IWA Cambridge Branch gOuse News Spring 2012

The Inland Waterways Association

Ouse News - Spring 2012 The Cambridge Branch Newsletter covering the Great Ouse area

Contents: Branch Committee p3 Chairman’s Corner p4 A lock too far?

p5

Moorings

p7

Meetings report

p8

Ship’s Doctor

p9

Book Review

p12

Branch News

p14

Half-cut Theatre p16

A January Day in Ely Photo: Keith Alderton

Campaigning for the conservation, use, maintenance, restoration and development of the Inland Waterways.

See Appendices for AGM information The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Inland Waterways Asscociation or of the Cambridge Branch. They are, however, published as being of interest to our members and readers.

Ouse News Page 2

Ouse News Page 3 Branch Committee Chairman: Keith Alderton Holly Cottage, 57 Globe Street Methwold Thetford, IP26 4PQ Tel. 01366 727236 e-mail:keithalderton@sky.com Secretary: John Hodgson 9 Beaufort Way, Brickhill Bedford, MK41 7XQ Tel 01234 344884 e-mail: jhodgson@rivouse.fsnet.co.uk Treasurer: Enid Hodgson 9 Beaufort Way, Brickhill Bedford, MK41 7XQ Tel 01234 344884 e-mail: jhodgson@rivouse.fsnet.co.uk Ouse News Editor: Carole Alderton Holly Cottage, 57 Globe Street Methwold Thetford, IP26 4PQ Tel. 01366 727236 e-mail: carolealderton@sky.com Sales Officer: David Anderson 21 Cambridge Street St Neots PE19 1JL Tel 01480 477227 e-mail:david.anderson70@ntlworld.com

Membership Officer: Peter Webb 35 Norfolk Road Ely, CB6 3EJ Tel 01353 658581 e-mail: peter.c.webb@tesco.net Webmaster: Stephen Foote 14 High Street, Chrishall Royston, SG8 8RP Tel 01763 838936 e-mail: g4foh@tambourine.org.uk Member Derek Bradley 24 Witchford Road Ely, CB6 3DP Tel 01353 661601 e-mail: bradleyd@waitrose.com

Ouse News Page 4 Chairman’s Corner Looking back at the autumn issue of Ouse News, I see that I complained that summer had never arrived. Needless to say, as soon as we had sent the copy to the printers, the weather changed dramatically and we enjoyed the warmest October week on record. If you remember, last year winter arrived with a bang with sub-zero temperatures in early November. Like many others, I got caught out and suffered frost damage to the water system on the boat before I had a chance to drain down. By the time you read this edition, with any luck the majority of the winter should be behind us and we will be looking forward to spring again. Let’s hope that I do not get it quite so badly wrong this time!

You will have seen from recent press releases that the charitable body to take over from British Waterways next year has been named the Canal and River Trust. Much good work has been carried out to determine how the new body will operate. However, there are still some concerns being expressed in this respect as only 5 out of 35 trustees are to be from the boating community, the rest being drawn from other interested parties such as ramblers, fishermen, cyclists and land owners, etc., plus government appointees. Whilst all of these bodies have a legitimate interest in the waterways, it is essential that we keep a very close watch on how the situation develops and make sure that the purpose for which the canals were built, i.e. ‘navigation’, does not become a side issue. The thorny issue of adequate on-going funding is still undecided, but at least the government is now listening to our reasoned submissions.

Locally, the debate continues over the future of Welches Dam, with strong opinions being held for and against spending vast sums restoring a lock that only ever saw some 20 boat movements a year in the good times. I would like to thank those members who have expressed their views so far (see page 5). Please keep sending in your comments on this and any other important issues affecting the waterways and we will try our best to fit them in to future editions.

Ouse News Page 5 You will see from the published programme that the next meeting will be held on Thursday, 16th February at the Community Centre in Coles Road, Milton as usual. Rather than having a speaker, we are trying a new format and are holding a waterways themed quiz, followed by a fish and chip supper. All are welcome – there is no need to fear that your lack of knowledge will let you down as can be demonstrated by our dismal performance at the Reach Fair last year! Advance notification of your intention to attend would be appreciated, although we can fine tune our food order on the night.

Finally, I would like to draw your attention to the separate sheets outlining the agenda for the Regional AGM together with the officers’ reports and agenda for the Cambridge Branch AGM. The latter will be held on Thursday, 22nd March at Milton, followed by a talk by the Environment Agency reporting on work carried out during the past year and outlining plans for the future.

Keith Alderton A lock too far?

After our Chairman’s article in the Autumn 2011 edition of Ouse News we have had the following responses - please contact us if you would like us to print your view: ‘As expected, a very well written article. I agree with all your comments. It is patently obvious that a few members are intent on spending our small resources on a lost cause; after all the drain referred to is no more than that, a drain (and a very poor drain at that) more water leaks from it than is retained, and the number of vessels that would navigate this water is minimal. Use our funding on fighting for something that we might gain some advantage from.’

Roly Griffen

Ouse News Page 6 ‘I have been a member of IWA for many years, although I confess that I have not been a regular attendee of meetings. However, and especially as an enthusiastic boater on the Fen waterways for the last 20-30 years, I have been pleased to add my weight (and subscription income) to the various IWA campaigns over the years. In the last edition (Autumn 2011), in an article “A lock too far”, Keith says at the end that “these are difficult issues with no easy solution” and asks for our views. My view is that there is a very easy solution to this not very difficult issue, especially in these challenging financial times forget it! There are a small number of “rights campaigners” and an even smaller number of boaters who want large amounts of scarce public money spent on keeping this lock open. It serves no purpose for the vast majority of boaters.

Other users of the waterways have no interest in whether it is navigable or not.

Boaters want the facilities on the main rivers, which almost all of them use, kept in good working order and even improved with more pump outs, toilet disposals, moorings and water points. The EA need no encouragement to go off on finance-depleting projects and our campaigning efforts would better be expended encouraging them to stay focussed on what the majority of boaters actually need. I would actively oppose any attempt by the IWA to persuade the EA to divert finances from the facilities on the main waterways to a “principle” such as Welches Dam Lock.’

Philip Baker

‘It’s time that the interests of the majority were given a greater priority, as you say let’s have pump-outs that work properly, more moorings, more enforcement of live-aboards who overstay on EA 48hr moorings and do not pay for a marina berth, so that the vast number of us that play by the rules get what we pay for.’

Sid Fisher ‘Keith asked for views about the restoration of Welches Dam lock which I last navigated in November 2005. The amount of work required is trivial compared with other navigations which have been reopened eg Kennet and Avon, Rochdale and the Huddersfield Narrow canals. I also believe that this situation would have been sorted out years ago if it had arisen on the main canal system where BW and not EA were the navigation authority. It follows that I am firmly of the view that Welches Dam lock must be restored now, notwithJohn Revell standing the current budget constraints.’

Ouse News Page 7 Unofficial Moorings at Riverside, Cambridge It looks as though the long-standing uncertainty over ownership of the moorings alongside the railings at Riverside, Cambridge is about to be resolved.

The city council now believe that having looked back at historical records, they can determine that the City is in fact the rightful owner. If this can be proven, it will be the first step towards regularising the mooring situation.

Boaters will be aware that ‘the railings’ host a weird and wonderful collection of craft, many of which are used for residential purposes. Due to the fact that they have no official tenure, some live-aboard boaters are afraid to move off of their spot even to get water as they are concerned that someone else will move in whilst they are away. As a result, some have resorted to knocking on the doors of the flats opposite to fill water bottles. This, together with complaints about smoke from solid-fuel stoves has not endeared them to their neighbours.

In view of the drastic shortage of moorings in Cambridge, it would be a great shame if these facilities were lost. However, they do need to be improved and regulated. I have long since refused to carry out boat safety examinations on boats moored there as there is no safe means of access. I’m a bit long in the tooth to climb over 4ft. high railings and drop down to roofs of the boats below and am sure that some boat owners must have the same problem.

I would suggest that in order to make full use of the facility, floating pontoons could be secured against the wall, safe access provided by means of steel stairways. However, I suspect that this would upset the rowing fraternity as the river width would be effectively reduced. Smoke should not be a problem as there are plenty of DEFRA approved stoves for smokeless zones available on the market and water points could easily be installed.

All of this of course would cost a considerable sum and would have to be recouped by charging market rates for residential moorings. We could even get a few 24-hour public moorings within walking distance of town!

Keith Alderton

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Ouse News Page 8 October meeting - RSPB Lakenheath Fen Reserve Speaker - David White Our first tentative outing after acquiring a boat was up the Little Ouse, and its remoteness has always fascinated us. Since listening to the excellent speaker David White from RSPB Lakenheath at the meeting on 27th October there is more incentive to spend time on this special river.

David explained about the setting up of the reserve, originally to preserve the habitat (poplar trees) of the Golden Oriele which had settled there (sadly, these birds have since declined in number), but also to make an inland safe habitat for the Bittern, as their Norfolk base could be endangered by coastal erosion. Naturally, quiet expanses of water and reed beds have encouraged many other species. With an events programme for both adults and children, the Reserve is now a must for anyone interested in birds and water-loving wildlife.

What a great start to the winter programme!

I look forward to next summer’s cruising along the Little Ouse in the expectation of seeing Crane or Marsh Harrier, and listening for the boom of the elusive Bittern (best in April/May) or the pinging call of the Bearded Tit. Jean Webb

Don’t forget our meeting on Thursday, 16th February!

Order your fish and chip supper now by emailing: carolealderton@sky.com or ring Carole on 01366 727236 Come and take part in our quiz.

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Ouse News Page 9 Ship’s Doctor Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines have kindly agreed to take me on as one of their “panel” of ship’s doctors. From time to time, I will have the opportunity to spend two or three weeks on board one of their vessels as the ship’s doctor, looking after the passengers and crew, much as a GP would look after his patients. With the job comes the pleasure of hosting a table at dinner and Deannie, my wife, who is embracing the entire project with enthusiasm, has already started looking at the dress shops for suitable outfits to wear.

As I shall be a member of the crew, it has been necessary for me to undergo a medical examination, receive many vaccinations, have a hearing test (absolutely normal – tell that to Management!), produce 2 photos for a Bahamas seaman’s Record Book and, horror of horrors, undergo training and obtain a Certificate of Proficiency in Personal Survival Techniques. Having spoken to a variety of people who had undergone this training, I noticed that they went pale when thinking about it, some broke out into a sweat, several said that they would never ever do it again and most mentioned that the test involved a jump from a significant height into the water.

The training and assessment are carried out at the Centre for Maritime and Offshore Technology in Lowestoft College, a building full of gruesome posters of men with their arms torn off by watertight doors. I was really agitated about the jump into the water as, at the age of six, I had nearly drowned in a swimming pool and, ever since then, I have been phobic about swimming pools and water, always frightened when out of my depth.

The morning went well; we were in the classroom and learned about immersion, preserving heat, flares, seasickness tablets (in the life raft), hypothermia, GMDDS radio, EPIRB, SART (Google them!), where to tie the life raft painter, what to do if the life raft inflates upside down, which equipment interferes with radar in a rescuing craft, and so on. All went well with the exam at the end and I passed with 93% correct answers.

After lunch, we were taken to an enormous tank, which looked about the size of a football pitch, 15ft deep with high walls. During the briefing, I looked around at the inshore lifeboats, liferafts, dinghies, etc around the tank, and I noticed large spray jets above and massive fans at the end of the pool.

Ouse News Page 10 I thought “Some people must have a really rough time in this tank”. We were taken up onto the high platform, taught how to put on a large and fiendishly difficult lifejacket and then taught how to step into the water without breaking one’s neck.

The right hand is cupped under the chin (to stop it slipping upwards) and the nose is gripped between forefinger and thumb. The left hand is used to hold the lifejacket down when you hit the water. Heart thumping, I stepped off the platform – the lifejacket knocked my hand off my face and water shot up my nose, ending up somewhere in the back of my head! We were then taught how to swim backwards in a long line and how to preserve body heat. Suddenly, at the throw of a switch, we are bobbing around in massive waves, there is a howling gale and monsoon-type rain! We had to make our way to the liferaft at the other end of the pool, climb up and in (extremely difficult), fall out, swim back to the other end of the pool and get into a noose to be winched up onto the platform. The whole exercise was then repeated in the dark – pitch black! We then had to do it all again, each of us righting an upside down liferaft. This procedure, which was extremely difficult given the prevailing “weather conditions”, involved climbing onto the top of the raft, grabbing a rope and walking backwards on the top (bottom) of the raft until, with a flip, it turns over and you are underneath it!

Swim out, climb up, and so on.

After this episode, by the time I had made my way yet again to the far end of the pool, I was exhausted, heart thumping and quite sick and dizzy. “Take off your lifejackets and put it on that pile over there” he said – the sweetest words ever. Then, over the tannoy “This is your captain speaking – prepare to abandon ship”. Grab the wet, unmanageable lifejacket, put it on in the dark, drop the terrible height into the water, notice the water shooting up into your brain somewhere, battle the waves, the wind and the monsoon rain to find the liferaft, climb up and in, climb out, swim back to the other end of the pool and get winched up into “the helicopter”. All the other participants in this exercise were over 30 years younger than me and some actually enjoyed it! “Hey, mate, this is great – do you do stag nights?” some of them shouted. Me, I slunk off to the changing room and spent the next week getting over the post-traumatic stress.

Ouse News Page 11 I had left Deannie in the nearby Warners Holiday Hotel (No children – in fact, no-one under 85! We felt much too young to be there and we had never before been to an hotel with an electric buggy park in the restaurant). She had been to see the beautician, a slip of a girl who had been sent on the same course as me “in case she ever had to go to sea” and had been seriously traumatised. At evening meal, the waitress, who, at breakfast, had reassured Deannie that I would be OK, looked at me sideways and told us that she had known exactly what I would be going through but did not dare to tell Deannie. I was delighted to pass the assessment but I definitely Dr Ian Nisbet fall into the “never again” class.

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Ouse News Page 12 Book Review by Stephen Foote The River Great Ouse and the River Cam – from Brackley to Kings Lynn Josephine Jeremiah

This is a charming work by a lady called Josephine Jeremiah – who has made historical reviews of navigable rivers her speciality, having authored books on, amongst others, the river Avon, the river Nene, the river Wye and the river Severn.

Her book is somewhat reminiscent of the series by Alan Sutton Publishing called ‘Britain In Old Photographs’ which were based in great measure around the Francis Frith collection of photos from the turn of the century.

However – in addition to the very focussed subject matter, Ms. Jeremiah prefaces her collection of photographic and other illustrations with a detailed and fascinating history of the river.

Indeed it is more that a preface as it comprises almost a quarter of the contents of the book. She has chosen to guide her readers on an historical journey down the river, using the delightful ‘Ouse’s Silent Tide’ by Rev’d C.F.Farrar, published in 1921 and describing a canoe journey from Brackley to King’s Lynn, which he undertook in 1920, as her reference. This particular work is long out of print but until recently there was a copy available to borrow in the public library in St. Ives. It may still be there.

Josephine has, as might be expected, extensively researched her subject, and has graciously acknowledged numerous well-known fenland river historians and writers, including Brian Carter, Dorothy Summers, Iris Wedgwood, Ronald Russell, Teddy Edwards and Andrew Hunter Blair.

That said, students of fenland rivers may think that the occasional photograph looks a bit familiar – as indeed it might be – but this in no way detracts from the book and its purpose.

Ouse News Page 13 In fact as well as the fascinating subject matter, the book is beautifully produced in hardback by the publisher, Phillimore and Co. of Chichester and will grace any bookshelf, desk or coffee-table where it may be placed as its owner dips in and out of its contents.

The cover price is given as ÂŁ15.99 but at the time of writing the IWA bookshop has the work for sale at ÂŁ9.99 plus p&p. Lovers of the Great Ouse and its history will be glad they purchased a copy.

Phillimore and Co., 2006; ISBN 1-86077-417-2

Ouse News Page 14

Branch News Winter Meetings

are at 8 pm on Thursday evenings at the Cole’s Road

Community Centre, Milton (North Cambridge) CB24 6BL.

Members & Visitors welcome.

Our February meeting will be a quiz together with a fish and chip supper and will be held on:

THURSDAY 16TH FEBRUARY 2012 Our March meeting will be our AGM and update from the river managers of the Environment Agency. This will be held on:

THURSDAY 22ND MARCH 2012

M AY D AY B ANK H OLIDAY WEEKEND Saturday, 5th May - Gathering

of boats at Reach, followed by an evening meal at the Dykes End. (Book your place with Stephen

Foote)

Sunday, 6th May - Ladies’ morning walk, lunchtime barbecue and quiz. Evening participation in village quiz.

Monday, 7th May - IWA stand at Reach Fair.

We welcome the following new members to the branch and hope they will introduce themselves to us when coming to an event or meeting: Mr B Bourne, Sandy, Beds Mr J & Mrs E Wainwright, Ely Mrs H Grislin & Mr C Lindley, Horningsea, Cambridge Members who have moved to Branch Mr & Mrs R & J Griffen, Peterborough Mr G J Meade, Priory Marina, Bedford Mr & Mrs R & S Thompson, March Ms E M Dexter, Ely

Ouse News Page 15

(Non-residential boats only)

Our newsletter is printed by:

Phone 01638-613102 www.burwellprint.co.uk Registered Charity No. 1053026

Ouse News Page 16 Another successful branch meeting held on Thursday, 24th November!

Catch a quick glimpse of some of the characters introduced by Derek Harris from ‘The Pub on the Cut’ .

The Inland Waterways Association is a non-profit distributing company limited by guarantee. Registered in England no 612245 Registered as a charity no 212342 Registered Office: Island House, Moor Rd, Chesham, HP5 1WA. Phone 01494 783453

Ouse News - Appendix 1 EASTERN REGION ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Eastern Region of the Inland Waterways Association will be held on Wednesday 14th March 2012 at the Peterborough and District Indoor Bowls Centre, Burton Street, Peterborough at 7.30 p.m.

AGENDA 1. Apologies 2. Approval of the Minutes of the AGM held on 16th March 2011 3. Matters Arising from those Minutes 4. Chairman’s Report 5. Election of Committee Members (see notes below) Notes: [following the amendment of Region Byelaws which came into force on 14/3/09] a)

The Chairman of the Region is elected in a separate ballot and the Chairmen of each of the branches within the Region are members of the Region committee ex officio. This is an election for the remaining members of the Region committee. b) The period of office of none of the existing elected members of the committee comes to an end at the 2012 AGM but there is no limit to the number of members of that committee. c) It is no longer necessary for those who wish to stand for election to the committee to be nominated and seconded but all who wish to stand must agree to do so. Consents from members of the Region who wish to stand for election at the AGM 2012 must be deposited with the Region Secretary [Nigel Long 7 Georgian Court, Peterborough PE3 6AF or by email at nhlong@supanet.com] before the start of the Annual General Meeting.

CONSENT FORM

I agree to stand for election to the Eastern Region committee at the 2012 Annual General Meeting. I am a member of Eastern Region.

(Sign) ——————————————Print Name —————— Date ____________________

Ouse News - Appendix 2 Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Cambridge Branch of the Inland Waterways Association will be held on Thursday, 22nd March 2012 at the Community Centre, Milton, Cambridge, CB24 6BL at 8.00 p.m.

AGENDA 1. Chairman’s welcome and apologies for absence 2. Approval of the Minutes of the AGM held on 24th March 2011 3. Matters Arising from those Minutes, not included on this agenda 4. Chairman’s Report - printed in Appendix 4 5. Secretary’s Report - printed in Appendix 5 6. Treasurer’s Report and presentation of accounts - printed in Appendix 6 7. Proposal to change the name of the branch to the ‘Great Ouse Branch’ 8. Election of Branch Committee 9. Close of Meeting Notes: (following the amendment of Byelaws dated 14/3/09) 1. Accounts are audited by IWA Head Office. There is no need to adopt the accounts or appoint an auditor.

2. There is no longer any limit to Committee numbers. Members serve for 3 years after which they retire but may seek re-election.

3. There is only 1 committee member due for re-election this year and that is David Anderson.

4. New Committee Members are most welcome. Those who would like to stand must sign the consent form below and send to the Branch Secretary, John Hodgson (Address on page 3) before the AGM.  INLAND WATERWAYS ASSOCIATION CONSENT FORM

I agree to stand for election at the Annual Meeting of the Cambridge Branch. I am a member of the Cambridge Branch.

(Sign) .................................................. Print Name ............................

Date ...............................

Ouse News - Appendix 3 Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Cambridge Branch of the Inland Waterways Association on Thursday 24th March 2011 held at the Community Centre, Milton, Cambridge at 8.00 p.m.

Present: Keith Alderton (Acting Chairman) plus 17 Cambridge Branch members and visitors.

1. Apologies for absence The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and noted apologies for absence from: Archie and Jennie Ferguson, Robin and Jane Bradford and Ian Cornish.

2. Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 18 March 2010 The minutes of the previous AGM were printed on page 7 of the Spring 2011 issue of the Branch newsletter “Ouse News” mailed to all members. It was proposed by Peter Webb, seconded by Derek Bradley that these be adopted as a true record. This was agreed unanimously.

3. Matters arising from the AGM on 18 March 2010 There were no matters arising.

4. Chairman’s Report The Chairman’s report was printed on pages 8/9 of Ouse News.

There was nothing to add to those notes. There were no questions for the Chairman.

5. Secretary’s Report The Secretary’s report was printed on pages 10/11 of Ouse News.

There was nothing to add to these notes. There were no questions for the Secretary.

6. Treasurer’s Report The Treasurer’s report and accounts were printed on page 12 of Ouse News. There were no questions for the Treasurer.

Ouse News - Appendix 3 cont’d.

7. Election of Committee Members.

Keith Alderton and John Hodgson were due to retire by rotation after their 3 year term of office. Enid Hodgson and Carole Alderton, having been co-opted during the year were eligible for substantive election to the committee. Nomination forms having been received by the Secretary for all four, it was proposed by Derek Bradley and seconded by Jack Maiden that all four be elected to the Committee. This was passed unanimously.

8. There being no further business, the Chairman closed the meeting at 8.07 pm.

Ouse News - Appendix 4 Chairman’s Report 2011-12 It is fair to say that we can chalk up another successful year for the Branch, having completed yet another varied and interesting programme of talks and events. The number of members and guests attending may not have been overwhelming, but meetings were much enjoyed by those who did manage to attend:In February, John Wilson’s talk on the subject of raising what was possibly the last surviving example of a Fen Lighter proved to be particularly fascinating.

Following the AGM in March, the Environment Agency gave us their usual comprehensive review of the year’s activities on the rivers Nene and Great Ouse.

The good spring weather (if you ignore the howling wind!) over the May Day weekend encouraged a much larger turnout than usual at the events surrounding the Reach Fair and as well as having a great time, we were able to talk to a lot of people about the local rivers and the aims and objectives of the IWA. The autumn programme kicked off with a first class talk by David White about the establishment of the RSPB reserve at Lakenheath Fen beside the Little Ouse.

Last, but not least, was another fine performance by the Half Cut Theatre in November.

Ouse News - Appendix 4 cont’d.

My task as Chairman has been greatly aided by a small team of hardworking, dedicated committee members and I would like to thank them all for their support and enthusiasm throughout the year ie :David Anderson has done sterling work managing the sale of books and maps at our branch meetings and also has the onerous task of storing and carting around all of the equipment required for our attendances at outside events throughout the year.

John Hodgson spends many a midnight hour tapping away at his computer producing agendas and minutes and corresponding with other branches and head office whilst Enid Hodgson has successfully taken over the Treasurer’s role.

We have another husband and wife team with Peter Webb looking after Membership and along with his wife Jean, providing refreshments at both committee and general meetings.

Stephen Foote, after many years as Branch Chairman is now learning how to develop the branch website. Derek Bradley, after stepping down as Regional Chairman, still attends many regional and national meetings.

I must also mention my wife Carole, who spends many long days preparing Ouse News.

As you can see, we are a small team and would welcome some new blood on the committee. In particular, we are still seeking a Programme Secretary.

You will note from the Treasurer’s Report, that the branch is financially sound; although we are a little concerned that the costs associated with room hire and providing a speaker for our general meetings are not being covered by donations on the night. A more generous contribution would be much appreciated. Likewise, the per capita grant from head office for the branch magazine is failing to cover all of the printing and postage costs. We are trying to mitigate this by selling advertising space and by encouraging members to obtain their copy of Ouse News via email. If you do not already receive your copy in this manner and would like to do so, please forward your email address to tracy.higgin@waterways.org.uk.

Many thanks for your support over the past year.

Keith Alderton

Ouse News - Appendix 5 Secretary’s Report 2011-12 The Branch has had a stable year in terms of membership numbers, varying only by about two from month to month throughout the year. This is encouraging when considering the financial climate over that period. We would always welcome new members to the branch, so please tell your friends about us!

The re-organisation of navigation authorities nationally is continuing and the new waterways charity, the “Canal and River Trust� has been formed and continues to be developed. Although the River Great Ouse catchment system is not included within this initial formation, it is, at the moment, planned to be incorporated at a later date and so it is of interest to us in Cambridge branch.

We anticipate an update at the AGM when we will have our traditional presentation by EA navigation staff. All the more reason to attend!

I mentioned in this piece last year that the Cam Conservators (CamCon) and EA were contemplating a different charging regime for boaters on the two parts of the system i.e. above and below Bottisham lock. In simple terms CamCon were looking to increase their revenue which they considered to be inadequate to fund their responsibilities. They carried out a survey of users asking for views on preferred licensing arrangements.

Meetings have been held between the two Authorities, IWA, GOBA and others to try to negotiate a sensible arrangement. To date we know that EA have given a 6 month notice period that the present Interchange Agreement will end in March. Both Authorities would like a similar arrangement to replace it but naturally, EA do not want a smaller slice of that particular cake. It is doubtless that all this will mean increased costs for river licenses as EA are already making noises about increases of 2% above RPI in their fees.

I mentioned last year the issue of using FAME (fatty acid methyl esters) diesel in our boats, as insisted upon by the EU, and the problems that could be encountered by leaving that type of diesel in our engines over a winter lay-up period. The government has taken the view that the current red diesel is, indeed, compliant with the relevant EU Directive. The European Commission, as is their wont, disagrees and is currently taking action against the UK Government. This will roll on and on. Again, watch this space as the outcome could have important ramifications!

Ouse News - Appendix 5 cont’d.

The thorny issue of Welches Dam has re-emerged. I do not have the room here to go into this in great length but I am sure most will know the issues involved. That, relatively short, length of waterway has always been very difficult to keep open because of water loss etc. It is, however, a legitimate piece of our valuable waterway system and, indeed, of the heritage of this part of the country. If EA were to restore it to a fully useable condition it would cost a huge amount of money. This, in the present economic climate especially, cannot be justified. However, nor can one of the alternatives, that of abandoning that stretch completely. This has occupied the minds of your Branch and Regional committees at some length. The philosophy of the Cambridge Branch committee is NOT to abandon it but to encourage EA to restore it to its former glory by funding the works from other sources than the navigation maintenance budget. If that fund were used it would deflect far too much money away from the, already under-funded, maintenance of the rest of the system. They could, for example, enter into partnership agreements with other bodies (possibly private) as has been used before. Even better, enlist the help of the IWA’s own restoration arm, the Waterways Recovery Group. In the spirit of the Government’s “Big Society” perhaps this fits the bill.

The branch magazine is now looking a lot better than it ever has! Our new editor, Carole Alderton, has now introduced some colour into it and it’s improved it so much. Of course she also ensures that there is editorial by chasing up various people for contributions (yes, me for one.) I am sure she would be grateful for articles long or short from members for inclusion. This would introduce variety of style and it spreads the load too. Considering the small size of the branch this is an excellent publication!

You will know from elsewhere in this magazine, that the branch part of the IWA web site is now in operation so please have a look at this. I found the easiest way was to go to the IWA home page www.waterways.org.uk and follow the links from there via region and branch.

Finally, I would like to wish everyone a sunny and happy boating season and hope to meet as many of you as possible somewhere on the system.

John Hodgson

Ouse News - Appendix 6