I FELT that I should correct some misunderstandings concerning the article ‘Victor: Oh no, it isn't' and the subsequent déjà vu articles, writes Tim Parker.
As is stated in the Press Release that Victor quotes, Drifters is taking part in an Open Weekend this weekend to encourage people to come and try boating. This is part of a BMF initiative with yards open all over the country, not just CRT waters. Yards will be open on CRT waters, Broads, EA Waters and Scotland.
All waterways
The 3000 miles quoted includes all of those waterways, and not just the CRT canals. Indeed CRT is not mentioned in the Press Release.
Full details of the sites that can be visited this weekend can be found at www.onthewater.co.uk
Turning to the comment on Britain's 3,000 mile canal and river network being in better shape than ever, I actually do believe that this is the case. I went on my first canal trip in 1965, so have seen the evolution since that time. It is, of course, subjective, but the canal and river environment is certainly improving all the time, with far less pollution generally, in addition to the comments made by Jimmy Lockwood. These factors are all part of a holiday experience as well as the maintenance of the locks and canal, or river.
Promote the waterways
Drifters was set up to promote the waterways to a wider audience which is why we are taking part in the BMF Open Weekend. It is our hope that new non boating people will visit a yard (Drifters or non Drifters) It is only by having a flow of new converts that the canals and rivers of the UK can survive and thrive.