Brian W. Smith Marine Surveyor Pre-Purchase Surveys Valuations—Insurance Surveys CE Compliance for Home Builds Contact Brian on: Tel: 01354 680341 Mobile: 07887 781649 E-mail: smith.marine@btinternet.com
Boat Safety Examinations Engine Evaluation & Condition Ultra-sound Osmosis Assessment Gas System Surveys
Member of the Association of Boat Safety Examiners - Gas Safe Reg. YDSA
EDITOR’S NOTES
T
his edition of Hereward has coincided with Christmas and may I take this opportunity to wish all readers a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year for 2012. Always a time for reflection, the turn of this New Year will probably be more significant in terms of the waterways than any since most of us can remember. In that I mean the demise of BW (apart from in Scotland) and the setting up of the Canal & River Trust. Even though many of the members of this Branch probably do not have BW registered boats, I think it is fair to say that things will also change within the EA system and we have already heard about moves to make the individual navigation regions within the EA more autonomous. Interesting times—let us hope it all works out. In terms of reflection, the inner front cover of this edition takes a look at what a lovely river we have in the Nene with some views along the length from Northampton to the mouth. On the back inner cover there is a view of the proposed site of the moorings the Branch is hoping to facilitate at Three Holes. It is frustrating that in these cash-strapped times we have the money in the coffers for this project and whilst all the parties involved are in favour, pulling it all together is taking a little longer than we had hoped. Let us hope this will be a success we can celebrate for the Branch in 2012. Finally I would like to thank those who have supported me with copy overt the year, particularly Nigel, Alastair and John Revell. Philip Halstead 14