BCN Clean up - What had started out as a BCNS sponsored event grew this year into the Inland Waterways Association's National event. Once again Brenda Ward dealt with the arrangements and her involvement is much appreciated. Fortunately the weather over the weekend was good and over 140 volunteers came along to pull out over 360 cubic metres of rubbish from the Walsall canal. In addition to our own Phoenix BCN tugs Bittel, Governor and Enterprise were in action, a most appropriate sight! Birmingham and Black Country Canal manager Roger Herrington passes on his thanks to all involved.

We have received a grant of £1200 from the 'Canals for Communities' committee. The money will be spent on updating our displays and for carrying out work on the former Gauging Station island at Smethwick . Mike Butler outlines elsewhere in BP other aspirations that we have for funding. We are currently investigating the acquisition of a BCN boat to use as an historical exhibit at events. Whilst our initial thoughts were an iron 'Joey' boat, we are at the moment looking at an LMS 'station' boat.

Many of you will have now had a chance to come along to Titford Pump House. From the favourable comments I have received, we are beginning to create a 'home' for BCNS. As always there are a few problems to resolve, not to mention that we have not yet to finalise the lease with BW, however it is hoped that this will be done shortly. So as to enable members to have a look around the pump house we shall be holding open house on Saturday May 25th and I hope you can join us. Arrangements are also in hand for our official opening on Saturday 13th July. Nearly 30 boats have booked in so we are looking forward to a successful weekend. It is hoped that we can get some working boats along too!

Final agreement is still awaited from the Charity Commissioners to enable us to transfer the Society to the company limited by guarantee, however this should be given shortly I understand from our solicitors. We can then arrange the necessary extraordinary general meeting to wind the unincorporated society up

We have still not had any volunteers to take over from Barry Whitehouse to operate the society stand at events. This is a vital role for the society as the stand is our public face. If any one would like to get involved please contact me as we really need to find a replacement. In the meantime Eileen Johnson has agreed to take on the despatch of mail order items. Eileen is of course the wife of our vice-chairman Barrie Johnson. If any publications or other sales items are required then orders should be placed with Eileen at the address on page 23 of this edition of Boundary Post.

Note :- The address given in this edition of BP is in correct. All sales requests should be addressed to :-

Eileen Johnson
C/O The Pumphouse, Engine Lane, Olbury, B69 4NL

Martin O'Keeffe