Committee minutes 1st October 2010

INLAND WATERWAYS ASSOCIATION IPSWICH BRANCH Committee Meeting Date: Friday, 1 October 2010.

Venue: ‘The Chequers’, Great Blakenham.

Present: Chard Wadley (Chairman), Spencer Greystrong (Treasurer), Brian Holt (PRO), Diana Holt (Social), Clive Saville (Memberships), Lewis Tyler (RGT), Brian Cornell (Pickerel), Gerry Crease, Carolyn Wadley (Minutes).

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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Susan Brown and Charles Stride.

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MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD 6 AUGUST 2010 The Chairman duly signed the minutes for 6 August 2010 as being a true record of the proceedings.

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MATTERS ARISING NOT INCLUDED IN THE AGENDA. None.

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COMMITTEE REPORTS Chairman Chard reported on the region meeting saying that Nigel is putting together a document to Nav Com regarding the ‘EA Harmonisation of Charges’ and ‘Welches Dam Lock and the channel between that lock and Horseway Lock’. These issues were discussed at length by the Ipswich committee. Chard explained that Chelmsford Branch is requesting to leave the Eastern Region and come under London as they are nearer to the Thames and London; this was agreed by Eastern Region. Chard put forward to the region that the AGM should be held in the area where the Chairman resides, this was agreed by Region.

Chard reported that Colin Turner had attended the National AGM to receive the Christopher Power Award which he is sharing with the Shropshire Union Canal Society.

Chard had received magazines from Chelmsford and Peterborough.

Secretary Charles had received and circulated branch minutes for: Milton Keynes – May. Cambridge – August.

Peterborough - August and September.

IWA information had been received and circulated as follows: AGM Notices.

2011 National Campaign Rally – Northampton, 30 April – 2 May. 2011 National Festival – Burton, 29–31 July.

Membership Benefits.

Other information received and circulated: Southern Canals Association meeting at Wotton Basset on 24 October 2010.

EAWA Internet Links for the NW&D and Aylsham Canals.

Planning items received: St Edmundsbury Core Strategy Approval received from Inspector.

Mid Suffolk Stowmarket Plan goes to Secretary of State in November.

Mid Suffolk discussing integration with Babergh.

Suffolk Coastal (Suffolk) has merged Chief Executives with Waveney (Norfolk) saving 4 jobs and £400,000.

Charles had attended the opening of the Cantley Staithe – River Waveney Norfolk (part 1

Donation by IWA) on the 18 September and represented the IWA – report and photos sent to Restoration Committee and to ‘Waterways’.

Treasurer Spencer distributed copies of the accounts for the past 6 months and explained various items.

Regarding the bench and plaque in memory of Doug Tomlinson, Spencer said the money had been agreed and we are now ready for the installation.

Spencer gave an explanation on why IWA members are not allowed benefits.

The £1,000 cheque from the St Ives Festival was awarded to Spencer for the River Gipping Trust at the National Festival at Beale Park.

Public Relations Officer Brian reported that he had sent the details of our Branch meetings to ‘Radio Suffolk What’s On’. Brian had received a card from the Mayor of Needham Market thanking the Branch for inviting him to see the restoration work at Baylham Lock.

Social Secretary Diana said that the Lydia Eva Trust had confirmed for our December meeting. The Suffolk Punch Society will give talks and other options for speakers were discussed.

Editor, Anglian Cuttings Charles’ report stated that the autumn edition 117 was published on Monday 27 September with 20 pages instead of 16 and added a thank you to all the contributors.

With half the members receiving by electronic means Charles reported that the print run was 200 instead of 400 and taking into account the extra page this had reduced ink costs by approximately one third and paper costs by half plus a reduction in postage. Chard recorded a thank you to Charles for a very good magazine.

Membership Secretary Membership figures are as follows: July – 517 members, 330 memberships August – 522 members, 332 memberships Regarding letters being sent to lapsed members it was reported that some branches send letters and others do not. Clive said that as HO send out 2 letters was it necessary for us to send a third. This was discussed and Clive is to check with HO on the wording of the letters they send.

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REPORTS ON OTHER BODIES River Gipping Trust Lewis stated that Mr Ben Gummer MP will be attending the RGT AGM on 13 May 2011.

Chard reported that the walk along the River Gipping last Sunday was successful in highlighting work required. Pipps Ford Lock requires a lot of work and, following the walk, Martin Bird met with the owner of the land and he is happy for the group to work on the lock and has offered access as required.

Gerry along with Martin and Colin visited Suffolk One College and Gerry reported that they are keen to be involved. They wish for students to help in the community and make it part of the curriculum.

Lewis reported that Suffolk Local History Council holds two Members Days in the course of a year and the RGT has been asked to host one. It is suggested that this be arranged for a Saturday in September 2011 and if possible couple it with the National Heritage Open Weekend for the following Sunday. Both would be centered at Baylham Lock for the same weekend.

Confirmation is awaited from both organizations.

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River Stour Trust Spencer reported that an application had gone forward to ResCom regarding a representative from IWA to attend the RST meetings but there had been no reply so far.

Chard presented Susan’s report stating that the RST boating season will end on 31 October. It had been a difficult summer but now the Henny Swan had reopened, giving a popular food venue for the boats, things had improved.

The work party painted the exterior of the Visitors Education Centre (VEC) at Cornard with Sadolin donated by Crown paints. A day was spent clearing vegetation from the Stratford Lock site and negotiations with EA continue.

A group of Trust members visited the Pioneer Trust on 2 August where the John Constable is being restored. They were given an afternoon aboard the Pioneer herself, which had been restored previously from a similar condition (see article in Anglian Cuttings).

Various events were held throughout the summer including the annual S2C (Sudbury to Cattawade) event on 11/12 September. 230 boats left the Granary at Sudbury to take part with 7 more joining the event on Sunday.

A 10 week local history course, ‘The River Stour and its impact on the Stour Valley’, will be held on Wednesdays 7-9pm at the VEC starting on 13 October. Details are on the RST website.

Broads Forum Brian Holt reported that the next meeting of the forum is on Thursday, 7 October. Brian updated the committee as far as possible saying that the minutes are on the website.

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ANY OTHER BUSINESS Lewis had attended the National AGM and updated the committee on the Trustees who were elected at the AGM. Spencer explained that the restoration is in need of some specialist equipment. This was discussed in length giving details of what is required and why. The committee approved the purchase of a pressure washer, a petrol cement mixer, a hedge trimmer and a mini dumper power barrow. It was stated by Chard that this equipment will be owned by the Ipswich Branch.

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NEXT MEETING Friday, 3 December 2010.

The Chairman closed the meeting at 3.20pm.

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