From the Region Chair

It is great to see the very appropriate “hands on” picture of the late John Baylis on the cover of this Aegre edition. I particularly like the “impact technology” approach by John, which was typical of his pragmatic solution to most problems. At least the impact was with a rubber mallet, thus safeguarding what looks like a piece of heritage lock furniture!

Waterways for Today

I hope all IWA members, and in particular members of restoration groups, will recognise the huge importance of this new report which was officially launched at the national AGM in September. The 12 specific benefits of active and vibrant waterways is powerful ammunition for lobbying politicians, funders and partners to support waterways and restoration projects. Here is the link to the full report: https://waterways.org.uk/campaigns/waterways-for-today/waterwaysfor-today-report-request. Hard copies can be requested from the IWA office at Chesham. I have already been able to use the report to support the Boston to Peterborough (B2P) Wetland Corridor case.

B2P and the South Lincs and Fens Reservoirs

The B2P partnership are pushing for the waterway connecting the proposed reservoir to the Black Sluice Navigation (or South Forty Foot Drain) to be made navigable so that boaters, cyclists and walkers can visit the reservoir. See the sketch plan on page 14/15. We are also pushing for the reservoir to be developed from the very start as a “destination” rather than the slightly piecemeal development which occurred at both Rutland Water and Grafham Water.

On other good news, the jointly launched Fens Reservoir (Anglian Water/Cambridge Water) includes restoration of the Welches Dam to Horseway Lock channel which has always been a fundamental part of the original Fens Waterways Link.

IWA Region Structure

This review, in June 2022, is intended as the basis for a discussion of the organisation of East Midlands branches with a view to recommending changes to IWA Trustees.

Changes are required due to significantly reduced membership support in some branches and willingness (or ability) of members to travel long distances in these changing times.

Current Situation: Lincoln-

shire Branch - Has 148 members. The branch committee is quorate and meets approximately 4 times year to review local issues and take action as appropriate. The branch is too large geographically to organise IWA social events or IWA-led volunteer working parties. Occasional visits/walks can be successful by aiming at a local facility and by joint organisation with other local waterway organisations such as Sleaford Navigation Trust working parties. Some IWA members residing within Lincolnshire are assigned, either by choice or postcode, to Peterborough Branch (PE postcodes) or Notts. & Derbys. Branch through NG31 codes in the Grantham area.

Leicestershire Branch – Has 219 members. The branch committee is quorate and, whilst the adverse conditions during the Covid pandemic have prevented recent committee meetings, social meetings or the Annual General Meeting, the branch is usually well supported by members and intends to fully resume their activities from Autumn 2022.

Nottinghamshire and Derby-

shire Branch – Has 379 members. After many years being run solely by 3 committee members, the branch committee has now been inquorate for over 3 years. There is nominally one committee member. The last branch event (an AGM and social meeting organised and chaired by David Pullen as Region Chairman) only attracted 6 members despite there being over 350 members in the branch.

Proposals

Apart from Leicestershire Branch, where no changes are proposed, these proposals seek to focus IWA group activities on specific waterways or projects.

Anecdotal evidence suggests 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 north Lincolnshire

South Lincolnshire

South Lincolnshire members with PE postcodes to 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 automatically included in a new area group called Nottinghamshire-Trent group. This will be a default (do nothing) 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 will, by default, 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.

Summary

These proposals would see IWA East Midlands structured as: Leicestershire Branch; Lincolnshire Branch; NottinghamshireTrent Group; South Lincolnshire Group.

David Pullen, Chairman, IWA East Midlands Region