Not quite the review of the year - Not a consultation

Not a consultation

Then there is the consultation that's not a consultation being held with potential and exiting moorings holders about the convoluted and unfair moorings bidding system, where the universal changes that everyone wants (the end to the bidding system and the removal of minimum prices)—is ruled out of the consultation.

Yes, you could not make it up!

As I promised Richard Parry that I would do, I shall continue to end on an upbeat note.

There are and continue to be significant changes taking place in the hierarchy of the Trust, where it's possible (from reading between the lines) that the modified reporting structure should, if nothing else be an improvement on the previous performance. However, such 'ad hoc' arrangements should be formalised as soon as possible. Maybe then the Trust would be able to provide a management structure, highlighting reporting lines. This document would then provide the basis for a basic understanding and guide to accountability.

Deafening silence

I am looking forward to our elected representatives reporting back on the first three years of their tenure in office. I can't wait to hear of their individual lists of personal goals and achievements 'on the job' so to speak. Though I suspect that like the collective amnesia that I reported on earlier, only the continuation of the deafening silence, which so far has been the most noticeable of their achievements. However, as this is the start of their last year in office, I imagine that there will be some communication with the plebs whose vote they will want to court for another term of inaction.

I look forward to the day when the Trust enters the 21st century; the day when it realises that social media is here to stay. And has blown away once and for all, any chance of escaping the attentions of the boating public, including the examination and discussion in detail of the day to day running of the Trust.

Further exposure

One thing I don't look forward to, is further exposure of the Trust, in one of the great periodicals of state, which are read by MP's and Whitehall Mandarins alike, if only to see if they are featured and if they have been found out! I'm not talking about Hansard or even the London Gazette. Here I'm talking about Private Eye and the peoples watchdog 38 Degrees.

I am still looking forward to a number of things, like the much vaunted and promised accountability, transparency and openness. After all, these are things that boaters want and expect. Accountability, transparency and openness should also be a significant part of the Trust's mission statement. I'm still a waiting and anticipating the arrival (before the telegram arrives from the Queen) of a meaningful mission statement.

Provide clarity and direction

I am also looking forward to the day when the Trust has a paying membership. One which the Trust must also be answerable to. When members of council are elected from the Trust membership. I am looking forward to the day when all the significant boating associations also have representatives on council, to help provide some insider knowledge, balance between various associations, clarity and direction.

I am looking forward to a time when consultations take place before the outcome is decided. Running any so-called consultation—on a for information only basis—or conducted after the outcome has been decided is not acceptable in this day and age.

Will he or won't he

The white knuckle grasp continues for the chairman as he grimly hangs on to any remaining vestige of power. The will he, won't he, go. Only piling more fuel on to the smouldering conflagration that is the continued uncertainty about the future of the Trust.

Now, with the steady ongoing exodus of the old guard, presumably, to spend more time counting their pension pot, brings with it a feint glimmer of a sunrise in the East for the future of the Trust. I hope that this is not yet another false dawn.