Endeavour
1 to attempt (eg the fulfilment of an obligation) by exertion of effort; 2 archaic to strive to achieve or reach ~ vi to make an effort to do something n a serious determined effort
Northampton Branch Newsletter - May 2012
BOAT GAT HERING S WITC HED TO AUGU S T BANK H OLIDAY High water levels wipe out the May event The torrential rain and resulting high water levels during the two weeks prior to our planned annual Branch Boat Gathering on the River Nene at Becket’s Park, Northampton, led inevitably to the event’s postponement to the August Bank Holiday Weekend, Friday to Monday, 24th – 27th August. It became abundantly clear on the Sunday before the early May event that the rising water levels on the river, already closed to navigation, would not abate sufficiently in time to allow river-based boats to get upstream to Becket’s Park. Further rain fell later during that week to make matters even more impossible. Although a contingency site for the Gathering had been arranged at Stoke Bruerne, it was also decided not to go ahead there. Branch Chairman Bernard Morton said: “The prime reason for not gathering at Stoke Bruerne was simply because of the lower number of boats expected to attend and of these, nearly 50% were coming from downstream clubs on the Nene. If we had continued, no way could the event have been financially viable. We have to remember that the IWA is a waterways charity and therefore we could not afford to take the risk of running at a potential considerable financial loss.” Gathering Chairman Michael Butler said: “Let us hope the weather favours us for the re-arranged Gathering at the end of August and, with the canal navigation restrictions maybe ended, we can make it a bumper occasion, especially bearing in mind there is no IWA National Festival being held this year.” The high water levels on the river also caused the cancellation of the regular Westbridge Arm Clean-Up. This will now take place on the Sunday before the August Bank Holiday (19th). Meet at 10am by Boots in the St James Retail Park, Northampton. (See also Chairman’s Jottings page 7& Gathering previews pages 19, 20, 21). The IWA was founded in 1946 to campaign for the retention, restoration and development of Britain’s navigable waterways and for their fullest commercial and recreational use. The IWA is a registered Charity (no. 212342) , whose work is supported by members’ subscriptions.