Graham Worton: Chairman's Report
By the time you rad this, the Bonfire Rally and Annual General Meeting will have come and gone. I hope that those who attended enjoyed themselves.
The Society has had a very busy Summer and Autumn, organising the 40th Anniversary Celebrations in July and participating in the Dudley Canal Improvements celebrations, the IWA National at Autherly Junction, the Black Country Boating Festival, the Parkhead Rally and the Stourbridge Bonded Warehouse Open Weekend. I would like to thank those members who worked so hard to make the events a success. This level of commitment cannot be sustained without volunteers. If more assistance is not forthcoming it may be that the Society will have to curtail its activities to reduce the workload of existing volunteers.
Caroline & I missed the Black Country Boating Festival and Parkhead as we were away on the canal to Chester and the Boat Museum at Ellesmere Port. We had a pleasant time and saeem to have had the best of this Summers weather.
The Council & I are continuing to work towards self supervising status for BCNS workparties. By the time you read this, all necessary documentation should have been submitted to British Warterways. We are also working on workboat steerers qualifications which come into force in the New Year. The qualification will be required for everyone who takes charge of the workboat, whether on worl parties or on boat trips at Rallies. If you would like to participate, please let me know.
I am afraid that I have had absolutely no response to my request for volunteers to decorate the pumphouse. I have asked our heritage officer, Bob Broomhall to obtain quotes for the work. One way or another, the work will be carried out in the Spring. If volunteers are not forthcoming then we will have to pay for the decoration, which will be a drain on the Society's funds.
I am pleased to be able to tell you that the Society, in equal partnership with Coombeswood Canal Trust, has been able to rent a pair of historic working boats from British Waterways. The motor, Atlas and butty, Malus will be available for use by both organisations to promote their aims and objectives. Iam acting as project manager and the day to day management of the boats will be in the hands of an operating committee made up of members from both organisations and both Governing Councils. If you would like to be involved in this project, please contacr me.
In October, members of the Society had a most enjoyable boat trip through Dudley Canal Tunnel followed by a fish and chip supper. The last time I went through the tunnel was on a BCN Challenge and I legged it all the way - I was younger then! It was good to have more time to view the features and venture into the side tunnels. Many thanks to our Social Secretary, Geoff Peakmen, for organising the event.
The Christmas Social Meeting will be held in the Cabin at Hawne Basin on Thursday 4th December and I look forward to meeting you there.
It only remains for me to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Graham Whorton
