Voting for CART opens today - The candidates Page 2
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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.