Voting for CART opens today
Article Index
Altogether there will be 35 members on the council, but there is great worry that boaters, even though providing the most income, are so poorly represented.
Closely connected
There is worry too that the the Inland Waterways Association wants to fill all four places, even putting forward its own chairman, who is so closely connected with the Board of British Waterways, as a candidate.
In addition to the four boaters there will be two representing boating businesses and a single representative of the employees.
Good response
Tony Hales, Chairman of British Waterways who will also become Chairman of the Canal & River Trust, tells us:
"We had a very good response to our call for candidates and now it is time for licence holders to take up their voting rights and have their say on who will be their representative on Council. The boating community has a wealth of hands-on experience of the waterways, and having boaters and boating businesses involved is essential to the success of the Canal & River Trust."
Ballot packs
Ballot packs are being sent to all eligible voters, and voting will take place until 12 noon on the 9th March 2012.
With the importance of the Internet, votes can be cast by a designated website, by post or by phone—with full details given in the ballot pack. Voting by post will also be possible for this inaugural Council election.
The election is being managed by Electoral Reform Services.
The candidates
There are 33 private boater candidates standing for election to the Canal & River Trust Council, and they will be elected using the single transferable vote system.
BARTON, PATRICIA PERRY
40 plus years involvement with the waterways would bring additional skills to the Council. I am passionate about our heritage. I want to balance pleasure with service to the Trust. I believe the partnership will protect the environment under considerable financial restraints.
Experience:
1969 Founder Member of Wey & Arun Canal Trust; six years committee membership
Life Member of Surrey & Hants Canal Society
1982 joined IWA (Guildford); held various positions, including Secretary and Fundraiser
1997 moved to IWA Lichfield; Committee member; Vice-Chairman (2011/2)
42 years IWA volunteering; helping on National Sales Committee and Festivals Committee (Waterspace and Campsite Director)
Owned narrowboat Quercus since 1982, covering the system, including six months charity cruise of 3000 miles
1995 invited to Belgium in a Flotilla of boats; joint initiative for Belgium Tourist Board and British Waterways
1990-1995 Basingstoke Canal Authority Administrator
2001-2004 operated the Norbury Junction Canal Café and Trip Boat business.
BLUNDELL, MALCOLM JAMES
I was a professional leader, managing an intelligence analysis centre concentrating upon protecting the critical national infrastructure. I provided intelligence and informed analysis in order for the national issues to be understood. I also had to vigorously negotiate with private companies and agencies to ensure correct procedures were in place to protect the public.
I am a lifelong boating enthusiast, building wooden boats, sailing and cruising the canals. I retired early and together with my wife commissioned a new narrowboat and we are thoroughly enjoying cruising around the system. We travel extensively making the most of our unique waterways.
As your boaters' representative on the Council, my primary aim is to get the best deal for you! I will use my proven professional skills to ensure that the trustees receive sound and accurate guidance, and act upon it, making sure they are challenged on the use of scarce resources.
BONELLO, MICHAEL
I am standing for the Council of Canal & River Trust because I want to ensure the voice of the boater is fully heard. I am 35 years old. I have been a continuous cruiser for eight years and have been around canals and boats for over 30. I am a Child Protection Social Worker and a trustee of the charity, Health Equality and Rights Organisation.
This is the most challenging time for the canals since the 1960s; however, I believe the transformation of British Waterways into Canal & River Trust offers an opportunity to develop economic, social and environmental benefits that can contribute to the sustainable development of local communities. As this process develops it is vital that our voice, that of the live-aboard boater, is heard.
I love our canals. I recognise change is always needed, but I also recognise that what makes our community unique must be preserved.
BROWN, CHRISTOPHER
I have been involved with boating for around 30 years and have held a British Waterways licence since 1995 based in the North East Region.
I have a background of Engineering Management and I am confident that I have the experience and skills to deal with the challenges of this position.
I am passionate about the heritage that we all enjoy as users of our fantastic waterway system and if elected would work hard to preserve this for future generations and promote its development.
If elected I would:
Endeavour to promote the interests of private boaters and be a voice for their views
Be aware of the long term values of the Trust
Act in the interest of the charitable purpose of the trust
Provide guidance and perspective to the Trust.
BRYAN, JAMES
I wish to represent the voice of the ordinary boater on the Council. I think that the interests of boaters, the maintenance of the canals and the costs to use them should be at the forefront of the Trust's future plans.
I have been a waterways enthusiast for many years, first as a holiday boater and now as a boat owner. When cruising, I notice the poor condition of the towpath, the failure to dredge known problem spots, poor lock maintenance and the overall lack of facilities provided.
The new Trust is a great opportunity for change and to make the waterways more inclusive for boaters, fishermen, walkers, naturalists, cyclists, birdwatchers and families.
I am a manager for a national charity, controlled by a Board of Trustees, so have a great deal of experience in the process of bringing projects to fruition within a charitable trust.
BULLOCK, PAUL
I have over 30 years experience of living and boating in British and European waterways, giving me a knowledge of different systems against which to make comparisons.
I was employed for approximately 10 years with British Waterways and British Waterways Marinas Ltd so I am aware of the issues on both sides in relation to boaters' needs and the constraints placed on the operational capacity of a management system.
With this combination of experience I can offer a constructive and balanced approach to matters involving the boaters' requirements.
It is essential from the outset that every effort is made to learn from the past and that boaters views are put forward in a constructive way that helps to maintain and improve standards throughout and ensures the long-term preservation of the waterways.
With your support, I believe I have the right kind of experience, personal qualities and commitment to do this.
CAPLAN, IVOR HENRY
I have been boating for 35 years including:
15 years living afloat
Cruised extensively including lesser-used waterways such as the BCN
Been involved through the RBOA in achieving greater recognition of residential boating
Worked towards formalising residential moorings and developing new ones
Supporting boating interests through major involvement in IWA and Canal Societies
Played a part in increasing navigable waterways through restoration of the Droitwich Canals.
If elected to Council I will:
Argue for the primacy of navigation and boating as benefiting all waterways users
Continue to champion the total heritage of the inland waterways
Make the case for responsible residential boating as a major benefit to Canal & River Trust
Fight for the survival and regeneration of lesser used parts of the system
Campaign for boating activities to be made accessible and affordable for all sectors of society
Negotiate for maintenance including dredging to the highest possible navigable standards
CAWSON, SUE
Retired, last job was Design and Production Director of a large multi-national publishing company.
A Committee Member for Historic Narrow Boat Owners Club, reporting and liaising on Navigation Issues.
Chairman of the Saturn Project, we run the last remaining Fly-Boat in partnership with British Waterways as an Educational Resource. Run as a charity, we work only with volunteers, grants and donations.
I have been boating since 1960 and have experienced many changes.
I run and maintain an ex-working boat and boat extensively all around the English canals.
I am passionate about our canal system and its heritage and am anxious to see it maintained, including buildings, bridges, locks and with the canal furniture that enables boats to work safely and efficiently with these structures.
I appreciate that with this heritage there also has to be a fine balance with the modern day boaters and their safety.
COWAN, JOHN
After a career as a chartered engineer and 30 years of holidaying on the canals, I have become a part-owner of a narrowboat which I share with seven other boaters.
When I learned that the Canal & River Trust was seeking nominations for members of Council, I felt that this offered an opportunity to assist this new organisation and contribute to the new order. In addition, I estimated that there are at least 3,000 part-owners like me with a greater or lesser share in what is often an absolutely vital element of their relaxation, whose voice may not be heard unless a part-owner stands for election.
The establishment of this Council offers all sections of the boat "owning" community an opportunity to participate in the development of the Trust. If elected, I would be honoured to be entrusted with a role on the Council.
DEAN, ROB
Waterways are for boats. The experience other visitors come for is only possible because of the boats. To thrive, the waterways must be navigable and affordable to boaters. Those who restored the waterways over the last half century were mostly boaters. Today's boaters have a responsibility to keep the waterways alive.
The Canal & River Trust is an opportunity and a threat. Well run, it can avoid the stifling bureaucracy and costs of a government-owned body. And boaters can have more influence in how it is run. But there must be change and government must properly fund the waterways.
I spend a lot of time boating and understand the waterways lifestyle. Active with the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust, I understand how a charity works. As a management accountant, I understand numbers and organisations. I have the time and energy to represent all boaters and I ask for your vote please.
FARRELL, ANN
Navigations are for boats. Without boats they lose interest and decay. I would promote boaters' interests - maintenance, restoration and improved facilities. I oppose excessive regulation. Charges to boaters should be fair and affordable. The trust should seek to maximise its external funding.
In my narrowboat Ena May, I have explored 95% of the network, cruised 14,000 miles and worked through 9,000 locks. I am Vice Commodore of Nantwich Boat Club, a volunteer at IWA festivals and events, a trustee of Chester Canal Heritage Trust, member of SUCS and Saturn supporter.
I live by the Shropshire Union in Chester. I'm married with four children and four grandchildren - all enthusiastic boaters. I've been a research scientist, teacher and Chester City Councillor. From 2001-7 I had responsibility for leisure and conservation in this famous heritage canal city.
FINCHER, ALAN
Just four elected council positions must represent the disparate needs of all boaters. I am independent, love boats and boating, and am already well-networked with many boaters countrywide. My first boats were 40 years ago, and I now boat at every opportunity, covering large distances and regularly attend boating events.
Although deeply protective of the history and heritage of the waterways, I am fully realistic that people own boats for many reasons, often with very different ideas of what is important. Categorising boaters into particular groupings is unhelpful and divisive, and I would aim to fairly represent everybody, whatever their reasons for boat ownership.
In my role within a large multinational, I was particularly recognised as someone able to broker the best solutions to complex problems that had eluded others. Early retirement allows me to commit the necessary time, and to be easily contacted by those I represent.
GEE, DAVID
I am a 58 years old father of two, grandfather of three granddaughters; I moor on the Caldon Canal and live in the Staffordshire Moorlands.
I served my apprenticeship and became an indentured bricklayer and have over the years lectured in construction, become a building inspector and currently a business manager for the NHBC.
I have been a boater for over 30 years and fished the Caldon when the canal was not navigable.
I am a member of the Churnet Valley Boat Club and other local boat clubs; I recently volunteered and carried out some restoration work on two canal bridges on the Caldon. In these austere and changing times, I feel there needs to be an input from a grass-roots boater that is why I have put myself forward.
I want my granddaughters to continue to enjoy the waterways and the Canal & River Trust held to account if necessary.
HARRISON, IAN
I am 59, live in South Yorkshire and started boating in 1973. In 1976, my wife and I fitted-out our narrowboat Jake and have cruised nearly all of the canal system in it ever since. I lived aboard with my young family for three years, subsequently our boat was mainly used for memorable family summer journeys. I have been a member of Aylesbury Canal Society since 1984.
Professionally I am a recently retired Chartered Civil Engineer specialising in Ground Engineering and also have extensive Local Government experience including the procurement of external funding and urban regeneration.
I am totally committed to ensuring the future of the inland waterways and maintaining them in good condition for boating and other recreational uses. The engineering excellence of the canals, the wildlife corridor they provide and the sense of adventure and romance they bring are immeasurably important.
HENDERSON, CLIVE
I have been a boater for 30 years. I am Chairman of the Inland Waterways Association, and also of British Waterways Advisory Forum. I have ensured that the boaters' viewpoint has been consistently and constantly put forward and have built relationships with key people within Canal & River Trust and other user groups. Most aspects of the business and operations are familiar to me and I have enjoyed insight into the plans and aspirations for the new charity as they have evolved and have engaged with Defra and Parliament.
My key aims have been to ensure that the charity would have a sound and viable basis in terms of structure, representation and financing.
If you were to elect me I would strive to hold Trustees and Management to account to ensure that navigation is always Canal & River Trust prime purpose and that boaters' interests will be held paramount as the principal funders of the system.
HUGHES, BERNARD, OBE
I am self-employed, a Devon County Councillor, and have time available to represent boat owners on Canal & River Trust Council.
I have been boating for 35 years, 21 as an owner, Ein Cariad is moored at Great Haywood. I have a good working knowledge of the system and its needs.
I give regular talks on the waterways, donating proceeds to restoration. I belong to IWA, K&A, Litchfield/Hatherton, Gloucester/Hereford, Wilts/ Berks, WRG(BITM), NABO, BCF, B&MK, and Trent/Mersey.
I am anxious that Canal & River Trust when formed will serve the requirements of all users recognising that waterways were principally constructed for boats. To succeed I believe that Canal & River Trust needs a well-motivated, trained, professional staff supported by enthusiastic volunteers with a wide range of skills and abilities. I would take every opportunity to talk to boaters around the system and try to achieve their aspirations for a well managed and expanding network.
KELLY, FRANK (FRANCIS)
I am a wholly independent candidate and a continuous cruiser with experience of campaigning on the River Lee and Grand Union, London. Over many years the waterways have become crucially important as a national housing alternative and now support a large population of people dependent upon their boats as homes. I am deeply concerned that the Defra consultation failed to reflect this. As a member of Council I will undertake to be an effective voice for the civil liberties, human rights and security of residential boat dwellers nationally and will seek to address problems of prejudice, discrimination and harassment faced by our community.
I note and fully support the Boater's Manifesto, and Article 8 in particular.
LEE, VAL
I am Val Lee, married to Michael. We designed narrowboat Thistle for our retirement mindful of including several years Full Board Short Breaks for couples, introducing them to boating, life afloat and the ways of the cut.
My history of volunteering includes Youth Work, representing a local Kart Racing Club on the Lichfield Sports Council, local Group Canal Dredging and for the Residential Boat Owners' Association (RBOA); Publicity Secretary, General Secretary and ending up being Administrator for Exhibitions. I was also joint editor of the latest edition of the RBOA Publication ‘Living Afloat'. In 16 years we have cruised the entire network that 70' can navigate except the Lee & Stort and we winter in Barton Marina.
Residential boaters need positive representation and their interests protected. If elected, this will be my passion, as well as safeguarding the navigation of our inland waterways.
MAYALL, DAVID
Other candidates may be nominated with the support of associations; I believe we are best served by individuals, not representatives of associations. Too often the voice of the many boaters who aren't members of anything goes unheard.
Canal & River Trust must manage waterways for the benefit of all boaters, balancing the needs of leisure and residential, moored and cruising, unswayed by those seeking to change things only for their own benefit, and to the detriment of others. It must welcome other users, but not at the expense of boating users.
In over ten years of boating, I feel that I have amassed sufficient experience to understand some of what boaters want, and more important to understand what I don't yet know.
I will be accessible, via the internet, listening to boaters' views, and will use my voice to represent the prevailing view ahead of my own views.
NORRIS, REX
Having served 25 years in the RAF and five years in north west Scotland running a croft, I now live in Buckinghamshire and am self-employed running a smallholding and in building maintenance.
After hiring and shared ownership, my wife and I commissioned a shell to our own specification for self fit-out. From our base on the Grand Union we have cruised to many destinations including Llangollen, Bath and Limehouse.
If elected, my aims would be to represent the views of boaters and other users whilst keeping regulation and bureaucracy to the minimum. I would champion the use of volunteer groups to augment the Trust's workforce, and support groups adopting sections of the canal system to assist in inspection and maintenance. To conserve water and try to reduce restrictions, I would like to see side ponds brought back into use. Volunteer groups would be ideal for assisting in this aim.
PEARCE, DAVID
I am a scientist, Chartered Engineer and economist, with wide experience in industry, academia and government. Appointments included managing naval projects, Whitehall policy group head and pension scheme Trustee.
I came to waterways campaigning 22 years ago after joining St Pancras Cruising Club where I was commodore for six years. I have cruised the UK and European waterways extensively and have significant practical experience of boating. My knowledge of government and public bodies has been of considerable benefit to my role as National Chairman of the Association of Waterways Cruising Clubs. As such I have been closely involved with British Waterways and Defra in discussions leading up to the Canal & River Trust.
I am committed to making Canal & River Trust thrive both nationally and locally in protecting and improving our waterways, with emphasis on navigation through a fully interconnected network.
I am a long-term member of IWA and currently Secretary of British Waterways Advisory Forum.
PETERS, STEPHEN
Boat owner since 1989 with a Seamaster 30 motor cruiser Nattajack based on the River Severn. Council member of National Association of Boat Owners (NABO) for the past 18 years - currently Hon Treasurer and Rivers Secretary.
Member of RYA, Avon Navigation Trust, RNLI (Governor), Railway & Canal Historical Society, Cruising Association and Seamaster Club.
Experience of canal restoration - Hon Secretary of Droitwich Canals Trust in 1980's; local government - elected district councillor for 12 years, currently Independent county councillor and parish councillor representing home area.
I intend to represent the interests of ALL boaters, irrespective of lifestyle, including broad beam and river users. My knowledge of waterway legislation, byelaws, Acts of Parliament, technical issues, Boat Safety Scheme and local planning should be of value to the Canal & River Trust Council and I will strive to ensure that the Trust makes sound decisions in the interests of all who navigate the waterways.
PINFIELD, BOB (ROBERT)
I have been boating on the Severn for over 30 years, travelling up and down most weeks of the summer months.
Been treasurer of two yacht clubs & committee member. Currently Chairman of Cookmill Parish Council (20 years plus). Member of Wychavon Standards Committee and an R.Y.A Instructor.
Understand budgeting, precepts, accounts, sales & marketing, wages and spreadsheets.
I run a small family business in Worcester (30 years), with my wife and son.
I wish to join the Canal & River Trust as I have the knowledge (as a boater) and experience gained over many years to give the new Trust.
ROBERTSON, IAIN
Location: Glasgow 25 years, Invernesshire eight years, Berwickshire nine years, Edinburgh four years, Isle of Arran 20 years, Nottingham seven years.
Work: National Service RAMC two years, paper manufacturing 15 years, publisher of photography based tourism products 15 years, operator of seaside caravan/camp site, shop, restaurant, golf course, 22 years.
Leisure: Scouting, rugby, golf, B&B operation, travel, cruiser, motor cycle.
Skills: Management, problem solving, planning, marketing, photography, DIY, IT.
Waterways: In August 2011 203 miles single-handed cruiser voyage provided very considerable user understanding of the good and the bad of our canal system.
Contribution: My exceptionally wide tourism and service involvements combined with this recent boating experience generate many ideas and opinions that could be utilised in the determination of positive policies, planning, and marketing, towards the betterment of the canal system.
Retired, fit and mobile, I look forward to being of service.
ROPER, PAUL
I have boated for years and been an owner for 11. I'm an IWA Trustee and Chairman of their Navigation Committee which campaigns for boaters. I have been the principal lead for IWA's response to the government's Canal & River Trust proposals. My primary concern, should you elect me, is to ensure that from the outset the waterways are maintained as boaters would wish. I believe in the primacy of navigation but if difficult choices have to be made I will be pragmatic over how the money should be spent, as I had to be in my senior civil service career. But my overriding priority will always be keeping the whole network open to boats. I am also clear that as the principal paying stakeholder, boaters need a strong voice on the Council and I offer myself as someone who can adopt that role on behalf of all boaters.
RUDD, STEPHEN
The navigations of the UK are a resource to be treasured and maintained so that they can be enjoyed both now and in the future.
Regrettably, the quality of maintenance achieved in the past by British Waterways has been disappointing resulting in the navigations deteriorating rather than improving. British Waterways didn't always use its resources wisely, too much being spent on administration.
The Canal & River Trust has its work cut out to do a better job than British Waterways by using its resources to improve the waterways.
To start by transferring the British Waterways administration and appointing the British Waterways senior management as Trustees is not a progressive start.
If appointed to the Council I will do my utmost to ensure that the available resources are focused on the maintenance and improvement of the navigations.
SCOTT, PETER
Council will "help to shape policy": We need policies that:
keep our waterways open and measure openness from one year to the next harass Management into improving availability; and reverse their creeping closures which restrict navigation - eg eleven day May closure for Oxford Canal bridge demolition; four-days-per week closure at Standedge Tunnel; 4pm daily closure Newlay to Leeds
get more boats, more moving boats, on our underused waterways
persuade the non-navigation majority of Council that while their interests could be served by a series of disconnected duck ponds, we all need open, used, connected, navigations
I'm Chairman of IWA Northeast and Yorkshire and do a thousand boating miles each year across the whole connected system.
SCOTT, ROBERT
My love affair with the inland waterways began on a hire boat in 1974. After a number of family holidays on the rivers and canals I have now reached the stage where I am a boat owner and Boatmaster.
Over the past six years I have had the good fortune to be able to spend more and more time travelling around the country on the water. Experiencing the state of the system first hand, I worry that the next generation will not be able to travel the system as I have done.
Maintaining and improving the system for all boaters is my top priority whether they be hirers, private owners or commercial operators, residential or continuous cruisers.
Whilst I am a member of several charities and societies, I have no vested interest in the waterways other than as a boater.
Please give me your vote.
SMETHAM, TONY
I am a 51 years old CC liveaboard and have been an active member of London Boaters for the past year or so.
London Boaters is becoming a pioneer of community-based provision of services and facilities for boaters (e.g. moorings, boaters' credit union). I believe that this could serve as a template for use in other areas, and fits in well with the local partnership model embodied in the Canal & River Trust structure.
There is a view that the canal network is a scarce commodity with competition for resources between leisure and residential users. Our research showed this not to be the case, and that a vibrant residential community actually encourages leisure users to make better use of the canals. I will work to promote the use of the waterways to maximise the benefit for all users.
I am independent of all organisations representing boaters.
TIDY, ANDY
Author of Captain Ahab's Watery Tales.
My passion for boating dates from the "dirty ditches" of the 1960's to the magnificent system of today. I have travelled widely on our narrowboat Wand'ring Bark, and it has been said that canal water flows through my veins.
Professionally, I oversee operational integrity within a multinational business, shaping policy, strategy and applying a commercial approach to planning.
If elected I will approach this Council role as an enthusiast and a professional, combining 30 years of commercial experience with a 40-year passion for our waterways. It's crucial that the Canal & River Trust strikes the right balance between the needs of the various user groups, particularly the boaters who must remain core to its operation. I will take a critical view of commercial and strategic aspects of the Trust's proposals and plans. I would be honoured to represent the boating community.
VINNICOMBE, ALF
I have owned a boat on the Birmingham &Worcester Canal for the past 33 years.
I worked for five years in a Boat Build and Hire Company in Alvechurch and I am passionate about our waterways and the environment.
My main concern is the ever-increasing cost of owning and running a pleasure craft, and if elected to Council, my mandate will be to ensure that NO boater will be priced off the water.
British Waterways have done a good job, and the momentous task that the Trust faces will not be easy, especially with the dark black financial clouds that the country has forecast.
Within the boating community, boat clubs, volunteer groups, etc, every encouragement must be given to nurture the enthusiasm they have.
I wish to carry on enjoying the waterways and for you to do the same.
WELCH, VAUGHAN
I have more than 40 years boating experience, a long-standing IWA Trustee specifically responsible for supporting waterway restoration, Droitwich Canals Trust Chairman and a successful hard working waterways campaigner.
With your support I hope to:
Establish primacy for boating
Prevent navigation being subsumed by other waterway interested bodies
Stop the spiralling costs of boating
Seek internal and external cost reductions
Reduce ‘top heavy' Management costs
Establish salaries equivalent to ‘like' charities
Develop a proper dredging programme
Improve vegetation management
Increase provision and improve essential boaters facilities
Prevent closures
Seek network expansion
Re-establish the Right of Navigation
Establish opening hours to suit the users
Compensate for long term closures
Encourage residential boating
Legitimize those who have chosen the waterways as their home
Establish security of tenure
Develop measures to enable all levels of society's participation in traditional boating activities
I do hope I can count on your support.
WILTSHIRE, RICHARD
My name is Richard Wiltshire. I am looking for your support for my nomination to the Canal & River Trust. I have been involved with the waterways system for many years, through work and pleasure, and therefore have a vested interest in ensuring their protection. There are many changes taking place within our waterways and hopefully through our combined efforts we will produce something which can be enjoyed and protected for the future.
My aim is to contribute to preserving the waterways for all, whatever our pastimes or hobbies. Walkers, boaters or fishermen appreciate the rivers and canals and all have a responsibility to contribute to their survival.
With your support I can voice any concerns that you have about the changes and help to shape the future of our waterways. I attend various committee meetings related to the protection and preservation of the Severn and offer my support as and when necessary.
List last updated: 31/01/2012