Welcome to a new
year and a new decade!
S
ometimes a chance encounter gives you a completely new perspective on life. Just five years ago, I had that experience when I spent a week with a bunch of people I’d never met before in a situation in which I’d never dreamt I’d find myself. Since then I’ve been fast-tracked on a journey I could never have imagined! Even six months ago, if anyone had said I’d be writing a column in Waterways as the National Chairman of the Inland Waterways Association I would have declared them quite out of their mind. But here I am, starting a new year and a new decade having taken on this role as the head of an amazing organisation that can boast an impressive 75-year heritage, the broadest perspective of the waterways, with a staff team, members and supporters who are passionately committed to positive change. The people I met five years ago on a Waterway Recovery Group Canal Camp in the Cotswolds helped me understand the transformation that could be made by just a few people working together. It gave me a new perspective on what the waterways meant for our country in a way that inspired me to get more involved, particularly in canal restoration and bringing life back to communities that can take advantage of all that the waterways offer. Initially, the appeal was that it provided a complete contrast to my day job – largely based in offices, airports, conference centres etc – helping me learn new skills, get a chance to be outdoors more often, and contribute to something that would almost certainly outlast anything that I am involved with in my financial sector role. As I became more involved, initially on IWA‘s Marketing Committee, then as a Trustee,
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and most recently joining the Finance Committee, I realised that IWA could provide an even greater outlet for my passions and interests and allow me to apply some of my business experience to the opportunities – and challenges – that lay ahead for both the Association and the waterways in general. I know that everyone reading this will share my passion for the waterways and will take pride in being part of this unique, campaigning organisation which has done so much over the past 75 years. We all have different sources of inspiration that drive us as members, supporters, or active volunteers with the Association. For me, it comes from meeting and working with new people, spotting and unleashing potential, dealing with challenges and ultimately driving change that will make a difference in the future. I’m delighted that so many IWA branches have asked me to speak at their meetings this year and even into 2021. I will also try to get to as many events as I possibly can. The most popular questions I get asked by members, and by the waterways press, are what changes I think are needed and what my vision for the future is. I’m fortunate that, even though I’m a relative waterways novice, I’ve had the opportunity in the past five years to speak to hundreds of members, volunteers and committee members and develop my thoughts on what the future could bring. I’ve shared some of those in the interview on page 18. I look forward to hearing from you in the coming weeks about how you can be part of that vision for the future. Our waterways matter – environmentally, socially, and economically – and we have a responsibility to each other, to those who have committed their lives to this
Association over the past 75 years, but particularly to those who will follow us into the next 75. We must seize the opportunity we have today to make a mark for good in whatever way we can. Much has already been made and, I have no doubt, will continue to be made of the fact that I still have a full-time job in the business world and may not have as much ‘free time’ as former National Chairmen to do the job in the same way as they did. I draw great encouragement from the knowledge that I am supported by Deputy Chairmen and a Board of Trustees who are committed to ensuring that the Association’s governance structures are fit for the next 75 years, an experienced staff team which brings a level of dedication that sustains much of what we achieve through members, and active volunteers whose support I will both rely on and be grateful for as I try to serve the Association to the best of my ability. There is a lot on the horizon for IWA in 2020 – more volunteer days, a new website, increased campaigning, greater political engagement and so much more. I encourage you to read all about it in the pages of Waterways and to get more involved. You never know, it might just bring that chance encounter that will give you a new lease of life. If it can happen to me, it can happen to you too!
Paul Rodgers, IWA National Chairman
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