New Re-alignment of East Midlands Region

Readers will remember that, in the last issue of Aegre we described a proposal for the Branch structure in the Region to reflect more accurately members’ (and hopefully prospective members’) interests, geographic location, and travel possibilities. David Pullen’s proposal was fully accepted by the Trustees back in November, but it is probably good to recall the details as a reminder.

It seems that branches or groups which focus on easily identifiable projects, and activities centred on specific waterways, have more success in motivating volunteers and active members compared to the existing, mainly geographically organised, branch structure.

Groups would not have any specific governance requirements such as a quorate committee, a chairman or treasurer, but would instead be organised informally, principally through social media groups focusing on specific activities of a local navigation or waterway specific project.

Lincolnshire Branch

This branch would continue as currently organised, comprising members in central and northern (traditional) Lincolnshire.

South Lincolnshire

South Lincolnshire members with PE postcodes will be invited to join a new group with a view to eventually forming a new Branch. This new group would form the main driving force of IWA members willing to support the Boston to Peterborough (B2P) Wetland Corridor Project and possibly the Grantham Canal restoration project. Depending on the future of the Peterborough Branch a new group might join with existing Peterborough Branch members as the branch is currently inquorate. Before proceeding, this proposal would be discussed in principle with the last incumbent Branch Chairman.

Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Branch

Nottinghamshire members with all the remaining NG postcodes will be invited to be included in a new area group called NottinghamshireTrent group. This will be a default designation, but these members will be informed that, as now, they are free to transfer to any other IWA branch or group of their choosing. This group would focus on River Trent projects and facilities, e.g. Trent Mooring Group.

Subject to agreement with the acting Chairman for IWA Yorkshire and North East Region, members from the North Nottinghamshire area (Dukeries part of South Yorkshire and Dukeries Branch (SY&D)) would be invited to join the Nottinghamshire- Trent group. SY&D branch is currently inquorate.

Members with Derby (DE) postcodes can remain within IWA East Midlands “family” and continue to receive Aegre, the regional newsletter. Derbyshire members may also choose to form a waterway or specific project group, or join an alternative IWA Branch of their choosing.

Picture Credits

We are most grateful to all of the following, who have contributed photographs or other illustrations to enhance this edition of Aegre: Andrew Shephard; Chris Madge; Michelle Hill; Eddie Case; Archie Roberts; Dave Carnell; David Collin; Robert Aspey; Rod Auton; Phil May; Mel and Sue Sowerby; David Pullen; Jane Pollard; Mick Clowes; Alan Leather; David Pit; Malcolm Fielding; Keith Bown; Steve Kitt; Paula Hunt, and as noted for specific articles.

Journals Received

We are very pleased to acknowledge copies of journals, sometimes in PDF format, from various canal and river societies and trusts. They include “The Portal” from Friends of the Cromford Canal; “The Packet” from the Derby & Sandiacre Canal Society; “The Cuckoo”, from the Chesterfield Canal Trust; “Sleaford Navigation Trust” journal; the “Melton and Oakham Newsletter”; “The Wharfinger” from Louth Navigation Trust; “The Bridge” from Grantham Canal Society; “Grand Trunk” from the Trent and Mersey Canal Society; and “Union” from the Old Union Canal Society.

Anyone interested in receiving a copy of one of these journals should contact the relevant address given on page 4. For “The Cuckoo” contact the editor at 22 Works Road, Hollingwood, Chesterfield S43 2PF.

As recorded in the last issue of Aegre, our AGM in October 2022 was virtually unattended, which was very disappointing and slightly embarrassing given that we had invited Les Etheridge, the current National Chairman, to be our guest.

The committee decided to send out a questionnaire to our branch members, which we were obliged to do via the IWA Head Office. We received only 10 valid replies, from a membership of over 200. This begs several questions, the first of which might be how many of the branch members’ emails are in the IWA system and how many members actually received the questionnaire.

Historically, branches have been denied direct contact with the branch members. Something to do with data protection. Anyway, we have been assured by Head Office that the information can now be sent to us, but nothing so far. I have written to Head Office to say that unless we do get direct contact with branch members, we can not continue to operate the branch effectively.

In the meantime, I would welcome any correspondence, elec- tronic or otherwise, from Leicestershire branch members. My contact details are as included below.

As to other news, we are still hoping for something to happen at Memory Lane Wharf, and for mooring bollards to be installed below Birstall Lock. I await an update from CRT.

Looking forward, 2025 is the 75th anniversary of the IWA National Rally at Market Harborough, the first National Rally, a historic landmark event for the Association. Market Harborough is, unfortunately, no longer suitable for a major national boat rallythe basin is full of permanent moorings and a hire base. Nevertheless, we are exploring options for a non-national rally.

Spring around the corner. Looking forward to be back out boating.

Andrew Shephard Chairman, IWA Leicestershire Branch

M: 07710 362952

E: andrewshephard1946@gmail.com