Edition No: 1 February 2013
The Newsletter of the Birmingham, Black Country & Worcestershire Branch, Inland Waterways Association
At the Helm This is the first of our branch newsletters entitled “Worcester Bar”, perhaps not an original name but if you can suggest a more appropriate one let our editor know.
Contents Branch Annual General Meeting
2
email addresses
2
IWA Welcomes High Court Decision 2 Crossword 3 (Answers in the next edition) Forthcoming Meetings in 2013 4 Winter Working Parties 4 Boat Rallies, 2013
4
2012 has had many accolades assigned to it but the waterways are our passion & the year marked a momentous milestone in the establishment of the new charitable body Canal & River Trust putting our navigable waters on a firmer footing. The founding members & their subsequent officers would be pleased that at last one of the principal aims of the IWA has been achieved. With the guarantee of funding from the government it should make planning & costing of work to be carried out a smoother & more cost effective process. At least it will mean that plans can be made without the worry of where the funding will come from. We all remember the funding deficits in 2006 caused by Defra being fined over its failure to manage the administration of the Common Agriculture Policy funding. This doesn’t mean that everything we desire will be done instantly but signs are that things are beginning to improve, it will take at least two years for the new organisation to bed in & we will then hopefully begin to see some benefits. This new year of 2013 will see much happening in our branch area. Some events are mentioned herewith. Our branch covers a fairly large area (see map) giving a great opportunity to enjoy the local canals & rivers. Whilst many people are aware of the waterways a lot are not, so whatever your interest please tell people so we can share our enjoyment. Most areas are readily accessible & benefits from the support of the local authorities contributing to the cost of making them so. A lot of the branch effort goes into monitoring planning applications to see that the water environment is not drastically altered. Currently we have three major developments proposed, including Sainsbury’s at Selly Oak and the Icknield Port Loop proposal & we will be commenting on each as appropriate. As well as local events this year sees the return of the National Rally, with the support of the local council, at Watford. Last year it was suspended as there were so many other national events being staged. The rally produces a lot of national publicity & hopefully will swell our funds. The branch is closely involved supplying key personnel & it would be nice to see you there. However you use our waterways enjoy your visits in 2012 Dave Pearson