roggie

I see Mr Welch still chairs the restoration committee https://www.waterways.org.uk/about/organisation/national_committees/restoration_committee_membersand therefore sits on their navigation committee https://www.waterways.org.uk/about/organisation/national_committees/navigation_committee_members unless he resigned these posts before putting his name forwards for the council. Wonder if it's worth asking the IWA what the score is.

I would think CRT are pretty good at controlling the council and at the first meeting will explain all about collective responsibility, working together, team playing etc. Whatever happens there should be no excuse not to let those who voted for you know what's happening, whether that's via various forums, attending meetings/shows/festivals etc. Can't see any excuse not to give out info, whether it be positive, negative or in between. I, personally, use Twitter for short updates/messages and whilst Twitter isn't everyone's cup of tea it's pretty immediate. I can manage 140 characters reasonably well - wouldn't want to stretch myself ;-)

Thanks but most of the stoppages don't start until 2nd November through to the middle of March. That's puts a stop to us joining St Pancras Cruising Club on their trip down the Thames to the Royal Docks (did it in 2013) as one of the Camden locks is closed from Jan to March not to mention the GU at Hayes being closed at the same time.

Ah, the wonders of democracy. At least when you vote for someone from one of the main political parties there is a good chance that they will vote on party lines rather than make it up as they go along. Since nominating myself I've posted on various sites, web and social media seeking nomination, obviously this got me 10 sponsors +. Agreed that it's going to be much more difficult to get the number of votes that more established nominated people will or those that are associated with the IWA (of which I am a member so tarred with that brush?). Perhaps I need to try to post to all the Facebook sites associated with canals plus various Internet forums that might have a canal association. First up I'll devise a poster to go in the boat window and display it proudly on our weeks cruise next week (Iver to Hemel and back)

Unfortunately all most of the voters will have to go on is the 150 words put forwards by each candidate, some may read this type of forum (and other social media sites) and can elicit other information which they feel might be useful in choosing which ones to vote for, what you say about 1 candidate will not be known by a majority neither will they know that they are standing again nor that IWA said they wouldn’t put any candidates forwards in the private boaters category – I would assume that individual will say that they will not be representing that organisation. Not sure how to answer your “weakness of other candidates” point. I tried to put, in 150 words, something that accurately describes myself, of course it could all be untrue. There obviously is no comeback or accountability for individuals who get elected, perhaps a weakness in the voting system (certainly it would be useful for those seeking re-election to have this stated). One of the candidates who successfully moved into the election is Richard (Andrew) Phasey who, in my view, is a very strong candidate and has done much to take forwards the private boaters message. I am sure many of the other candidates that will be on the ballot paper have a lot to offer the newly formed council and I just hope that those entitled to vote read the wording carefully and caste their votes for those they think may make a difference or, at least, influence the inner workings of CRT. Ange - I would hope that you might have some faith in those who are asking for your vote. You may be right in that I will be bu**er all if elected but I (and the others) will certainly do very little if people do not vote. Apathy has never won any battles. There is time to organise a type of Q & A thread asking the candidates for their views on certain topics – I’d be happy to take part. The key is to find out as much about those who want you to vote for them, obviously more than the 150 words that were available (perhaps I should have included a video…..)

Guess we can all be negative and say given the number of people who could have stood and actually put there name forward etc. (as stated in various other webpages/forums) plus the number of people saying they didn't even know the process was happening means it's a waste of time (both standing and their role on the council). Not a very positive outlook imho. I have no illusions that the council, whoever it's made up of, will not achieve much of what people would like to see, warnings of the usual 'collective responsibility' and team playing issues that often tie the hands of corporate type 'committees' but that should not be a excuse to let people know what the issues are, whether face to face meetings or via various social media streams. If someone is good enough to vote for you I think they have a duty to inform the electorate of news/issues whether this be as a school governor, union rep, councillor or MP (not sure where CRT council rep would fit on this scale). It's pretty obvious that there is a disconnect in the voting process to date, I'll leave you to wonder why that might be, but it is what it is. Those who are elected to represent private boaters should look at how to make communications with their 'community' effective 'going forwards', how I hate that corporate speak ;-) not forgetting everyone else. I've attended quite a few CRT/IWA meetings and they work quite well, even if they are carefully stage managed and the CEO is very presentable and of course Leighton will know exactly what he is doing. Things are not going to be easy whoever is elected but there is no reason for anyone to be a puppet. Now I must make up a 'vote for me' poster for each side of the boat as we are out from 26th for a week Iver to Hemel and back in our newly painted (but no sign writing yet) boat.

The final list will be published next Friday (heaven know why it should take over a week to do this) and until then you have to interrogate the published list of all nominations. I just looked again and I did get 10 people sponsoring me so should move to the vote. Private boater in London, not a cc'er though.

Thanks everyone for the support, I got the required 10 supporters so move to the vote. Perhaps the cycling photo helped.....

Colours to the mast, colours to the mast. Most likely might put a few people off that I said I was a cycle campaigner in my blurb as well then. I even mentioned rugby league for the northern vote, I thought more canals in RL country than RU (ignoring Leicester, Northampton, Bath, Coventry, Reading, Worcester..oh dear what have I done.

My nomination is now online - 27 people in total at the moment. As to whether its worth voting again I guess you will have to be the judge of that, I am under no illusions that a single indidual can change things that much but it is important to feedback via social media/forums as to ones views/thoughts on the processes. As to not wanting to go to meetings etc... I'd happily come if good enough notice given, most places are pretty affordable by train in advance, obviously pretty key to travel outside peak hours. Needs to be a decent pub in the area though. I'd just like to see a reasonable mix of people who we can all vote for, its just a shame I meet the norm for the type of person who often puts there name forwards, white, middle class, middle age (OK 58 so past that too) and male. Still I can't change most of those.

We are insured with TowerGate as well, pay a bit extra for the RCR cover (which is better than retainer, we get 2 call outs without parts pa). I think this adds £40 to the premium and I think its worth it. of course having done the 2 Mr Brooks training courses at RCR I can fix anything myself ;-) Yes it might be a loss leader but it works for me.

I've just read through the candidates statements and struggled to use all my 10 votes (I know you don't have to) and did wonder where some were coming from as well as the lack of detail in some nominations. So I thought I would put my hat into the arena and nominated myself - so please vote for me if you think what I have written is enough to go on. I promise not to go missing if there is anything we might disagree with - and I sure there could be many things (take cycling for a start, always good to draw a line in the sand and check the drawbridge still goes up). Perhaps I should use tomorrow evenings CRT London Waterway Autumn Forum for last minute canvassing. Thanks Jenlyn, I must have missed Mr Parry saying that.... I was trying to tweet at the same time and am not one to multitask.. know ones limitations. Actually it might have been drowned out by the tut tutting from someone nearby whenever NBTA spoke.

It also says "To serve on Council, you must continue to hold a valid 12 month canal or river boat licence throughout your term of office." hope they changed that too.

Keep a eye on Towpath Talk magazine classified ads. Even a 46ft boat will only have 1 bedroom and 1 living area so no seperate areas of 'living' space. Huge garden though.

This photo might work.... http://twitter.com/roggys/status/640832367188381696/photo/1anyway I also watch that website plus various other blacking examples. In the end I took advice from a boat surveyor and blacker of boats. Jet washed then scrapped all old blacking off (bitumen) as close to bare metal as practical. Then 3 coats of Rytex applied with a 4" lambs wool roller slightly watered down with white spirit with extra emphasis along the water line. 24 hours between coats and 48 hours before back in the water, I lightly painted the bottom. Costs were £335 crane in/out and 7 days undercover hard standing (at Uxbridge), £60 jet wash hire, £35 5l paint, 85p x 3 roller pads, I borrowed a scraper (2" blade) £3 4" basic brush for rubbing strake and weld between bottom and sides and £3 for 5" brush to remove dust from scrapping. Each stage took about 4 to 5 hours for 46ft nb so 5 days work. Would have been around £1000 for Uxbridge to do it all.

I remember seeing you Enid, I was on my boat, Salar. We are moored at High Line and only travelled down from there (without problems but am not deep). I did come from Uxbridge the weekend before and the weed was worse, fortunately CRT removed the worst of the weed from before the M25 bridge but as you found out bits are still left. I did notice you got stuck in the small floating patch at the moorings.... Most other boats I've spoken to who have gone down the arm have been OK so perhaps you are just unlucky... There will be winter moorings at the basin (with the installation of a water point) so hopefully a few more boats will be moving...oh the CRT wide beam, Gemma, managed it there, and I guess, back.

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My boat is moored at High Line on the Slough Arm and the mechanics are pretty good from what I had heard (only used them once). They have a workshop in Cowley next to the Packet Boat marina where they do paining/repairs etc.

I brought this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/360521804335?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT which I had read a good review (on YouTube). Also read a poor review to one of your other cheaper suggestions. Early days as I only installed it the other week and there isn't much sun out there this time of the year. I also hear good things about Bimble but there a a tad more expensive. I only have a 70w panel and no plans to add more.

Please give Salar a wave for me, I must admit I never get bored with a trip down to the junction and back, amazing how the 'scenery' changes as the seasons change, some nice places to moor as well overnight. It won't be long before London boaters realise that it's a pretty handy place to moor and get into London.

I'm moored at High Line - since March 2012. [touching wood] have never had a problem with the locals and since the dredging have had no problems getting down to the basin and back again - I've seen a few boats moored for a couple of weeks as its pretty handy for trains into Paddington. Yes not the prettest of basins but the canal itself is pretty rural even if at the top of the banking is a lot of light industry, you can see it in winter but not in summer. Loads of fish in the water as well, if you like that sort of thing. One really nice mooring location is a couple of hundred yards from the junction, pillings and just the distant hum of the M25 - apart from that its really peaceful and you wouldn't realise you were in Yiewsley (oh the occasional rumple of Heathrow in the distance. Hillingdon narrowboats took their trip boats for the Slough Canal festival and were astounded by how easy it was to get down to the basin now - so £850k well spent by CRT. I understand that he canal was cut to extract materials for making bricks - hence it was one of the deepest on the canal system - the link to the Thames was a afterthought and rejected by the then Slough Council. Plans still get dusted down now and again and given its only 2 miles could well happen if multi millions were found. So if you want to explore the canal system it well worth a look - just don't expect too much at the end (CRT own all the land there and I sure have 'plans'.

When we had our boat lifted for the survey (Jan 2012 in Aldermaston) I asked the supervisor if we needed to tie anything down in the boat - he said that she would get more bumps in locks than being lifted... watch the in and out and he was correct. They tend to know what they are doing.

I'm moored at High Line Iver and its the nearest location to London where you can generally crane a boat in. Shepperton and Watford are the other too nearest. Not sure about the River Lea though but Iver to Regents park is much shorter than from up the Lea. Uxbridge have a static crane which might have caused some confusion (plus some dry docks). Oh BTW I think High Line may have some resi moorings available as has been written there are not many around in the London area unless you have around £8k pa plus.

That a reasonably long pound down to the Watford lock to have to drain, going to be a bit of a mess inside, wonder how they managed to do turn the boat. Good job our cruise next week is up the Lea rather than the GU.