British Waterways Press Update
23 February 2010
The latest round up of stories for the waterways press.
CONTENTS
1. 2010/11 winter stoppage programme
2. Crick Boat Show dates
3. Mooring fees
4. Explorer Licence
5. International Year of Biodiversity
6. Star Awards
7. Waterway visitor numbers
8. Local user group meetings
1. 2010/11 winter stoppage programme
Despite this Winter’s stoppage programme being delayed due to the spell of freezing temperatures and iced-over waterways, attention has already turned to the 2010/11 programme of engineering works.
In future the intention is to ensure that boaters have much greater involvement in the process of deciding where and when stoppages take place. By publishing a draft schedule of the 2010/11 programme on Waterscape.com in the Spring, BW wants boaters to scrutinise the plans and send in comments on proposed scheduling. BW’s works planners will consider suggestions and update the plans where possible and appropriate. As usual, the aim is to confirm the stoppage programme by the end of August.
Sally Ash, BW’s head of boating, comments: “While maintenance closures are inevitable when caring for a 200-year-old working network, we want to improve our scheduling so as to minimise disruption to boaters as much as possible. By publishing the draft maintenance schedule at an early stage we hope boaters will be able to contribute to the stoppage programme before it is finalised and published on Waterscape.com at the end of August.”
2. Crick Boat Show and Waterways Festival 2010
Crick Boat Show will take place on the Grand Union Canal at the picturesque Crick Marina in Northamptonshire, over the May Bank Holiday weekend, 29 to 31 May 2010.
This year the show celebrates ten years at Crick Marina and BW is planning some exciting changes for the 2010 event including a new site layout, expanded craft area and even more fun children’s entertainment.
Sally Ash, BW’s head of boating, says: “We are really excited about this year particularly after such a successful 2009 Crick Show, where more than 250 businesses exhibited. Exhibitors are showing a lot of interest, no doubt helped by the fact that exhibition fees are being held at 2009 prices.”
Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this fantastic family event and the UK’s premier inland waterways show. To book your exhibition space visit www.crickboatshow.co.uk, email crickboatshow@rem-events.com or call 0871 700 0685. BW is particularly interested in hearing from craftspeople and entertainers.
For further information on the Show or for those wishing to book tickets in advance and take advantage of savings on the gate price please visit www.crickboatshow.co.uk.
3. Mooring fees
BW has announced the price adjustments for its long-term moorings. A general inflationary increase of 2% is being applied to the great majority of BW moorings from 1 April 2010.
At just 18 sites the price will rise above inflation because the current prices are below the comparable market rate for moorings in the same area. Customers at these sites have been sent a letter notifying them of the increase and explaining the reason for it. At three sites the net price will be unchanged or reduced.
The full site by site price list, reflecting the return of VAT to 17.5%, will be published on waterscape.com before the end of February.
4. Explorer Licence
Although the current consultation on boat licence fees doesn’t close until 28 February, BW has noted strong demand for retaining the 30-day Explorer Licence. Sally Ash, BW’s head of boating, comments: “Despite only low level take-up in previous years, and on the back of some constructive suggestions from boaters, I am pleased that we will be able to continue making the Explorer Licence available over the internet.
“Together with the one day, one week and one month licences, all available from www.britishwaterways.co.uk/licensing, this will provide licensing options for boaters on other navigations who want to make often ‘spontaneous’ visits to BW waters.”
A full analysis of responses to the consultation together with recommendations will follow in due course.
5. International Year of Biodiversity
BW is one of over 200 partners across the UK supporting the UN’s International Year of Biodiversity. Dr Mark Robinson, BW’s ecology manager, comments: “The waterways are a rich haven for wildlife, providing valuable corridors for a large variety of flora and fauna. Protecting and preserving this biodiversity is an important strand in attracting and justifying many thousands of pounds of public and third party funding for waterways projects.
“As part of the International Year of Biodiversity we’re asking all lovers of canals and nature to do one thing to support waterways biodiversity; which for those afloat, could range from taking part in BW’s annual wildlife survey to having a bird feeder outside the cabin window.
“Individual action supports what BW is doing as an organisation, which in 2010 includes bat and barn owl surveys, reed bed maintenance, habitat creation, hedgerow laying as well as highlighting the spread of invasive aquatic plants, which in addition to often being a navigational hazard are also detrimental to wildlife.”
6. Star Awards
Employees within BW who go above and beyond the call of duty can now be nominated by colleagues or customers for a Special Thanks and Recognition (STAR) Award. Recipients of the first awards include: an employee who rescued a boy from the canal after he had fallen through the ice; bank staff nominated by an elderly boater following the help they provided after the Caldon Canal breach; and a further nomination by a boater who said he “owes his life” to the quick-witted BW employee who pulled him out of the canal after he had slipped from his boat.
Anyone wishing to flag the efforts of a particular BW employee can nominate them for special recognition by getting in touch with their local waterway office or by emailing enquiries.hq@britishwaterways.co.uk.
7. Waterway visitor numbers
Last year BW’s waterways attracted 13.1 million adults (aged over 16 years), an increase of 4.5 percent on 2008 and 14.6 percent higher than 2007. Angela Groves, BW’s research manager, said: “It’s great that people are getting out and about enjoying the waterways. Our canals and rivers provide wonderful health, social and leisure benefits to communities, as well as important environmental habitats. This growing trend in popularity beyond boating demonstrates the value the waterways provide from the grant they receive from government. The waterways hold an enduring and growing appeal for visitors, from traditional canal users to families on days out and commuters choosing a greener way to get to work.”
8. Local user group meetings
Just a reminder that dates and times for all local user group meetings are published on the BW website. These are open meetings which the waterways press are very much invited to attend.
Find out more on the dates, locations and times at www.britishwaterways.co.uk/listening-to-you/meetings/cal