HAVING read your article 'Cart gone quackery' reminded me of some others I have seen, writes Jennifer MacGillivray.
This year, due to rather sad family circumstances, we have spent more time than usual on the motorway system. When using the toilets I noticed on the back of the doors posters from Cart, 'Blue Skies not Square Eyes', with a number to text to receive a free waterways activity pack.
Receive a phone call
The small print did say you would receive a phone call explaining the role of Cart and asking for a donation, which wasn't compulsory and you would get your pack anyway.
Whilst I'm all in favour of getting children out and about, and making the public aware of our waterways, I still question if this is the best use of a cash-strapped charity's money.
Will never find out
I don't suppose we will ever find out how much this cost, how many packs went out, how much came back in donations, and I am prepared to accept that there may be unseen benefits .
For me the question is does the goodwill gained from a free pack out-way the loss of goodwill from the hirers who had their holiday spoiled by closures, from the long established boaters who are finding it harder to get enjoyment from a system suffering from a lack of maintenance?
Cart is papering over the cracks, but one day there will be nothing left to stick the paper to.