Bandsman Jim falls out

THE Residential Boat Owners Association (RBOA) Chairman, Jim Owen, has resigned after just a few months in office, writes Allan Richards.

Mr Owen, who replaced Alan Wildman as chairman, has announced his resignation on Facebook.

New approach needed

It was just three weeks ago that RBOA's new chairman decided that the organisation needed a new approach and that it officers needed to be better informed by membership.

Jim Owen asked members—‘I would like to start the new year on a positive piece of action. I would like all of you to email me at my address at the back of Soundings (the RBOA magazine) with your opinion as to what are the the most important things that are relevant to YOU! If you could place them in order of importance numbered (1) (2) (3), I will then collate your answers and be therefore be in a much better position to truly represent YOU in the year ahead. I am conscious of other organisations that do not truly represent their members. The RBOA (with your participation) will not be one of them'.

Now he has resigned.

Beryl McDowall

Posting under his Facebook name of ‘Bandsman Jim', Mr Owen blames his departure on the actions of two other RBOA officials.

Beryl McDowall, RBOA General Secretary, is accused by the ex-chairman of ‘refusing to abide by the constitution'. Ms McDowell, a well known boater, is a member of the Central Shires Waterways Partnership and also owns moorings on the Soar.

Refuses to respond

Of David Milne, RBOA's Treasurer, Jim Owen states that he—‘refuses to respond to committee questions regarding his reports'. However, he did not elaborate on what those questions were so it is not known if some sort of impropriety is being suggested.

He adds—‘I cannot continue any longer trying to convince these people that the RBOA is not there for their benefit. It is for the members!'

New Chairmen

RBOA has posted on its Facebook page that it is now headed by Alan Wildman (ex chairman) and Julia Jacs (vice chairman) as joint acting chairmen.

[Two years ago, RBOA followed IWA's lead and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Canal & River Trust. The agreement provides for both parties to work together on issues that are of importance to residential boat owners. It also sets out a number of specific areas of collaboration designed to improve everyone's enjoyment of the waterways ensuring they are great places both to visit and to live on.]