AFTER the article concerning the lottery money being given towards the further restoration of the Montgomery Canal, narrowboatworld received quite a few emails condemning our not crediting The Shropshire Union Canal Society (SUCS).
But. Yes, but, indeed, that society was not mentioned in the information we received, so as the piece was included in narrowboatworld more or less as obtained, it was not commended on its work.
My purpose of this is to point out that there are those restoration societies that get publicity for their work—like Chesterfield Canal Trust and the Wey & Arun Trust, that I have been told is most handy in proving the work being done, so helping raise funds—and those that get no publicity at all.
It all boils down to some societies knowing the value of showing the restoration work they are accomplishing, and again, those who do not. In a nutshell—some spread the word and others don't. Yet all it requires is their appointing someone capable as a publicity officer, making sure it is getting its restoration work known, and importantly attracting new members, who otherwise do not know of its existence.
SUCS
So back to SUCS, that at one time had virtually a running commentary in narrowboatworld of its work, particularly on the Montgomery, I well remember Brian Holmes and Richard Swan both extolling the continuing work it was achieving, Both alas neither are no longer with us.
Then there is the Waterways Recovery Group of the Inland Waterways Association, that do realise the value of publicity. Yet I reckon that those at SUCS do a great deal more work on the Monty than the former!
A great pity really, yet it has the answer...
Honesty
The gates at Actons Lock (7) on the Regent's Canal, we are told by Canal & River Trust 'have deteriorated and we need to carry out emergency repairs to prevent loss of water'.
So has the 'blame game'—blaming boaters for gate damage and draining pounds actually stopped?
It doesn't do itself any credit in blaming boaters, when they are obviously not responsible, so stating the gates have deteriorated, as of course they most likely have, is to be applauded.
'Behave yourself!'
I'm under very strict instructions to write nothing untoward about the activities of dear Cart, my being told in no uncertain terms that I was going 'over the top'.
So of course I shall abide. But at least, I can show you the picture of the the new trees sent in by 'Our Man at the Summit'.
And of course ask why not scrap the thing which is taking up valuable mooring space, and get a bit of cash in the bargain.
Hit and miss
Last Monday we took a cruise through Sawley Lock, but dammed if our Thomas could get the key to engage in the panel operating the near-side lock—it just kept turning, with She Who Must, also having a go—with the same result, so we used the far-side lock instead.
Then luckily at Trent Lock we met one of those rare specimens—a Cart fella—who told us the lock on the panel had been broken and you have to get it in a certain position for it to engage, which we obviously did not.
So now you know. Perhaps better to use the 'far' lock.
Victor Swift