apply for a licence during the cruising season.

I understood that most marinas/commercial mooring locations have a duty to ensure all boats moored there are fully insured, have a valid BSS and a up-to-date licence, if not to satisfy CRT then their own insurers.

Our marina like to process it themselves rather than me doing it online. I assume that they get a fee for this, good to stay on the right side of them....

11 places for Partnership chairs (see https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/our-structure/the-council).As for how the council is made up:- "The Council is made up of 40 nominated, co-opted or elected members as well as the chairs of the waterway partnerships. Together they reflect the wide appeal of the waterways – from boating and angling through to walking and conservation. The council is responsible for the appointment of Trustees, helps to shape policies and provides guidance and perspective to them." from https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/our-structure/the-council/trust-council-elections-2015 A rather large group of people, not many elected.

Loddon, let me know when you are cruising past Cowley - before 11th December ideally, always happy to share a bottle of Belgium beer or two. I prefer to think of glasses being half full not half empty and you may well be right thinking it's all pointless but there is only one way to find out, doubt it will take 4 years to come to a conclusion. Something tells me that a guy like Allan Leighton wouldn't want some individuals coming out saying it's all a waste of time (40 people on the council so not unlikely), perhaps the same for Tony Hayles. Of course it could by rose tinted glasses.

Roger Stocker here - one of the candidates (see small photo on the left). Tim, yes it was good to speak to you at last weeks London Partnership forum and I'll post some observations in a separate post (don't forget the photos of our boat at Cavalcade - see https://youtu.be/nZ1BpRS-ivI filmed by C4 news). I'm not as negative as some as to what future Council representatives might be able to achieve, certainly they will be limited at the 2 meetings a year but the fact that they are on this body should (might) mean that issues/questions/problems brought up by them to CRT officials are addressed in a acceptable timeframe. One lady I spoke to at last weeks Partnership meeting rows on the Rive Lea near Springfield Marina (Hackney) and has had ongoing problems with some boaters, shall we say, not being aware that this section is often used as a course for racing/training. I remember suggesting that CRT placed warning notices at the 3 nearby locks making boaters aware that the section of river they are about to join could have fast moving rowing boats there and to keep a watch. Not sure what happened to the suggestion but it hasn’t happened. I would hope that representatives on the Council could take this up locally (not just the private boaters rep but whoever represents other sporting users of the waters). I’m sure whatever is done to address these types of issues are repeatable elsewhere on the system so reps reporting back to their ‘constituents’ could address this. Just as important as years of boating experience is the ability to represent the views of, in my case, private boaters and ensure their views are known about internally at CRT – and then feedback in as many ways as possible. It also given council reps a great opportunity to work together outside the meetings. So what do I want to do – represent the views of private boaters, of course you need to know the issues that they think are key, organisations who already ‘represent’ many of these, IWA/NABO/NBTA/AWCC will have their views but there are many private boaters out there who might not want to join one of these organisations (perhaps they have historical views about who they think they represent, mistaken or not). When the 4 people are known I would hope they would contact each other to see how they can best gather the views of as many private boaters as possible – be it via social media/websites/magazine articles/festivals and then work out how they can feedback to those who voted for them. Just doing this via organisations such as the IWA isn’t really enough – good start though. The article in the 2012 AWCC ‘Alert’ was another good way but needs to be a regular feature rather than a one off.

Mike the Boilerman did some work for me and if I remember correctly he carried the payment away, 24 bottle of Chimay Bleu. It was a unique situation. I've got used to many types of canal services not having anything written down and much taken on trust - perhaps I am a trusting sort. I would think there is more for the surveyor to loose than the (potential) boater. If the survey doesn't turn up, or is rubbish, then that will get around. If a fee is not paid then the surveyor has wasted time and money with very little opportunity to claim the money. This is why you should, ideally, get recommendations for a surveyor whether from fellow boaters or the boatyard (perhaps unless you are buying from there). Uxbridge want advance payment for the lift and hard standing but let you run a tab for anything else whilst you are there, after all you can't take the boat away without their help.

Alan, you are correct in that none of the candidates thought to include a url, missed a trick there. Nor did any of us submit a audio file either (which didn't have a time limit), one of the other categories did have a audio file for one of the candidates. The horse has bolted but..... http://rgstocker.blogspot.co.uk/@roggys I still think it's important to see candidates offering info/some sort of canvasing during the election period rather than sitting back and waiting for people to come to you.

Alan, it is the same Roger Stocker. I nominated about 4 (or perhaps 5) people going from what their statement said, you won't see some of my nominations as it only displays the first 10. It was only after not being too impressed with the 24 original nominees that I thought I would put my name forwards. Conscious that it's really difficult to judge with only 150 words those who want to find more can do some research - as you obviously have done (I must look Jim up now). If I wasn't standing I would also be interested in finding out more about the nominated 8 people before I cast my vote(s). From reading this forum, plus various Facebook groups, I've seen some other candidates making themselves known, which I would say is positive. Of course there is plenty of time for the others to let people know why they should be elected, this forum seems to be a very good way to achieve this. I've given my 'blog' url which people can read and ask any questions they may have. I am sure some of the other candidates will do similar. I've tried to change my photo so it just has my name, e for effort I think and I'll try to get it right later (see profile photo on the left). iPads don't seem to do what you expect it will do.

Roger Stocker.... Is Roggie. You are right I shouldn't assume. I've not had any dealings with NABO so can't comment about how effective, or interested, they might be with some sections of 'boaters'. I attended a very interesting National Bargee Traveller Association get together last week and I can only guess that some might think they are filling the gap left by some of the other associations. The positives with many different organisations is that different sections should have a voice, not sure it's a ideal model 'going forwards'. Of course the views held by organisations today do not have to be the same as the views tomorrow, it does no good for different communities on the water to take sides, divisions never work long term. I'm off to a London Partnership meeting this Thursday, I'll be interested to hear what their plans are.

Allan, thanks for the link, interesting and perhaps more interesting that it never happened again. I'm a member of Cutweb so would have received this communication and I did suggest somewhere that a good way for whoever the 4 private boaters reps will be to let boaters know what is happening, this and the many other paper publications, free and paid for. Not to forget Narrowboatworld of course ;-)

I'm moored in Iver (Buckinghamshire) does that count? OK it's still in the south east. I may well have more time to spend with canals, whoops meant family, as I currently work for a local authority. Could be the opportunity to get north of Watford (not just Gap). I've attended quite a few IWA local meetings (SE London, central London and Middlesex) and at no time was there any mention of the council, nor in any of the local publications that local groups send out. Can't say I've seen any in the national magazine either. Perhaps it's all discussed at a committee level.

I'm one of the 8 and I think I didn't make any typos in my 150 words. It was pretty difficult to put across all you wanted to in 150 words, hence it being more of a introduction and a couple of aims. I've put a bit more on a blog page http://rgstocker.blogspot.co.uk/and will add more later e.g. I've been to a Middx IWA talk (by Tony Brooks) and a NBTA London meeting this week, both were really interesting in completely different ways and completely different age ranges. Next week I'm off to a CRT London Partnership 'reception'. All London admittedly. I fully agree that those who are elected will have very little influence but what they will have is CRT staff's attention in that I would expect a swifter response to any questions/issues than a general public query, I must say I'm certainly not putting myself forwards for an additional CV entry - honest. I can't think of anyone I know (or might meet) who would be impressed (work or personnel life). Looks like Stella and myself share being a TU rep so I would think we are coming at the role for broadly the same reasons. If elected I certainly would update everyone using the normal electronic channels - although I doubt you would be on tenderhooks for news of the 2 meetings a year - I regularly use Twitter and the numerous Facebook groups plus my Facebook profile. Maybe the 4 successful candidates (or some of them) could get together and regularly update the various paper based publications as well.

Andrew (Richard) Phasey stepped down as Commodore this year. He is still organising the Thames tidal cruises, in fact organised a trip round the Tall ships on the Thames last month and is planning the SPCC annual trip down to the Royals for the boat show amongst other cruises. I don't think it took him every long to get his 10 nominations. The Mr Welch article can be read at http://www.canalworld.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=53527plus comments. Given the references to IWA I would be very surprised if he didn't top the poll. I would expect that the CRT email list is as inaccurate as many other email lists administered by largish corporations etc. I guess they were hoping that licence holders would hear about the election and contact ERS directly and decided that it would be too expensive to write to everyone.

Mayalld - difference is that you (the employer) is selecting, in this vote its the other way round (perhaps fortunately), but I know what you are getting at. Same for lots of other elections, the people who might be the best often don't realise it or just don't have the same support others do. Naughty Cal - can you explain why? Given that council members are elected for 4 years there should be enough time to find out about certain 'users' who don't feel their interests are represented, whether that be via forums such as this or other avenues of communication. Of course that doesn't mean that I (or others) would agree with you but you would have the right for your views to be known. As a TU rep I've had to represent members who’s behaviour hasn't been, shall we say extemporary, but that’s what reps do. Of course its your decision...

Alan, you may be right but not sure how you can come to that conclusion given that you can only judge most of the candidates from their 150 word statement. OK so a few may be 'known' and have previous form and you can look up previous postings for those who are on this forum to get a general view. I am, of course, feel privileged by Alan Leighton's comment about us being a 'strong list of people' I guess they printed it on reinforced paper. Vote for me!!!!