Yet again I am thrilled with the response from many BCNS members. I've received letters, thoughts, ideas and compliments. Thank you to all! There has been so much, that I've had quite a task getting it all fitted in. Please keep it up! It makes the job so interesting.

Our cruising this summer took us off the BCN but It's surprising who and what you see, that put your minds back onto the canals of Birmingham. I've included them in this B.P.

I was inspired by Martin's comments on the destruction of the buildings on the Icknield Port Loop, to find out what was going on in it's place, see page 4 for a brief outline. There seems to be more and more developments in the planning all over the BCN. I'd like to hear your comments and observations of what's going on near you.

As we still have no Social Secretary, Andy Meek, as Publicity Officer, is doing a super job of organising speakers for next year. Joe Garrett who was missed at the beginning of this year will be our January man. A man of much boating experience has much to tell.

February gives us Steve Haywood, an editor from the BBC who has written a particularly entertaining book related to the canal system.( Read 4 times by the wife of our March speaker!..and she said she'd read it again - must be good)

Don't forget our AGM on November 10 th. We have places on committee or council as I believe it's called... could do with at least one more female!! I'm the only one at the moment...and a few good men would be a help too. Go on give it a thought... a new Chairman needs all the help he can get, let's not let down this brave person.