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BRITISH Waterways is obviously starting as it intends to carry on—for though Canal & River Trust is not yet in existence, it is organising conferences for the charity.
But perhaps its to do with boating. Oh no! The 'major waterways conference', to be held next May is to discuss how the new Trust can work with English Heritage, to further its interests.
Well, there's already English Heritage boss man, Simon Thurley appointed as a trustee.
If this is the way it is going, it certainly doesn't look too good for us boaters...
Anyway...
How come it's British Waterways that is organising this 'major waterways conference'? Shouldn't it be Canal & River Trust?
Which rather proves what our contributors are telling—it's simply British Waterways under another name, with seemingly the same policy of pandering to others. But at 35 to 4—what chance do we have?
Strange
We recently learned that 100 oak trees were being planted by the canals, yet at the same time there is a major 'cull' of trees by the canal banks—the result, though it will not be admitted, of the death of the lady on a narrowboat, by a falling tree.
 But it seems silly cutting trees down that could be dangerous yet at the same time planting others that themselves will eventually be dangerous.
And this is something in which we have had experience—being narrowly missed by such a tree whilst moored on the Staffs & Worcs Canal, as the picture clearly shows.
Oxford on Thames?
Yes, it could soon be Oxford on Thames, or even Windsor on Thames, if councils follow the direction that Staines is taking.
Next May, it will be Staines no longer, but officially Staines on Thames. Hope British Waterways don't notice as it could become Sawley on Trent—anything is possible.
Oh no
We should all resist the attempt by the Inland Waterways Association to get four of its hierarchy onto the Canal & River Trust, as I can't see any of those put forward doing anything but further the association.
Anyway, one of them being put forward is Ivor Caplan who was part of the Waterways Partnership meeting at the Copthorne Hotel at Merry Hill.
As the partnership already automatically gets a seat on the Canal & River Trust Council, I have to ask, is this within the rules?
And the fact it wants its Chairman Clive Henderson, who is already on the Board of British Waterways as an observer, surely isn't right.
Four independent boaters eh?
Victor Swift
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