 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Forty years ago, the canals were going through a period of great uncertainty with politications and civil servants delving into matters which they didn't seem to understand and generally threatening to make a mess. The response, in our area at least, was a group of stout hearted people getting together to form what became the BCN Society.
Our response to current messing must be to keep up the pressure so admirably demonstrated at the recent Portest Cruise in Birmingham. TV reports showed Phoenix in the centre of the boat blockade against DEFRA cuts outside the Mailbox at the end of November. Events change quickly and I recommend referral to the Campaign website for up to the minute information about what is happening now.
www.saveourwaterways.org.uk.
Looking Back
As I mentioned at the Society Annual General Meeting in November, 2007 has been a very busy year for the BCNS. We have organised our own Rallies at Titford and Galton Valley and together with Dudley Canal Trust and the Worcester Birmingham Canal Society, organised the Parkhead Rally. All of of these have been successful in raising the profile of the Society and our local waterways. We have had a full programme of social events and a regular series of work parties, have worked with BW and local authorities in conservation matters and have been consulted on a wide range of waterways matters.
The Pumphouse
During the course of the year I have spent two occasions up at Titford Pumohouse with groups of visitors. Firstly members of Wolverhampton Boat Club moored for a night in June during their commmodore's Cruise and had a social evening with food and drink and entertainment and just a few weeks ago the Midlands group of the Boater's Christian Fellowship spent a Saturday up at Titford, walking down the Crow and along to the Pools and sharing a lunch together.
Both groups commented on what a fine venue the Pumphouse is and how much they enjoyed their time there. We should make more use of this fine resource and if any members know of local groups or societies who are looking for a regular or occasional meeting place please get in touch.
Looking Forward
Next year, 2008, has two major local events to celerbrate. It will be the fortieth birthday of the BCN Society and Netherton Tunnel will have been in existance for a century and a half. Plans are afoot to celerbrate these significant events. As far as the Tunnel is concerned, a planning group has been established to work towards a proper commemoration of the event during the summer of 2008. We are hoping it will be a celebration but, in light of recent news reports about the problems of the tunnel ( current plans indicate a stoppage to navigation between 8th January and the 16th Marcg whil;e the towpath is currently closed), it may be a campaign.
As a result of members finishing their terms of office, a number of Council Posts are currently available. As mentioned before, we are looking for a member to take over as Press and Publicity Officer and we also need someone to take over the running of the Socierty Sales Stand.
If you feel you would like to get more involved with the Society's important work in these areas, or wish to find out more information, please contact me or any Council Member.
On a personal note, after twelve years on the Committee and Council, nine as Boundary Post Editor and what will be two as Chairman, I have indicated to the Council that I will not be standing for re-electionat this year's AGM.
2007 promises to be another active year for the BCN Society. We have our two annual Rallies, at Titford and Galton Valley, to look forward to and a full programme of Social Meetings at the Pumphouse as well as our work paties. I hope to see you at some of these events and in the meantime I wish all members and supporters a very Happy New Year.
Best Wishes....Phil.