W
elcome to the Spring Edition of Meridian Cuttings which, urged on by the warmer weather, has a bit of a spring in its step and will encourage you to get outside - volunteering, boating, walking and generally enjoying yourselves. Firstly there are the ‘View from the Chair’ reports from the Chairpeople, starting on the opposite page. I’m sure you will join me in welcoming Libby as our much-needed new South London Chairman. There are lots of walks coming up under Roger Wilkinson’s guidance, including two new ones which include some World War I features - see page 6. Sally reports wittily about the London Region/North & East London socials and the forthcoming programme appears on page 7, followed by South London’s on page 8. If you’ve any ideas for future cruises or socials do get in touch, we only do it for you, you know! If you fancy getting out and meeting interesting people in a convivial atmosphere why not investigate some of the volunteering opportunities on page 9 - come on, there’s a world outside that armchair! David Hilling has contributed a fascinating piece on page 12 about freight on the Thames - which contains some very encouraging news. There are also updates about Friends of Regent’s Canal, Wandle Valley Regional Park and Thames21. Not forgetting London Region’s very own festival at Little Venice - Canalway Cavalcade between 3rd - 5th May. We’ve included another in our series about community boats: this time we feature the Pirate Castle, with an introduction by Libby, on page 17. If you fancy a ‘little flutter’ - from which the Region will also benefit - then take a look at the London Region 200 Club, which now includes a standing order option, to make contributing even less hastle. All you have to do is fill in the form, cut it from the newsletter and post it to Vernon Draper. All the information and rules are on page 21. Finally, our new committee members (and all the committee vacancies.....) can be found on page 23. Welcome to Shea Richardson, who has agreed to help South London, and congratulations to Sally Naylor, who has been elected Social and Membership Secretary of North & East London. If you think you can spare a few hours a month and take the load off some of our shoulders - we will welcome you with open arms - just lift that phone! Christine Smith, Publicity Officer & Newsletter Editor
Contents Page
A View from the Chair:
Friends of Regent’s Canal 14
Welcome new members 15
London Region 3 North & East London 4 South London 5
IWA with London Walks 6 Socials: London Region/ North & East London 7 South London 8
The Wandle Trail
Page
15
Canalway Cavalcade 16 Community Boats: Pirates! 17 Thames21 20 London Region 200 Club 21
Volunteering Opportunities 9
Who’s Who on the Committees 23
Old Father Thames Comes to Life 11
How to get to the Branch Socials 24 -2-