Canals, Rivers + Boats

IWA March Bulletin.

2012-03-02T23:08:00.001Z

Fiona Bruce MP named IWA Parliamentarian of the Year 2012

Fiona Bruce MP for Congleton was named Inland Waterways Parliamentarian of the Year on Tuesday 28th February 2012.

In making the award, Clive Henderson national chairman of the The Inland Waterways Association, made special reference to Fiona’s impact in providing such generous support for the inland waterways throughout the preceeding year. A member of IWA, Fiona is treasurer of the All Party Parliamentary Waterways Group and has played an active role in the run up to the formation of the new Canal and River Trust charity, helping IWA’s campaigns team by asking questions in parliament, and attending the All Party Parliamentary Waterways Group hearings where she didn’t shrink from asking searching questions of Canal and River Trust trustees. Fiona has two IWA branches in her constituency and has also provided valuable parliamentary and practical support for them during the year.

IWA’s Annual Parliamentarian of the year award dinner was held at the House of Commons on February 28th.

IWA was host to nearly 40 attendees, with all major parties being represented at a dinner presided over by the Rt Hon Alun Michael MP former waterways minister, and current chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Waterways Committee. As well as key MPs who have lent their support to the waterways cause, IWA also played host to several Lords and also trustees of the Canal and River Trust.

The dinner provoked lively debate surrounding the formation of the new waterways charity and the challenges it faces in its formative years. IWA also took the opportunity to ask members to continue to consider and support the opportunities for the inclusion of the Environment Agency navigations in 2015.

IWA News

Red Diesel – EU Infraction Proceedings

Last year we reported that the European Commission was threatening to open infraction proceedings against the UK Government in relation to its implementation of the Energy Products Directive and/or the Marking Directive (which sets out the rules for the marking of diesel fuel).
It was about the continued availability of marked diesel in the UK, whereby the users of private pleasure craft can use red diesel, with duty payable at the full rate for diesel used for propulsion and at the rebated rate for diesel used for heating and lighting.

The problem as perceived by the Commission has been one of improper use of marked diesel in certain Member States. IWA, together with the RYA and BMF has been in discussion with HMRC over recent developments, leading up to an HMRC consultation which ends on 11th March.
HMRC has been keen for UK boaters to be able to continue to use red diesel, and of course that has had the full support of IWA, RYA and BMF. It has negotiated with the EU a position that maintains that ability, allowing the continued use of red diesel at the rebated rate for lighting and heating purposes. A concern of HMRC has been that if the dispute had been allowed to escalate it could not rule out an adverse ruling by the European Courts so that the UK would be required to ensure that white diesel is used in private pleasure craft.

This is good news for boaters who do not leave UK waters. However, there has been some misunderstanding, and misreporting, of what it means for craft that do leave UK waters.

Even the HMRC Ministerial statement suggested that from 1st April the use of red diesel to propel private pleasure craft will be allowed only within UK waters. However, the legislative change proposed does not lead to that result. Since the legislation only applies to UK waters it has no effect outwith UK waters. Craft could choose to leave UK waters for the continent or elsewhere with red diesel in the tanks. The risk is that other EU Member States do not allow it under their law so within their territorial waters there is still the possibility of fines being imposed. We know only of Belgium that is imposing fines. This has the most implications for RYA members and RYA is challenging the Belgian practice.

Vote Now for 2013 IWA Calendar Competition

Thank you to those that took the time to submit photographs for our 2013 IWA Calendar photo competition. There were many brilliant photos submitted and it was a difficult job to whittle them down.

The photos have now been shortlisted and we are inviting you to vote for your favourite. There are five categories - Cover photos, Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn. The top three from each seasonal category will feature in the 2013 calendar.

Please only vote ONCE for each category. Additional votes will not be counted.

Vote for 2013 IWA Calendar Photographs

Inglesham Lock Restoration Appeal
The Inglesham Lock Restoration Appeal, which will help both the Cotswolds and Wilts & Berks canals restoration schemes is progressing apace and IWA is looking for further donations to help finalise the fundraising.

Three further week-long WRG Canal Camps together with weekend digs are planned for this year. If you are interested in volunteering this summer to help restore the lock please visit the Waterway Recovery Group website for more information.

Inglesham Lock is seen as the eastern gateway to the Cotswold Canals restoration and provides additional focus for the Wilts & Berks Canal restoration that spurs off it several miles west of the lock’s junction with the Thames.

The Cotswolds is one of only a few major funded projects that is currently making substantial progress in the UK, and IWA is keen to support this as one of the first of a series of appeals that it wants to carry out in support of these schemes around the country.

IWA aims to provide a new landing stage, restore the lock chamber with the facility to deliver back pumping and clear the cut above the lock whilst also ensuring that the balance of the work can be completed to have the lock operational as quickly as possible .

Please send a cheque made out to 'IWA' to: IWA Inglesham Appeal, Island House, Moor Road, Chesham, HP5 1WA ordonate online

Donations totalling in the region of £80,000 have now been pledged towards the Inglesham Lock Appeal, a good achievement in these difficult economic times, but we need to get as close as possible to our £125,000 target by the end of April when the appeal will close to personal donations.

See the photo gallery of restoration work undertaken so far.

2012 Waterway Events

See IWA's Events Calendar for 2012 waterway events. You can also search by event type or find out what's going in on your area with the map search.

Some dates for your diary in 2012:

Waterways Festival and Giant Boat Jumble - Gloucestershire	1st April
South Kyme Festival - Lincolnshire	4th - 7th May
Northampton Boat Gathering - Northamptonshire	4th - 7th May
IWA Canalway Cavalcade 2012 - London	5th - 7th May
BCN Society Summer Rally - West Midlands	18th - 20th May
Rickmansworth Festival - Hertfordshire	19th - 20th May
Moira Canal Festival - Leicestershire	19th - 20th May
The Broads Green Boat & Tourism Show - Norfolk	20th May
IWA National Trailboat Festival 2012, Stroud - Gloucestershire	2nd - 4th June
Crick Boat Show - Northamptonshire	2nd - 5th June
Boxmoor Canal Festival - Hertfordshire	3rd - 5th June
Stoke Bruerne Museum Gala Weekend - Northamptonshire	8th - 10th June
Stafford Boat Club Gathering - Staffordshire	8th - 10th June
Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival - Cheshire	15th - 17th June
Droitwich Boat Gathering - Worcestershire	22nd - 25th June
Northwich River Weaver Festival - Cheshire	23rd - 24th June
Stratford River Festival - Warwickshire	29th June - 1st July
Leeds Waterfront Festival 2012 - West Yorkshire	30th June - 1st July
Chesterfield Canal Festival - Derbyshire	30th June - 1st July
IWA Thwaite Mills Boat Gathering 2012 - West Yorkshire	30th June - 1st July
Selly Oak Park Festival, Boat Gathering - West Midlands	30th June - 1st July
Evesham River Festival - Worcestershire	6th - 8th July
Wheel 10 - Falkirk Wheel Boat Rally - Falkirk	6th - 8th July
Ware Boat Festival - Hertfordshire	6th - 8th July
Pershore Town River Festival - Worcestershire	14th - 15th July
Newbury Waterways Festival - West Berkshire	20th - 22nd July
Blisworth Canal Festival - Northamptonshire	11th - 12th August
IWA Campaign Festival 2012, Preston - Lancashire	25th - 27th August
Red Hill Marina and Tuggyland Boat Show - Nottinghamshire	25th - 27th August
Ellesmere Boat Rally - Shropshire	7th - 9th September
RNLI Rally - Surrey	22nd - 23rd September
Village at War Weekend - Northamptonshire	28th - 30th September
BCN Society Bonfire Rally - West Midlands	4th - 5th November

Have you got a waterway event or activity to promote? - Anyone can add details of a waterways event or activity to this area on the website. You don’t even need to register with the website or provide any sort of password. Simply use theupload event form.

IWA Volunteering Opportunities

IWA Events Volunteering

Find out about volunteering opportunities at IWA's 2012 eventswww.waterways.org.uk/support_us/volunteer/event_volunteers

IWA Branch and Region Help Wanted

For a full list of volunteer opportunities within IWA branches and regions please go to:www.waterways.org.uk/about/vacancies/vacancies

Other News

Fees on the River Cam Update

The Conservators and Environment Agency have concluded their negotiations over a new reciprocal licensing agreement for vessels using the River Cam and Anglian Waterways.

For the 2012 calendar year, vessel owners who have already purchased BW Gold licences will be allowed access the Cam Conservancy Area to visit Cambridge. Gold owners will have to register with the Conservancy as visitors but there will be no fee on production of a Gold licence.

In the first year of this agreement, there will be time to review a reciprocal arrangement with the new Canal & River Trust. The Conservators have never had a reciprocal licensing agreement in place for BW-registered craft. Gold owners enjoyed the benefits of navigating the Cam under the old interchange agreement as Agency-registered vessels.

BW Trials New Lightweight Aluminium Stop Plank

BW has been testing a new lightweight aluminium stop-plank. Stop planks are traditionally made of wood and are designed to be used during canal breaches.

The planks were first tested during an emergency lock stoppage in London late last year and BW said this first use was a great success. A new test took place on 29th February at Aston Lock, on the eastern end of the Trent & Mersey near Shardlow.

The new stop planks are said to be much easier to handle than wood, faster to install, and because they are telescopic they don’t have to be cut specifically to size. In addition, unlike dedicated wood stop planks, they don’t have to be stored on site, so would not be subject to vandalism.

Read the full article on the Waterways World website

IWA Member Discounts and Special Offers

The following special offers are now available exclusively for IWA members:

Channel Glaze - 10% discount on double glazing for boats
Cotswold Outdoor - 10% discount
Europcar - Special hire rates to IWA members
Lee Sanitation Ltd. - 10% on orders over £100
Midland Chandlers - 5% discount
Narrowboat Services - 10% discount
RoadPro - 5% discount
UK Boat Hire - 15% discount on 2012 holidays
UltimateBerths.com - Free Listing
Willowbridge Marina - 10% discount on chandlery purchases and services in the yard
Worcester Marine Windows Ltd - 5% discount

Please note: All discounts and offers are entirely at the organisers' discretion.

To see details of how to take advantage of these offers, please go towww.waterways.org.uk/support_us/members_area/member_discounts_special_offers_public

For IWA members that receive a hard copy of this bulletin in the post, please contact the membership team on 01494 783453 for the details of the offers.

Upcoming Restoration/Clean-up Events

9th - 11th March - Chelmer & Blackwater (London wrg)
Details: London wrg will again be helping our sister company Essex Waterways to maintain and improve the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation.
Contact: london@wrg.org.uk

To advertise your restoration/cleanup events in the bulletin please add details to IWA's events calendarhttp://www.waterways.org.uk/iwa_calendar/

Upcoming Towpath Walks

4th March - Regent's Canal (London Walks)
Details: Route: Regent’s Canal: Little Venice – Camden Meeting Point: Warwick Avenue Cost: £8 Concessionary and student rate: £6
Contact: Peter Finch: 020 8969 9941, sailor1057@aol.com

8th March - Cannock Extension Canal and Woodland (IWA Lichfield Branch)
Details: A circular walk of about 3 miles near Brownhills. No stiles. Dogs on leads welcome.
Meet at 10.30 am for a 10.45 start at The Toby Carvery (The Turf Lodge), Watling Street (A5), Norton Canes, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 9ND. Optional lunch and refreshments at the carvery afterwards. Non-members welcome. No charge but donations of £1 to Branch funds appreciated, to support canal restoration projects. Leader: Heather Blackmore.
Contact: Margaret Beardsmore on 07581 794111 or email margaret.beardsmore@waterways.org.uk

To advertise your towpath walks in the bulletin please add details to IWA's events calendarhttp://www.waterways.org.uk/iwa_calendar/

Contact Us

IWA Head Office, Island House, Moor Road, Chesham, HP5 1WA

01494 783 453

Kate Boats Newsletter.

2012-03-02T23:06:00.000Z

First day of our cruising season today, and the sun has shone on us. It certainly feels at this moment as if spring has sprung. If you fancy a boat for a short (or long) break even at the very last minute, give us a ring, or email, and if there is a boat available we can be flexible with timing. There are boats ready to go throughout March.

We still have boats available for the Easter holidays. Friday from Stockton is fully booked for the Easter weekend, but we have Sat - Tues available from Warwick, or boats available for the rest of the school holidays.

If you need any further information, or want to look at live availability visit the website www.kateboats.co.uk, email enquiries@kateboats.co.uk or phone 01926 492968.

Unique steam narrow boat to represent Staffordshire in Diamond Jubilee Pageant

2012-02-22T14:06:00.004Z

‘President‘, the world’s only surviving steam powered narrow boat, part built in Staffordshire, will represent the county in the 1,000-boat flotilla on the Thames as part of the Diamond Jubilee Pageant on 3 June 2012.

This historic vessel will shortly be making the 336 mile journey to London as it literally flies the Staffordshire flag. The journey is being funded exclusively by sponsorship from major Staffordshire businesses including JCB, Michelin, Wedgwood and St. Modwen.

The 71ft 'President' owned by the Black Country Living Museum will be expertly crewed by volunteers from the ‘Friends of President‘ who maintain and operate the boat on the Museum’s behalf. Young people from Staffordshire will also be given the opportunity to join the crew for a few days.

The journey to London is expected to take around three weeks, travelling at a majestic three miles per hour and arriving in London at the end of May. On route will be several canalside stops, including three in Staffordshire.

Staffordshire County Councillor, Pat Corfield, Cabinet Member for Culture, Communities and Customers said: “It is a thrill and an honour for Staffordshire to be able to play such a significant part in the national celebrations. It will be a central event, broadcast live across the world and I am delighted that Staffordshire will be so well represented by such fine county heritage at such a prestigious event.

“Before leaving Staffordshire President will make three canalside stops in the county at Etruria on 20 April, Stone on 21 April and Fradley on 22 April, where residents can come along and see her in all her glory.

”‘President’ will eventually join The Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant on 3 June as part of a seven-mile long procession of Dunkirk little ships, historic vessels, steam boats and tugs. At its centre will be a royal barge, decorated in red and gold, carrying HM the Queen Elizabeth II and HRH the Duke of Edinburgh.

Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Sir James Hawley said: “The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant will be a day long remembered in the country’s history. Staffordshire has chosen to use the occasion to highlight the importance of canals to our industrial development and the products for which the county is famous.

“There are more miles of canal in this county than in any other and so it will be very fitting that Staffordshire will be represented by a boat that symbolises this.”

David J Eveleigh, Director of Collections, Learning & Research at Black Country Living Museum said: “Black CountryLiving Museum is delighted that ‘President’, one of our most important and best-loved boats, has secured a place representing the county of Staffordshire in the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant. As the country’s only restored operational steam narrow boat,and part of the National Historic Fleet, her journey from Staffordshire to London, as well as the Pageant itself, will allow many more people to view this important part of the region’s industrial past.”

JCB Worldwide Marketing Director Matt McClurg said: “JCB is delighted to be a Principal Sponsor of the Diamond Jubilee Pageant. Our company’s Staffordshire roots go back more than 200 years to a time when the canal network would have played a pivotal role in the transport of goods and raw materials in the county. So, the Pageant is a great way of celebrating Staffordshire’s illustrious past as well as an excellent way of showcasing to the world what great engineering can achieve in the present.”

Chief Financial Officer, Anthony Jones from Wedgwood said: “Wedgwood is proud to be supporting this exciting initiative which brings together so many strands of our local community and manufacturing heritage. This journey represents the excellence and the spirit of Staffordshire and will showcase the skills and expertise of our Staffordshire workforce to a national and international audience.”

Sean Parry, Michelin Stoke Factory Manager, said:“As a major employer in Staffordshire, Michelin is proud to be involved in this project which will help celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. As a company that has been involved in manufacturing in the region since 1927 we feel that it is important that the achievements of the area are showcased to the rest of the world. The steam-powered narrow boat that is being restored for the Thames Diamond Pageant is a perfect example of the engineering heritage and skills that the region is famous for.”

Mike Herbert, North Staffordshire Regional Director for St. Modwen, said: “St. Modwen is very pleased to be one of the four key companies supporting Staffordshire’s entry in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant. St. Modwen originated in Staffordshire over 40 years ago and is now the UK’s leading regeneration specialist. It is at the forefront of the delivery of property and development solutions for new businesses in the county.

“Along with the President’s other high profile sponsors, we will use our role in the Pageant to promote Staffordshire’s rich heritage and as a great place to do business. With an excellent location on the motorway, road and rail networks, the county is very accessible and is within one hour of four of the country’s major airports.”

Itinerary Friday 20^th April	Etruria Top Lock	Launch Event and Send Off
Saturday 21^st April	Stone	Visit & Overnight
Sunday 22^nd April	Fradley Junction	Visit & Overnight
Saturday 28^th April	Stoke Bruerne	Visit & Overnight
Saturday– Monday 5^th / 7^th May	Canalway Cavalcade Little Venice London	Canal Festival
Saturday -Sunday 19^th – 20^th May	Rickmansworth Festival	Canal Festival
Saturday -Sunday 26^th – 27^th May	Canal museum London	Museum Visit In steam
Sunday 3^rd June	River Thames	The Queens Diamond Jubilee Pageant
Saturday -Sunday 17^th —18^th June	Coventry Basin	Steam Boat Association Rally

The steam boat President was built in 1909 at the dock of Fellows, Morton and Clayton in Saltley, Birmingham. Launched in June of that year, the boat became one of 31 steamers built and operated by the company between 1889 and 1931. It has a composite hull, with wrought iron sides, an elm bottom and an oak keelson. A stamped section of the iron, discovered during restoration work, suggests that it was wrought in Staffordshire.

Nick Bostock, one of Staffordshire’s Deputy Lieutenants, bought the derelict hull in 1973 for restoration to its original appearance complete with working steam plant.

For the story of President's restoration - http://www.nb-president.org.uk/history/

More about the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant:

More details at http://www.thamesdiamondjubileepageant.org/

New online facilities for Broads boaters.

2012-02-16T16:01:00.003Z

Broads boat owners are able to renew their tolls online by registering their details on https://tolls.broads-authority.gov.uk

They will then be sent a pin number which gives access to the site. After signing a declaration that they have third party insurance they will be able to buy a new toll provided their Boat Safety Certificate is up to date. They will also be able to update their mooring location and order tide tables online.

It is not currently possible to register new boats on line but this facility will become available at a later date.

Win £100 and a life jacket in boat owners’ survey

While boat owners are on the Broads Authority website they have the chance to win £100 towards their toll, plus a new life jacket simply by completing the 2012 boat owners’ survey.

This is the third time the Authority has canvassed boat owners’ opinions. Previous surveys provided valuable information about boat owners’ priorities which helped the Authority determine its work plans.

The 2012 survey is being carried out by an independent company, which saves money on administration and postage. The survey will be closed at the end of April and the results will be published on the Authority’s website.

The winner will be selected at random by the survey company and will win £100 towards the cost of this year’s toll or, should the toll be less than £100, chandlery vouchers to the value of the difference. The prize includes a free life-jacket as part of the new safety campaign.

Navigation Committee Chairman David Broad said: “The Navigation Committee was consulted about the questions and the way in which the survey will be done and overwhelmingly recommended an online poll which will save thousands of pounds on previous surveys and enable more questions to be asked. I invite all toll payers to play a very active part and join the debate on the priorities for expenditure.”

Click on https://survey.shinefeedback.biz/surveylogin.asp?k=132570064728 to complete the survey.

Ministers Launch Waterways Ireland Marketing Strategy

2012-02-16T11:09:00.001Z

The Waterways Ireland Marketing Strategy 2012-2017 has been launched by Minister Carál Ní Chuilín MLA, Minister Jonathon Bell MLA , and Minister Dinny McGinley, T.D. in Waterways Ireland’s Enniskillen Headquarters.

Waterways Ireland has a legislative requirement to engage in promotion, including marketing & development of the tourism and commercial potential of the inland waterways for which it is responsible.

In this context from the outset Waterways Ireland recognised that in order to enhance and develop the potential of the waterways, a solid platform for sustained market development was required. The previous strategy was put in place in 2007.

The 2012-2017 Waterways Ireland Marketing Strategy builds on the progress of the previous strategy and prescribes strategic objectives for the future of the organisation. Marketing programmes have also been developed covering the remit of communications, product development, visitor services, promotions, branding and research.

Speaking about the strategy Director of Marketing & Communications Martin Dennany confirmed “Marketing the inland waterways has brought increased dividends for both the communities and businesses along the waterway corridors. The 2012-2017 Marketing Strategy will build on the foundation established and continue to bring a focus on the wonderful resource that is the waterways. We will continue to work in partnership with our colleagues in Northern Ireland Tourist Boar, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland on the delivery of the tourism aspects of our programmes”

Three awards in a row for Overwater Marina

2012-02-13T15:58:00.002Z

Overwater Marina has done it again, this time bringing home the Marine Industry Environment Award from the Marine Trades Association. In January, Janet and Angus Maughan were presented with this Environment Award at the London Boat Show. The judges were extremely impressed with the spacious design of the marina, the areas of natural wildlife and the island in particular. Overwater Marina has an ethos of sustainability, conservation and on-going promotion of environmentally friendly product alternatives.

In December, Overwater Marina were awarded 5 Gold Anchors by the Yacht Harbour Association/British Marine Federation. Their accreditation programme ranks the quality of marinas from 1 to 5 with Overwater being the first ever Canal Marina to achieve the highest rating of 5 Gold Anchors.

Also in December, Overwater Marina won the South Cheshire Chamber Best Start-up Business of the Year Award 2011, sponsored by Cheshire East Council. The marina team attended the awards ceremony at Crewe Hall and were overjoyed to win the award. The judges were impressed at the success the marina has achieved due to its proactive and progressive management. Overwater also made possible the start-up of a number of small businesses that operate from the marina, as well as the Audlem Lass trip boat that provides a taxi service into Audlem for the cost of a donation to the RNLI.

For 2012 the marina has some exciting projects in the pipeline, including a new bridge to go over the entrance, paving the entrance drive and a water safety afloat day with helicopter and water rescues.

The three awards are,

1) Marine Industry Environment Award from the Marine Trades Association

2) 5 Gold Anchors from the Yacht Harbour Association/British Marine Federation

3) Best Start-up Business of the Year for 2011 from the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce

Boaters to elect their representatives on the Canal & River Trust’s National Council

2012-02-10T09:58:00.002Z

Voting opens today (Wednesday 8 February 2012) to select the seven volunteers who will be elected onto the new 35-strong Council of the Canal & River Trust.

Four positions will be elected by boat licence holders and two positions elected by boating businesses. Employees of the Canal & River Trust will also elect a staff representative to the Council.

Tony Hales, chair of the Canal & River Trust, said: “We had a very good response to our call for candidates and now it is time for licence holders to take up their voting rights and have their say on who will be their representative on Council. The boating community has a wealth of hands-on experience of the waterways, and having boaters and boating businesses involved is essential to the success of the Canal & River Trust.”

Ballot packs are being sent to all eligible voters and each will have a 30-day period in which to cast their vote. Voting opens on 8 February and closes at 12noon on 9 March 2012.

Votes can be cast via a designated website or by phone – with full details given in the ballot pack. Voting by post will also be possible for this inaugural Council election. The election is being managed by Electoral Reform Services.

For details of the candidates and election process go to http://www.waterscape.com/trust.

The new Canal & River Trust will take over the responsibilities of British Waterways in England & Wales this summer. The Trust’s Council will be the guardian of its long-term values and purposes. The Council will have an important role in helping to shape policy, raising and debating issues, and providing guidance, perspective and a sounding board for the trustees. It will also have the power to appoint or dismiss trustees.

The Council Members of the Canal & River Trust Council will be expected to bring the experience and perspective of the constituency they represent and to provide a voice for their interests. In exercising this role they will have to at all times act in the interests of the charitable purposes of the Trust. Members will serve for a term of four years.

Staff changes at Nancy Oldfield Trust

2012-02-10T09:58:00.000Z

The Nancy Oldfield Trust, which specialises in providing waterborne activities for disabled and disadvantaged people at Neatishead on the Broads has undergone staff and director changes.

Stephen Bradnock, 48, a former Broads Authority river inspector, wildlife warden and sailor, has been appointed centre manager and principal of the RYA training centre. He succeeds Robin Slatter who has held the post for 14 years and is being retained two days a week as boatswain and coach in the training centre.

Brought up on the Broads in a sailing family, Stephen sailed dinghies and Broads river cruisers during his teens. He graduated in geography at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge followed by a Masters degree in forestry at Wolfson College, Oxford.

Stephen began volunteering for the Nancy Oldfield Trust in 2008. He is a qualified RYA senior instructor and was appointed as the Trust’s first Seasonal Water Activities Instructor in 2011 –“the best job I have ever done.”

Stephen said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be coming to the Nancy Oldfield Trust as the new centre manager. It is a real privilege and also hugely rewarding to help disadvantaged and disabled people to experience the Broads through the many water based activities that the Trust offers. Seeing our visitors grow in self confidence, experience new sensations and to discover skills they hadn't realised they had, as well as having great fun, is absolutely brilliant. I am greatly looking forward to leading the Trust's fantastic team of dedicated staff and volunteers.”

Frank James, a former senior police officer in the Norfolk Constabulary, has taken over as chairman of the Trust from Captain Mike Ortmans, who held the post for five years. Frank, who was regional external affairs manager for a global oil company for 12 years, joined the Trust seven years ago and served on the marketing committee before being appointed as a director and trustee in 2008.

Norfolk born Frank, who is also immediate past president of the Rotary Club of Norwich Thorpe St Andrew, said of the Broads: “I have sailing it, cruised on it, canoed, fished and swum in it all my life and I am committed to ensuring that disabled and socially disadvantaged people can share the same experiences regardless of their circumstances.”

Mike Ortmans, who served in the Royal Navy commanding diesel and nuclear submarines, was commander of the Royal Yacht Britannia for two years. He studied at the NATO Defence College in Rome and his last two postings were Head of Naval Intelligence Collection and Assistant Chief of Staff to the Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic based in Norfolk, USA. After retiring he worked as director of fundraising and public relations at the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability in Putney, a charity for profoundly disabled people, and was Chief Executive for one year. He became a Nancy Oldfield Trustee in 1997, and he will continue to serve as a director and an appeals trustee.

Val Khambatta, who for 20 years was manager of Horstead residential activity centre for young people, run by Norwich Diocese, has taken over from David Prettyman as Chairman of the Executive Committee.

Under Val’s management Horstead became a thriving activity centre as well as an RYA training centre for keelboats, running the first keelboat instructors’ course on the Broads. Val, a senior sailing instructor for both keelboats and dinghies and an RYA first aid trainer, is a former Commodore of Norfolk Punt Club of which she has been a member for 25 years. She is former secretary of the Norfolk Punt Owners’ Association, a council member of the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, and chair of governors at Broadland High School. She is currently a magistrate.

David Prettyman has held senior managerial roles in the social care field and has extensive knowledge and experience providing residential and day care facilities for a wide range of service users, specialising in services for people with disabilities. He is also an experienced and qualified senior instructor and will continue to serve on the committee.

A full time administrator, Caryl Wright, was appointed last year. Caryl managed Suffolk County Council’s social care team for six years which gave her insight into the current issues in social care. She comes from a South Norfolk farming family.

She said: “I wanted to work for a small charity where I could make a difference and develop some new skills, and Nancy Oldfield Trust is giving me both those opportunities!”

Caryl is taking up the opportunity to learn to sail by joining the Nancy OldfieldTrust’s women’s sailing course in the spring.

From its base in Neatishead, which includes a 10 bedroom specially adapted bungalow, the charity uniquely offers adventure to disabled and disadvantaged people. It runs a range of residential and day time activities aboard its fleet of sailing, motor boats and canoes, including angling and bird-watching. Its facilities include a floating base on Barton Broad and specially qualified volunteers accompany the guests. The Trust is also an RYA keelboat training centre.

For more information on the Nancy Oldfield Trust visit www.nancyoldfield.org.uk

New Workboat/Tug Enters Waterways Ireland Fleet

2012-02-03T10:56:00.001Z

Inishfendra, a 11.2m long, 3.8m beam multi-purpose workboat/tug has been delivered to Waterways Ireland by road from Killybegs and launched on the Shannon Erne Waterway at Ballyconnell.

Specially designed for operation on inland waterways, the Inishfendra has a shallow draught, a new design of wheelhouse and a new ballast tank system has been incorporated to facilitate passage through the low headroom bridges on the Shannon Erne Waterway.

Designed as a multi-purpose workboat/tug, the Inishfendra is equipped with a 185hp Perkins M 185 main engine and Quick-shift Twin Disc gearbox,13 kVA Cummins Generator, Guerra deck crane and man access basket, hydraulic bow thruster and a suite of electronic equipment including chart-plotter, radar and radio equipment. Environmentally friendly sealed tube coolers are used on both the main engine and generator. The substantial tube cooler supplied by Klima for the main engine is designed to enable the boat to operate at maximum power when travelling against the strong winter flows encountered on the waterways.

The Inishfendra is a further addition to a fleet of more than 60 boats owned and operated by Waterways Ireland staff in the management and maintenance of the waterways under its remit. The name Inishfendra comes from an island located near where the Erne System and the Shannon Erne Waterway meet.

The Inishfendra was designed and built to Waterways Irelands specification by Mooney Boats of Killybegs and their naval architects, Marine Design International. The vessel is constructed and certified to the meet the regulatory requirements of the Marine Survey Office (Dept of Transport).

Inland Waterways International appoints new council member - Benny Ruus

2012-02-01T08:47:00.000Z

Inland Waterways International is pleased to announce the appointment of Benny Ruus as a full member of its Council. 58 years old, married with three children, Benny Ruus has been CEO of the Dalsland Canal Company for 20 years, and was nominated president of the Swedish and Norwegian Canal Society (IWI corporate member) in 2011. Before coming to canals, he was a teacher, and was headmaster of a Junior High School before moving on to teachers' training and educational development. He was then CEO of a Company in Stockholm for four years before the move to Dalsland.

Two years after joining the Dalsland Canal Company he started a programme to develop the canal by providing better services to visitors: guest harbors, lock stations, visitor centers, marinas, gas-stations, jetties, bridges... A parallel programme for conservation of the canal's cultural heritage focused on renovation of the famous Håverud Aqueduct, lock chambers, lock gates, old buildings and various items of equipment. Over the 17 years 1994-2011, about 7.5 million EUR has been invested in these projects.

His keen interest in canal construction, water technology, construction materials and heritage has been stimulated by visits to many canals in Europe, and a number of canals in the USA, Canada and China, both heritage and commercial.

A member of the Swedish Canals Association for 20 years, he took part in the Canaux 98 heritage canals conference in Toulouse, which celebrated designation of the Canal du Midi as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and was one of the organisers of the World Canals Conference in Trollhättan in August 2005.

Funding Agreement for the Canal & River Trust

2012-01-31T17:54:00.003Z

The Government has today announced http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2012/01/31/1-billion-investment-for-new-waterways-charity/ a long-term funding agreement for the new Canal & River Trust, which will replace British Waterways in England and Wales later this year. The agreement significantly increases the public commitment to invest in the waterways and provides greater funding certainty for the historic network than ever before. This is a major step for us and for the waterways, and creates a viable foundation for the new Trust to build the future growth and prosperity of our wonderful canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs.

The Canal & River Trust owes its creation to both the passion, vision and dedication of countless volunteers and expert staff. Together, and with the support of myriad businesses, councils, funders and partners, the network has been transformed from a national disgrace to a national treasure. It is a great conservation success story.

By engaging with the millions of people who use and enjoy the waterways, the Canal & River Trust will breathe new life into the network. The funding agreement with Government means that we can now start planning for the future, including an exciting launch scheduled for June. We very much look forward to continuing to work with you to ensure our waterways continue to be havens for people and wildlife.

2012-01-30T10:00:00.000Z

Crafted by professional photographer Brett Trafford and wonderfully displayed in the Cafe Clique, Getliffe’s yard from the 1st to the 31^stMarch 2012.

The free exhibition, “Canal Side” is an attempt to capture the many faces of the canal in all weathers and seasons.

The canal has been part of my life for over 15 years since moving to our current house over looking tunnel pool near Leek. It's the first thing I see every morning, its proximity means that a quick walk nearly always includes a stretch of it's banks and its ever changing face means I never tire of it. Over the years the canal has featured in many of my images but this is the first time that it has had star billing.

The images are a mix of digital photographs and slides, taken along the Leek and Caldon branches of the Trent and Mersey Canal over a number of years and most of the images are being exhibited for the first time.

This small stretch of canal, only about 10 miles in length, running down the picturesque Churnet Valley, it is very lightly used and has a quiet backwater feel to it, lots of deserted stretches and over hanging trees.

Brett is an award winning, full time, photographer, with over 20 years experience. Based in Leek in the Staffordshire Moorlands, He is internationally recognized for both his landscape and portrait work, with his images being viewed in over 170 countries.

Brett has worked on a wide range of photographic projects from wedding and family portrait sessions to corporate events and product shoots for large companies. Brett is also committed to support both local and national charities by donating images or working at reduced rates.

For more information and images contact brett@bretttrafford.com or ring Brett on 01538 387701 or 07801 058345.

Broads Authority’s pioneering plan to extend commercial reed beds

2012-01-25T22:50:00.001Z

New reed cutters Rowan Nichols and Paul Eldridge
who were trained under the Broads Authority’s bursary scheme.

The Broads Authority has announced a pioneering plan to increase the area of Broads reed beds used for commercial cutting in order to address the decline in this ancient industry.

Currently there are just 19 commercial reed cutters on the Broads. Now the Authority is to survey all Broads reed beds with a view to extending the areas cut and bringing neglected beds back into production.

Andrea Kelly, the Authority’s senior ecologist, said: “We know there are almost 2000 hectares of open fen on the Broads and, with the help of landowners, our aim is to extend commercial reed beds from 15% to 25%.

“We all know the government is expecting society to find other ways to pay for conservation management. This plan will help to put land management on a sustainable footing.”

She said landowners, who would still have a duty to manage protected sites had already been very positive about the initiative and were beginning to employ the local cutters to undertake all sorts of wetland work.

The Broads Authority has already trained new reed cutters through a Heritage Lottery funded scheme and addressed the issue of availability of work by providing them with scrub clearance contracts outside the cutting season. Efforts will also be made to expand the market by looking for opportunities to sell lower-grade reed for thatching outbuildings.

Gary Elliott, 43, a reed cutter for 20 years, has been appointed to carry out the reed bed survey. He will be contacting about 60 landowners and visiting sites around the Broads to assess the quantity and quality of reed.

He will be checking the viability of sites for expansion, looking at issues such as access and how easy it would be to remove the reed. On reed beds which have partly turned to scrub, he will be estimating how costly it would be to restore them to a commercial quality.

Mr Elliott said: “We can see a future for living and working on the Broads now whereas before there did not appear to be any future.”

He said while 75% of reed is currently imported from places as far afield as China and the Ukraine, there is “quality assurance” in the case of reed cut locally.

“There is a link between the cutter, thatcher and householder. Sometimes we might be supplying reed to a house in our village so we are not going to be giving them poor quality reed,” he said.

His optimism is shared by Paul Eldridge, 31, and Rowan Nichols, 29, who represent a new breed of reed cutters having entered the industry five years ago on the Broads Authority’s training scheme.

Mr Eldridge said: “Every thatcher we have supplied was previously having to import reed and they are very excited to have English reed again. Their customers are also delighted to find that the reed has been cut locally.”

Broads Reed and Sedge Cutters Association chairman Richard Starling, 60, praised the Broads Authority’s new initiative which he saw as a way of “reconnecting conservation with sustainable management again”.

He said: “At the moment, thatchers have little choice but to use imported reed owing to the limited availability of UK reed. Sadly, traditional and sustainable reed bed management ceased on many sites in favour of rotational cutting and burning.

“Other issues impacting on production include access problems, changing water level regimes, the widening of dykes resulting in excessive areas of spoil and scrub encroachment.”

“There are several thousand hectares of reed beds throughout the UK but I understand that it is only in the Broads where there is a desire to encourage further commercial participation in reed bed management. If other parts of the country followed the Broads Authority’s lead we would be less reliant on imported reed. “

Press Release: Quicksilver wins prestigious award.

2012-01-18T13:50:00.002Z

E. P. Barrus’ Robert Muir, MD and Ian Nuttall, marine divisional manager, (right)

with the MBM Award at London Boat Show.

Quicksilver has picked up yet another industry award in the Motor Boats Monthly and Motor Boat & Yachting magazines, Motorboat of the Year Awards 2012, announced at the London Boat Show at Excel.

The Quicksilver Activ 645 Cabin boat has won the award in the Starter boat category. Motor Boats Monthly narrowed down hundreds of boats, which were tested over the previous 12-months, to come up with a handful of potential winners. The judging panel selected the Quicksilver Activ 645 cabin for its intelligent design and attention to detail; versatile usage and easy conversion to sun lounge and dining area and beautiful styling.

The 20ft Activ 645 is a smart boat, both in terms of design and engineering. Well-thought out, this boat has easy access through bow to stern with beautiful contemporary styling and flexibility of space throughout. In the cockpit, there are swivel driver and passenger seats with a teak dining table that seats six which effortlessly doubles up as a spacious sun lounge. Below deck, the cabin comes with the option of a flush toilet, lateral ventilation and lighting and a seating area that converts easily into a large double berth.

Excellent safety features include easy access in and out of the cockpit along with anti-slip stairs to the water and an anti-slip flat canopy storage surface. There is also an extra high freeboard for added safety and access to the bow is via large steps.

There is a wealth of stowage under the seats and fender lockers plus a clever table and cool box storage in the cockpit.

Power for the 645 can be provided by a single 175hp outboard. Motor Boats Monthly tested the 645 with one of the new Mercury 150hp four-strokes which pushed the nicely balanced hull up to a clean 37 knots. They reported, “At this speed the ride and handling were so comfortable and confident, you could keep the throttle floored most of the time and neither the other occupants nor hull are likely to complain.”

BRIAN BLESSED SUPPORTS APPEAL FOR PUBLIC TO ‘UNLOCK’ ICONIC WATERWAY ROLE

2012-01-16T12:25:00.001Z

The Canal & River Trust (CRT), the charity which takes over British Waterways’ responsibility for 2,000 miles of waterways in England & Wales this year, is calling on local communities to get involved in a unique opportunity that will see them carry out an iconic role along their local canal – as a volunteer lock keeper.

Brian Blessed, actor and adventurer, who is as well known for his commanding presence, as he is for his mighty voice, is backing the campaign in appealing to the 13 million people who use the nation’s canals and rivers each year.

Lock keepers have been a fixture on the canals for hundreds of years and the role of the modern-day lock keeper is to provide a polite and friendly welcome to waterway visitors, assisting boaters through the locks and helping to maintain the lock area.

Now, in over 50 locations across the country, members of the public, canal societies and anyone with a passion for their local canal or river have the opportunity to join in with one of the oldest traditions of the waterways.

Following a successful trial period along stretches around the Grand Union Canal, Kennet & Avon Canal and River Trent, the scheme is now being rolled out to all areas of the country with positions identified at iconic locks such as the famous and iconic Bingley Five Rise Flight in Yorkshire (Leeds & Liverpool Canal), the deepest lock in the country at Tuel Lane Lock (Rochdale Canal) and along the Hertford Union Canal within site of the London Olympic site.

Volunteers played a fundamental role in saving the national canal and river network in the 20th century and their contribution continues to help maintain and preserve the nation’s inland waterways; with their unique industrial architecture and important role as havens for nature. Volunteers contributed more than 24,000 days between April 2010 to March 2011 and over 50 people successfully took part in the volunteer lock keeper trials last year.

Ed Moss, national volunteering manager for British Waterways commented: “The task of a lock keeper is arguably the most symbolic on the waterways and our trials have shown us that there’s huge public interest out there for the waterways. It’s a perfect opportunity for those who enjoy working in the outdoors and are perhaps looking for something different to do and help support the Canal & River Trust in what will be its first year.

“The waterways are a national treasure that needs looking after and our volunteers have been able to provide so many additional benefits on top of the fantastic work our own staff carry out which is really beginning to make a difference. The key qualities we’re looking for are enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Whether it’s helping a boat through the lock, talking to customers, litter picking or undertaking vegetation works, it can really make a great difference to a visitor’s appreciation of the waterways.”

Brian Blessed comments: “Ever since I was a child I’ve loved our canals and rivers, going off exploring on my bike and looking for wildlife. They’re unique places so I would urge people with a real passion for their local waterway to get involved as a volunteer lock keeper or take advantage of one of the many opportunities to support the Canal & River Trust. They meant so much to me as a child so I think it’s important we all do what we can to help protect them for our next generations to enjoy.”

The Canal & River Trust will care for 1,654 locks and there are approximately 5 million ‘lockings’ each year (passages through locks). Over 35,000 boats now call the waterways home; a figure higher than at the height of the industrial revolution.

Volunteering will be integral to the success of the Trust which will become one of the biggest charities in the UK, giving local communities a bigger say in the running of their local canal or river.

A full list of volunteer lock keeping locations will be available at www.waterscape.com; by emailing volunteer@britishwaterways.co.uk or phoning 01827 252097. Willing volunteers can start quickly and no prior experience is necessary as a full induction, training and a uniform will be provided.

Buckingham Canal Society holding social evening and AGM Buckingham Canal Society holding social evening and AGM

2012-01-15T20:33:00.001Z

Buckingham Canal Society are holding their annual social gathering and AGM at Buckingham Community Centre on Saturday 29^th January 2012. Starting at 7:15pm, everyone is welcome to join them for a review of the progress over the past 12 months. After a short meeting, there will be refreshments and a talk from a local historian.

Chairman of Buckingham Canal Society Athina Becket said: “It is wonderful to see the interest that continues to grow in the canal. A broad mix of volunteers both young and old are working on the restoration project to preserve this piece of local heritage.”

Since its opening in 1801, the canal has previously been used to transport bricks, coal and manufactured goods as well as imports from the London Docks. It also provided transport for agricultural produce from the farms and villages along its route. The waterway to Buckingham ran a total of just under 11 miles from the Grand Union Canal at Cosgrove Lock along the Stony Stratford and Buckingham Arms. The original route passed through Old Stratford, Deanshanger, Thornton, Leckhampstead Wharf, Thornborough Mill, Maids Moreton Mill and Bourton Meadow. Much of the canal is now dry, and parts have been built over. Certain sections of the route would need to be created anew due to the development that has taken place in and around villages since the canal’s closure. BCS have previously commissioned an outline feasibility study regarding the restoration of the entire length of the canal arm. The report concluded that it was a feasible project, although significant funding and commitment will be required.

BCS is actively seeking new members to join the existing membership of around 200 and welcomes participation at all levels from the community. BCS is also actively seeking grant and other funding to progress its restoration activities working in partnership with Local Authorities in the area as well as other private companies.

Further work is planned for the Cosgrove and Buckingham end sections of the canal route as well as the Buckingham Canal Nature Reserve at Hyde Lane near Foscott. New volunteers are always welcome and the society runs three work parties a month on alternate Thursdays and on the second Sunday of each month. No experience necessary!

NEW MEMBER WANTED FOR THE BROADS AUTHORITY

2012-01-10T17:27:00.002Z

Would you like to help make the decisions that affect the future of the Broads? The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Caroline Spelman, has announced her intention to appoint a new member to the Broads Authority.

The Secretary of State appoints 10 members to the Authority to reflect the national importance of the Broads and the responsibility of the organisation for conservation, recreation, the maintenance of the navigation area, planning, access, land management and resources.

The appointment will commence in May 2012 and is initially for up to four years with the option of re-appointment for a total period of up to eight years.

Two new members are also being appointed to the New Forest, North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Park Authorities and one vacancy to the Peak District and South Downs National Park Authorities.

Applications are particularly encouraged from members of ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, women and young people.

Application forms and further details are available on-line at http://publicappts.defra.gov.uk/ . If you would like an application pack by post, please contact Chris Buxton at Natural England, Foundry House, 3 Millsands, Riverside Exchange, Sheffield, S3 8NH (telephone 0300 060 2745) or e-mail boardservices@naturalengland.org.uk .

The deadline for receipt of applications is Monday 13 February 2012. For more information about NPAs go towww.defra.gov.uk/rural/national-parks/ .

Contacts for inquiries are:

Broads Authority John Organ 01603 756073

New Forest NPA David Stone 01590 646645

North York Moors NPA Fiona Farnell 01439 770657

Peak District NPA Jason Spencer 01629 816344

South Downs NPA Fiona Macleod 01730 811141

Yorkshire Dales NPA Lesley Knevitt 01969 652326

MOTOR BOAT OF THE YEAR AWARDS WINNERS ANNOUNCED AT THE SAVOY HOTEL, LONDON

2012-01-10T17:25:00.000Z

The winners of the prestigious 2012 Motor Boat of the Year Awards, sponsored by Pantaenius, were announced at a spectacular invitation-only award ceremony held at the Savoy Hotel in London on Monday January 9th 2012. Representatives from the boat manufacturers and sales companies, together with marine industry VIPs, were among the evening’s 200 invited guests.

Fifty-seven boats were short-listed for this year’s Awards which feature nine categories ranging from the smallest ‘Starterboat’ to the fast and furious ‘Performance and Superboat’ to the elegance and sophistication of the larger ‘Custom yachts’. Each nominated boat has been personally tested by the professional journalists from Motor Boat & Yachting and Motor Boats Monthly during rigorous sea trials.

Simon Owen, Publishing Director at IPC Marine Media gave a short address to the gathered guests and welcomed the evening’s new sponsor, Pantaenius. ‘This year, we’re delighted to welcome Pantaenius as the Awards’ new main sponsor. I would also like to say a big thank you to KVH for kindly sponsoring our pre-dinner drinks reception and also to Peters & May for providing our after dinner drinks. Their sponsorship allows us to celebrate design, innovation and excellence in our industry.’

In the tradition of the Motor Boat of the Year Awards, a Judges' Special Award is presented. This year the Judges' Special Award was awarded to David King, Chairman of Princess Yachts International.
This year’s Garmin Europe Ltd Outstanding Service Award, which celebrates the highest levels of professionalism and endeavour within the marine world, was presented to Essex Boatyards.
The Awards were appropriately presented in the same room at the Savoy that Motor Boats Monthly was launched 25 years ago.

WINNERS OF THE MOTOR BOAT OF THE YEAR AWARDS 20121 – Starterboat – Quicksilver Activ 645 CabinManufacturer: Brunswick
UK dealer: CTC Marine & Leisure Group, Ferry Marine, Nauticalia Boats, Quadra Boats, R.I.B.S. Marine, Samspeed Marine, SeaMark Nunn Ltd, Yachthaven Marine.

2 – Wheelhouse & Walkaround – Botnia Targa 32Manufacturer: OY Botnia Marin AB
UK Dealer: Wessex Marine

3 – Performance and Superboat – Riva IseoManufacturer: Ferretti Group
UK dealer: Ventura UK

4 – Trawler Yacht and Aft Cabin – Beneteau ST44Manufacturer: Beneteau
UK Dealer: AM Dickie & Sons

5 - Sportscruiser up to 45ft – Windy 31 ZondaManufacturer: Windy Boats AS
UK Dealer: Express Cruisers Ltd

6 – Sportscruiser above 45ft – Princess V52Manufacturer: Princess Yachts International
UK Dealer: Princess Motor Yacht Sales

7 – Flybridge up to 55ft – Jeanneau Prestige 500Manufacturer: Jeanneau
UK Dealer: BHG Marine, Bleu Water Marine, Cambrian Boats Limited, Cyril Johnston & Co, Euroyacht, Network North Wales, Walton Marine, Lansdale Marine & Leisure & Property LLP, LH Morgan and Sons Ltd.

8 – Flybridge above 55ft – Sunseeker Manhattan 63Manufacturer: Sunseeker International
UK Dealer: Sunseeker London

9 – Custom Yacht – Ferretti Custom Line 100Manufacturer: Ferretti Group
UK Dealer: Ventura UK

Garmin Europe Ltd Outstanding Service Award – Essex Boatyards

Judges’ Special Award – David King, Chairman of Princess Yachts International

BUZZ MARINE LAUNCHES THE NEW HUBBAX MARINE BROADBAND UNIT TO THE UK LEISURE MARKET

2012-01-10T17:21:00.000Z

Buzz Marine, a leading supplier of 3G broadband and telephony for leisure craft, launches the new HubbaX marine broadband unit at the Tullett Prebon London Boat Show. Providing ADSL equivalent broadband speeds up to 20 miles off shore, the HubbaX uses unique patented aerial technology and 3G networks to create an affordable internet connection on board without the need for more costly satellite connection.

On display via UK distributor, SM Group Europe, the HubbaX utilises 3G networks via an integrated data SIM to create a WiFi hotspot instantly and can also be wired via an Ethernet port to connect to multiple devices such as laptops and iPads. With typical current download speeds of 2Mbps (Megabit per second) and uploads of 1Mbps, the HubbaX allows boat owners to easily access important information such as weather conditions and stay connected while at sea.
Fully equipped with technology capable of providing up to 21Mbps download speeds, the HubbaX is future-proof and designed to take advantage of upgraded transmitters as they come online, which could see users enjoying typically 8Mpbs on board.

Built to withstand the marine environment, the IP67 rated HubbaX is fully water and weather-proof and externally and mast mountable with a standard 1” marine antenna mount. Powered by 12v DC power, the marine broadband unit is also protected by industry standard security protocol (WEP, WPA, WPA2.)

“It’s becoming increasingly important for boat owners to be able to stay connected while cruising, but also to be able to do so at a speed similar to that experienced at home,” comments Steve Smith, Managing Director of Buzz Marine. “The HubbaX offers an economical solution by utilising 3G networks to access an internet connection up to 20 miles off shore that can be easily connected to your favourite devices. It’s simple to add on the telephony service to ensure the connection is made the most of.”

As an optional extra, VoIP telephony is available. Providing boat owners with a landline equivalent handset on board, users can benefit from typical UK landline calls costing less that 1 pence per minute and calls to other Buzz VoIP phones free.
For more information on the HubbaX, visit stand A110 at the Tullett Prebon London Boat Show, 6th – 15th January 2012, or go towww.buzzmarine.co.uk.

It's that time of year again!

2012-01-05T11:16:00.001Z

January is always London Boat Show time and this year is no exception, so with the marine industry looking to a fresh new year it's the time for a new batch of press releases and the first has arrived and is as follows. Happy New Year!!

MANAGEMENT TEAM RE-ORGANISATION AT FAIRLINE BOATS - NEW HEAD OF MARKETING APPOINTED.

British luxury motor yacht manufacturer Fairline Boats today announces a Management Team re-organisation that will take place on 1st March 2012. Oliver Winbolt takes on the role of Head of Marketing following the departure of Miles Moorhouse on 28th February 2012.

Oliver joined Fairline in 2005 as Chief Engineer and over the last six years has gained extensive knowledge of the product range, Fairline dealerships and the company’s global show and media activities. He speaks French, German and Italian.

On announcing the appointment, James Robinson, Sales and Marketing Director welcomed Oliver to his new role, ‘In Oliver we have a highly experienced Fairline team member whose knowledge, passion and enthusiasm for the brand will be invaluable to lead a product-focused global marketing strategy. He will have the support of our existing marketing and PR resources and continue to work closely with our design team to promote our market-leading motor yachts.’

On his appointment Oliver said, ‘This is a hugely exciting opportunity for me. I have been intimately involved in the design of many of Fairline’s boats so am keen to take on this role which will allow me to extol the virtues of what I know to be a fantastic brand. I am backed by a great team and look forward to developing product-driven marketing strategy for 2012 and beyond.’

Fire Kills

2011-12-22T16:53:00.000Z

With eight fires already this December, the average for accidental boat fire reports looks set to be one a week on inland waters and records show around two per week for all of the UK. Boat Safety Scheme’s suggestion to all boaters for a New Year’s resolution is, have a fire emergency plan

In a radio interview last week about the recent tragic ship sinking off North wales, a Russian sailor said that he was asleep in his bunk when the alarm went off. He couldn’t recall the detail of what happened next, but he said he was on auto-pilot putting the emergency drill into action. He was one of the survivors.

Boaters need their fire emergency plans to be second-nature too, so if fire hits their boat, they too live to tell the tale.

If boaters make only one New Year’s resolution in 2012, says the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS), it should be this one and it should never be broken: Make a fire emergency plan for yourself and everyone on board – go through it regularly so the planned actions are second-nature.

With an average of over one accidental boat fire a week, planning for a fire emergency should be something every boater does.

BSS manager, Graham Watts said; ‘If fire happens, especially in the very early hours of the morning when people are deep asleep, then reactions need to be instinctive and automatic if crew members are all to escape to safety.

‘You may be on new moorings, so check your plan is still OK, before you settle down for the night and have a grab bag with the vital items in it, if you are a car owner, remember to put the keys in it too.’

Here are a few tips:

Know your location so you can tell the emergency services where you are if needed.

Fire extinguishers should be easy grab and on your escape routes.

Know how to use any type of extinguishers on the boat.

Know your escape route and check it is clear before going to bed.

When aboard, all locks, catches, or bolts for doors and hatches should be operable from inside the boat. Have all keys to hand.

Keep a working torch easily available to help you escape at night.

There is more fire safety advice for inland and sea going boaters in the Fire Kills / BSS booklet ‘Fire Safety on Boats’ which is available from local fire services and is also downloadable from

www.boatsafetyscheme.com/fire.

Whilton Marina buys Cheshire-based Venetian Marine

2011-12-19T08:41:00.000Z

Whilton Marina, the leading narrowboat broker, has expanded its business with the purchase of a marina in Cheshire.

Venetian Marine is one of the premier marinas in north-west England - featuring a workshop, chandlery, tea rooms and gift shop. Company founder John Dean retired in December and Whilton Marina bought the site for an undisclosed sum. The existing marina workforce has been retained.

Over the next two years, Whilton Marina plans to invest up to £500,000 on improving the marina infrastructure – including fitting new piers, repiling the water’s edge, electric to all piers, a new water system and wi-fi access to mooring customers.

Commenting on the purchase, Robert Steele, director of Whilton Marina Ltd, said: “The two businesses have much in common. Both founded as family-run enterprises, we also celebrated our 40th anniversaries in 2011.

“We have a lot of respect for the successful business that we’re taking on and will stay true to the founding family ethos. At the same time, we’ll be developing the business and providing the very latest facilities for marina customers.

“We’re delighted with this acquisition and look forward to working with the team to develop our vision.”

Consider Ireland.

2011-12-13T19:33:00.001Z

If you look at a map of Ireland - all of it - you might well notice something that you may have overlooked in the past, and that is that Ireland has a lot of water in it. Sounds daft maybe but I’d never considered it myself until I began to look into it further and it’s true. Loughs, canals, rivers you name it they have it in abundance, but what they don’t have are people - well not many compared to us. To quote some figures, the total population of Ireland is 4 million, in the UK it’s 61 million. We have something like 2325 miles of BW and Broads waterways (not including EA waters) into which we cram 32,000 boats. In Ireland there are 1000km (621 miles) of navigable water, but much of this is made up of large areas of open water, 15% is in the north, 85% is in the south. Waterways Ireland also tell us there are around 1200 boats in the country so, as a result you get uncrowded waters to cruise in.

Maybe we formed an incorrect impression, seeing as we visited early in the year but, having seen the facilities and the areas in which to cruise as a bank holiday approached, it seemed that the system would be more than able to cope with many more visitors. But not only is there plenty of room but, as mentioned a moment ago, the facilities are also excellent. Automatic locks, clean toilets and showers and plenty of good quality moorings - public ones - provide the visitor with a pleasant environment to holiday in. So enough of extolling the virtues of the Irish Waterways, what are they like in practice and how did our trip pan out?

We began our journey at Tulley Bay, 12 miles north of Enniskillen but that meant a journey to the Carrickcraft base from our home in the midlands. We chose to take the ferry as we wanted to try out a Kia Sportage as a potential boaters car, so the drive would give us plenty of chance to do this. To save time, as our trip was only to take one week, we took StenaLine’s HSS ferry from Holyhead. Having traveled on this many times I can vouch for it, and would highly recommend it as a fast and reliable means of getting too and from Ireland. Once in the Irish republic we traveled to our start point using some of the quietest roads you will experience. One toll €2.80 was all we paid and it was good to see diesel cheaper than at home. With quiet roads and the help of our friends at Waterways Ireland we were soon in Tulley Bay, a beautiful and tranquil spot in which to find our boat.

We were the guests of Carrickcraft and the handover of the boat was, as you might expect, thorough with every aspect of the boat being checked and working before we even went out on the lough. This handover included a dvd presentation on boat safety in their offices which, even if you are not first timers, it’s always worth watching. With a member of Carrick’s staff on board we took the boat for a spin on the lough just to get a feel for it and, once completed we left the boat took a trip to one of the highest points in the area to see the lough and much of the surrounding area. A one word description for this is ‘stunning’. From this vantage point it showed not only what a beautiful area it was but also the lack of traffic on the waterways in the area.

The following day saw us leave from Tulley Bay and head south into the open waters of Lower Lough Erne. At first sight heading out onto a huge expanse of water like this can seem daunting, especially when you need to navigate around many small islands but, the waterways of Ireland, both north and south of the border, are well marked and, with the aid of the large waterways guide we got from Carrick’s offices it’s easy to find out where you are. So, using the map we headed to Devenish, our first port of call. A fascinating location is said to be one of the finest monastic sites in Northern Ireland which dates back to the 6th century. Anyone coming to the area should visit this site, and if you are coming by boat the moorings are very good and close to the main site.

Having left Devenish we headed for Enniskillen which we visited for a meal the night before. Although we didn’t have the opportunity to visit the town in any depth it does offer a number of sites to visit including the castle which dates back to the 16th century and now houses the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers regimental museum . If you do moor up it’s worth mentioning that one part of the extensive moorings on offer are located right next to the new shops, including one of the largest ASDA’s in Ireland. You moor almost as close as those who come by car, so carrying bags beck to the boat is easy. Stocked up, it was off to find a quiet mooring for the night and we were successful. We stopped out in the countryside on a well maintained jetty with only one other boat for company. Ireland seems to be well furnished with this type of mooring so finding something like this isn’t difficult.

Although not typical of anyone hiring in Ireland, a few days into our trip and we swapped boats - the idea being to see more than one hire fleet and the areas they cover. Having said that, all the fleets have centers all along the waterways and you can almost go from one end to the other of the Shannon and Erne waterway using just one hire fleet. We swapped at the small town of Belturbet and took an Emerald Star boat from here. The boat was very modern in it’s look and feel and wouldn’t have looked out of place on a mooring on the south coast of the UK or even the Med’. We headed to Keshcarrigan where, shortly after, we entered the River Shannon and began to use the locks. Although the theory is the same as at home using a push button system is a little different, but it does save your back! One swipe of your card, which can be supplied by the hire fleet operator, and passage is deducted from the credits on your card. This proved to be an excellent way to use, and you can assume pay for the systems up-keep.

Over the coming few nights we stopped over on some very good moorings and experienced both open waters, some of which were quite choppy, and some (at times) almost alarmingly narrow stretches of water but all of it was tranquil and well maintained. We managed to call at a couple of interesting properties along the way including Crom Castle which is owned by the National Trust and which has moorings along side. With your own transport and facilities moored right by the estate you have a great vantage point from which to visit the grounds. The same can be said for Lough Key Activity Centre which will appeal to young and old with history mixed in with science and natural history. If you visit take the treetop walk as it gives great views of the adjacent lough. And it too has mooring to help with your visit.

Our journey ended at Carick on Shannon and the Emerald Star base in the town. Staying overnight gave us chance to have a look around this nice little town with one or two interesting places to visit including the worlds smallest chapel, the Costello Chapel, and The Dock. This is a converted courthouse that now houses an art gallery. The town is also host to a number of hire fleets so you are never far away from the boats and their influence on the town and the business they must bring in. Emerald Star run from some of the most modern offices in the town and they are a hive of activity on handover days.

So, in conclusion I’d have to say that Ireland offers the holiday maker a different kind of boating holiday from the ‘typical’ narrowboat break you’d have closer to home. The boats are more spacious due to their design, and in many cases are more modern offering more accommodation than in many hire boats in the UK. As mentioned, the Emerald Star boats are more continental in their appearance and this is not by accident as they are now part of Le Boat and will, in time, be branded as such. The German tourists seem to have found the delights of Ireland as they were there in good numbers. We’d have to say that both Carrickcraft and Emerald Star’s boats were exceptionally well presented and equipped. Waterways Ireland would seem to be running a well organised operation as well - a fact demonstrated when we had a problem when a lock failed. It only took a call and within moments a member of staff was there to help. A few moments later a couple of engineers were on hand and the problem was sorted and we were on our way. It didn’t end there. At the next two locks Waterways Ireland guys were waiting to open and operate the locks for us to speed us through. Would you see that on our canals?

If you do go (and you really should) do one thing that we didn’t. Don’t forget the fishing tackle! Everyone, but everyone fishes and without the gear you feel you are missing out. So don’t, miss out on the fishing or these wonderful waters.

For more information please contact the following who we’d like to thank for their help in providing an opportunity to visit the waterways of Ireland.

Getting to Ireland: www.stenaline.co.uk

General information on the waterways: www.waterwaysireland.org

Hire fleets include: Carrickcraft www.carrickcraft.com Emerald Star www.emeraldstar.ie

A timely reminder.

2011-12-07T08:42:00.001Z

‘Fit a smoke alarm and keep it working’, is the blunt advice from the Boat Safety Scheme following a recent boat fire where the owner was potentially only seconds away from death.

The live-aboard boater had no early warning when he awoke in the middle of the night to find his home was filling rapidly with toxic smoke. The solid fuel stove in the saloon had set fire to the boat’s lining and he had previously removed the battery from his smoke alarm.

By the time he had realised what was happening, he had to crawl out of the boat on his chest to keep below the level of the smoke. In less than a minute after his escape, flames filled the cabin as he stood on the towpath calling 999.

According to the Fire Kills campaign, toxic smoke will affect your ability to breathe and cause you a drowning sensation; with just two to three breaths of toxic smoke in a boat fire, you could be unconscious, so every second counts when you need to escape.

BSS Manager, Graham Watts said: ‘Whilst this boat owner has lost all his possessions, luckily he still has his life. Boaters have died from smoke poisoning when fires developed as they slept and a working smoke alarm could have alerted them to escape.

‘If you sleep aboard, give yourself a chance to escape a fire, fit a smoke alarm and test it weekly when you’re using the boat.

‘Also if your alarm regularly goes off when you’re cooking, replace it with one that has a hush button that stops the alarm from sounding while you make the toast or fry the bacon! These alarms are cheap and easy to buy from online suppliers, DIY shops and supermarkets.

‘The alarm of choice is an optical alarm with a long-life battery, a hush button, and one that is certified as meeting either BS 5446:2000 Part 1, or BS EN 14604:2005, so it should carry a ‘Kitemark’ or ‘horseshoe’ certification mark. Also, if you can’t hear it in the saloon while you are in the sleeping quarters, buy two, one for each end of the boat.’

There are guidelines for choosing and installing an alarm on boat on the BSS fire safety website www.boatsafetyscheme.com/fire.

The Norfolk and Suffolk Broads are the hotspot for the nation’s rarest wildlife.

2011-11-26T00:01:00.000Z

A pioneering study commissioned by the Broads Authority and carried out by the University of East Anglia reveals that this small area, which makes up only 0.4% of the UK, is a haven for an incredible quarter of Britain’s rarest species.

The research project, conducted over 12 months, pooled 1.5 million records collected by scientists and dozens of amateur enthusiasts since 1670.

In an 834 sq km area, the study identified 11,000 species, of which 66 are special to the Broads and 31 are rarely seen elsewhere in Britain.

However, the research reveals that 423 rare species, including plants, insects and fish have not been recorded in the last 23 years and 67 of these are known to have become extinct. Many species which have disappeared inhabited dry grassland or arable land, demonstrating the effect of agriculture and industrialisation over the last 60 years.

The research found that 63% of the 1,500 rarest species in the Broads rely on freshwater, which has major implications if sea level rises, as predicted, with climate change. Only 13% of rare species would tolerate mild to moderately brackish conditions.’