THE first objective of the new Chairman, Stella Ridgway, of the National Association of Boat Owners (NABO) during her tenure is to Encourage Canal & River Trust to focus on the maintenance of the canal navigation and infrastructure.
Stella was elected at NABOs AGM held at the Wolverhampton Boat Club on Saturday 12th November Stella Ridgway was elected chairman replacing Mike Rodd who stood down after serving a three year term.
Upper Peak Forest
She lives aboard her narrowboat on the Upper Peak Forest Canal with her husband and two Labradors. She has the canals in her blood, being the great granddaughter of a fly boatman who operated out of Middlewich.
Stella has considerable experience in mediation and consultation which she hopes to put to good use in her new position. She was also earlier this year elected to the Canal & River Trust's Council as one of the four private boating representatives.
Her hopes
At the AGM Stella stated that during her tenure as chairman she hoped to:
- Encourage CaRT to focus on the maintenance of the canal navigation and infrastructure.
- Seek to ensure all users respect the canal and its environment
- Canvas and seek to get NABO members views heard on, for instance:
- Towpath safety and responsible cycling
- More facilities in popular areas
- Accessible moorings long and short term
- Fair and consistent enforcement.
Consideration for others
Accepting the position, she told the meeting:
"If we all show consideration and treat others, as we would like to be treated, I believe we can preserve our way of life. Boaters and visitors on the towpath should be able to enjoy a safe environment to enjoy the wild life, passing boats and canal side attractions. The vast majority of boaters respect the canal environment and boat responsibly and I would encourage CRT not to affect the enjoyment of the vast majority when trying to manage the irresponsible behaviour of the few."
Stella can be contacted at