Voting for CART opens today - The candidates Page 1

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.