Heart of the Water Christmas Show

The Christmas edition of the popular Heart of the Water show is now online as a Xmas antidote.

Please click on www.heartofthewater.co.uk to start listening.

Boaters' Christmas Party

Mercia Marina Vehicle Windscreen Stickers

In the Forum Meeting held on October 26 it was decided that all vehicles in the gated portion of the Marina should have some form of identification (see the Forum Notes).

These have now been produced and are available from the Marina Office, initially free of charge. It is a vehicle tax disc holder upon which we will write the name of your boat as a means of identification, at the same time making a note of your vehicle registration.

For contractors, we will issue a daily pass with the relevant date written on it.

Moorers are asked to simply place a piece of paper on the dashboard of their guests' cars giving the name of the boat they are visiting.

The hire boat companies will be asked to place a similar identification sheet on the dashboard of their hirers' cars, when in the gated portion of the Marina.

More information is available in the forthcoming December newsletter.

Forever Forged in Findern

Hayley Powell, blacksmith extraordinaire and

owner of NB Blackjack on Nuthatch Pontoon,

is joining the Findern Craft Society for a show this

Saturday from 10 to 12 at the Village Hall.

Bonfire Night Report

Thank you very much to all the boaters and local residents who turned up to celebrate Bonfire Night with us.

We estimate that at least 600 people were here to see the fireworks and the massive bonfire. Taylormade Events put on a great show and the spontaneous round of applause when it was over is always much appreciated by them.

James Hibbert, a local resident and keen photographer, kindly supplied us with copies of some of the photos he took on the night.

Latest Boaters' Forum Notes

BOATERS’ FORUM

Minutes of the Fifth Meeting of the Boaters’ Forum

held at Nadee on Tuesday, 26 October 2010

Attending (Forum Members)

Gordon Pilgrim (NB Edgewood Dirk) – Zebra Dove, Avocet, Blackbird, Albatross, Bullfinch

Steve Taylor (NB Jenique) - Finch, Grebe, Heron

Celia Kind (NB Bluebell) - Ibis, Jay, Kingfisher, Lapwing, Moorhen

Lee Bartlett (NB La Pirogue) – Nuthatch, Owl, Peregrine, Quail

Jo James – Chair and Forum Secretary

Robert Neff – General Manager

Apologies

Jane Bennett (NB Janeil) – Redshank, Sandpiper, Teal, Upland Goose

Sandy Bentham (NB Swift) – Veery, Woodcock, Xantus, Yellowhammer

In Attendance

Brian and Sandra have a boat being built and will be mooring at Mercia. They are on the mailing list and thought the Forum was an open meeting. They were welcomed and invited to stay. (It was agreed after the meeting that two places would be available at each subsequent meeting for moorers who would like to attend. Please let Robert know if you would like to be there; only one person from a boat and, to allow as many as possible to do this, repeat attendances should not be sought too often.)

1. Acceptance of Prior Meeting Notes

Members of the Forum were happy with the Notes from the August meeting.

2. Items Arising from Previous Meeting

1) Tree Moving: Planning Permission for the Willington Power Station was now at national level and a matter for Central Government. If/when the development goes ahead, the Marina was concerned to create a good natural screen since there would be four tall stainless steel ‘chimneys’ and other buildings above the current tree line. Trees from the ‘nursery’ at the bottom of the Mercia site were being moved to across the road and other appropriate places at the front of the site. This would also serve the need for thinning trees in the ‘nursery’ and add mature trees to the site in general. The transplanted trees were being supplemented by bought in smaller standard saplings. A good mix of trees would be transplanted and, with the soil conditions similar, it was hoped that there would be a low failure rate over the coming few years as the trees became established.

2) Electricity Price Reduction: The electricity posts had all been reset to reflect the lower price. Safety tests had been completed and RCD’s were being replaced where they had failed or were likely to fail. The work should be completed by the end of October.

3) Lighting at the sides of the Facilities’ Blocks had all been installed.

4) The path leading to G pontoon had been done, as had railings to J, K and R. Railings to S and Q would be done soon and certainly before the December Forum meeting. A picket fence will be installed on the ‘horns’ of G pontoon now that the central path is finished.

5) Further discussions about holding a Car Boot Sale concluded with an agreement that this would not go ahead.

3. Ongoing Issues and Information

a) Car Parks 2 & 3: A contractor had been found and the work would take place in the next two weeks. The larger stones from Car Park 3 would be cleared and then used to fill holes in Car Park 2. The matter of the paving slabs under the refuse bins at Car Park 3 was raised again but the Forum members could not see why these were needed; the refuse collectors had no problem with the bins. Further clarification would be sought. Page -6 October, 2010

b) Fire Proofing: The soffit boards had been purchased and were available from the Marina Office on request. A few moorers had installed one alongside their boat’s exhaust to protect the wooden jetty. Others with a similar need were encouraged to collect a board. If a moorer was concerned about the fixing, s/he could either ask the Office to get it done or Gordon Pilgrim – having done his - would be happy to help/advise other boaters.

c) The Lighthouse: The pub/restaurant/pool/spa complex had now received full planning permission with the design approved and no negative comments. The build cost was likely to be £2.5m with the tenant contributing £.5m. Discussions about the tenancy were taking place with three interested parties and a national advertisement was being placed. Work would ideally start in May 2011 and finish by Easter 2012 but this would depend on finding the right tenant and financing. When the complex was up and running, it would to open to all and moorers were likely to receive discounted memberships on the pool and spa.

d) Mooring Some Mooring Agreements still needed to signed for the current Agreements: year. Lucy was putting together a list of those who had not yet signed and relevant moorers would be contacted shortly. Paying mooring fees was only part of the annual requirement for each boater.

e) Storage Cabins: Planning permission had now been given. They would be built in phases by the semi-circular car park near Z pontoon, would vary in size (6’ x 8’ and 6’ x 4’) and look like the holiday homes in terms of external finish. A builder had yet to be signed and so the costs were not known. These costs would dictate the rental cost of the cabins which could be shared but only one name would appear on the rental agreement. It was hoped they would be built in early Spring 2011.

f) Jetty Washing The Office had been notified that X pontoon needed to be power washed since it got particularly slippery with the overhanging trees. This would be done and moorers were asked to notify the Office of any other pontoons with similar problems.

g) Bonfire Night: A poster had been put up with details of the Bonfire Night event on Saturday 6 November. There would be food and music at the Willow Tree Tea Rooms and with the Trading Post now having a licence, alcohol could be purchased. Moorers were invited to bring friends and family. There would be fireworks and Robert had asked that the sound be condensed to minimise disturbance to moorers and their pets. Some moorers were planning a party around the marina’s BBQs

h) Christmas Event: This was still in the planning stage but was expected to take place on Saturday 18 December. Ideally it would be at the Willow Tree Tea Rooms with food, drink and music. More details would be available when plans were finalised.

i) Wednesday Nights: Martyn was now providing a moorers’ supper night at the Willow Tree Tea Rooms with good basic food being provided by Sue. The first night had gone well and it was hoped moorers would try it. The Bistro evenings would continue on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Some of the Wednesday evenings would also offer entertainment – such as music and quizzes – encouraging a social evening after the meal. 3 BOATERS’ FOR

j) Frosts: The water supply, despite the underground protection put in, had frozen in the taps last winter and it was intended to lag one bollard on each pontoon as appropriate in case temperatures dropped sharply again this winter. It was suggested that, as had been the practice last year on one or two pontoons, one tap was also kept dribbling very slowly to keep water flowing. This was accepted as a good idea provided it were only done if the temperatures were forecast as being very low and if one long-term moorer close to the tap was prepared to take on responsibility. Salt bins had all been topped up and moorers were reminded of the need to be careful when walking on the pontoons and jetties.

k) Sheep and Dogs: The local farmer noted the amount of dog mess not cleared from the fields which he used for grazing. Moorers were strongly reminded that they were responsible for their dogs and must clean up behind them, whether on the marina or in the surround fields. There was no excuse for leaving dog mess behind and anyone who noted a dog owner not clearing up behind their pet could always report it to the Office.

l) Site Tidiness: There would be a tour of the site in the near future with boat owners reminded of the need for tidiness and lack of clutter. Pontoons and jetties should not have personal possessions left on them. A moorers’ contract did not entitle the use of space on these and consideration for fellow boaters meant they must be kept clear.

4. Any Other Business (issues raised by Forum Members from discussion with their areas)

1) Dog Guards: There are one or two moorers who have put dog guards on the jetties by their boats. This is not allowed – the jetty is not the property of the moorer and dogs are to be kept under control and avoid being a nuisance to other moorers. Dog guards must be removed.

2) Slipping: One moorer had slipped on a jetty in the ice and it was important to take care in icy conditions and use the salt provided in the bins. One representative recommended socks put on over shoes as a good way of providing grip. No covering on the wooden pontoons/jetties would be appropriate – Health and Safety considerations made coverings themselves a potential hazard.

3) Disabled Parks: Disabled badges could be put against parking spaces as appropriate if requested. All vehicle owners were expected to avoid using these spaces unless they ‘qualified’.

4) Vehicle Parking: Vehicle owners were expected to avoid leaving vehicles (cars and motor homes) at the front of parking areas if these vehicles were not used regularly. Also if they were going out cruising. Some Car Park areas were particularly busy and it was inconsiderate for cars to be left unused in prime positions. Little used cars, motor homes and other vehicles should be parked out of the way whilst the Office looks at a creating long-term parking area within the compound. The semi-circular car park by Z pontoon also had problems with cars being left in inappropriate spaces. Steps would be taken to block off access areas and to identify vehicle owners who did not park carefully. This led to a discussion about vehicles in general and it was agreed that the Marina would issue identifying roundels for vehicle windscreens. These would link a vehicle to a boat. Further information on this scheme will be made available to all moorers in the near future.

5) Cats: There were a lot of complaints about cats on the Marina causing nuisance to other moorers. Moorers were reminded that it was their responsibility to ensure their pets did not cause a nuisance and were kept under appropriate control. Wherever there were persistent complaints about a particular pet, action would be taken. The ultimate sanction would be to terminate a mooring agreement.

6) Mats in Facilities The corridors in the Facilities’ Block shower and toilet areas could be Blocks: slippery and it was asked whether rubberised mats might be put down. Robert said this was not appropriate; the tiling met all building regulations and provided the correct flooring in such areas.

7) Pontoon Ropes: Some pontoons had a stretch of water on the bank side. It was asked whether posts with ropes might be provided as they are for steps. Robert said there was not, as yet, any plan to do this and moorers should exercise proper care when walking on all pontoons and jetties.

8) Swings Some moorers had asked whether children’s swings might be provided. Robert said it was intended to provide a children’s play area as part of the redesign outside the Tea Rooms. Any such play area would need to be done properly with all appropriate safety provision and it would cost around £20k. Providing swings in the Marina itself would not be possible because of these safety needs.

9) Allotments: It had been asked whether allotments might be developed. Robert said this had been discussed by the Management Group but ruled out because, for instance, there could be no possibility of storage for tools and equipment and it would be difficult to regulate in terms of tidiness and ensuring each area was kept well tended. Willington, Repton and Findern all have allotments and those interested might contact the appropriate local Parish Council for more information.

10) Motor Bike Racks: Motor bike racks would be provided where there is identified need. Those concerned should talk to the Marina Office.

11) Speeding: There seemed to be a reduction in vehicles speeding in the Marina, though members of the Forum had had occasion to speak to one or more drivers. Robert reminded all moorers that if they saw anyone exceeding the speed limit (10mph), he would like a quick phone call to the Office. If the vehicle is on its way out of the marina, there is plenty of time for someone to go out of the Office and stop the vehicle as it comes past having cleared the gates.

12) Coal: It was asked why it was no longer possible to use the coal man who had supplied the marina in the past. Robert explained that this had been a temporary measure whilst sufficient storage had been made available for the Trading Post. With that in place, it was the Trading Post who was the business on site and, to ensure it remained so and continued to provide all moorers with a variety of services (provisions, postal service, newspapers, etc.) moorers should be ready to support it. He also reminded moorers that the Trading Post would deliver bags of coal actually to a boat.

13) Composting Bin: In response to a suggestion that there might be a composting bin provided on site, all members of the Forum felt this would be inappropriate. It would attract vermin, it would almost certainly have the ‘wrong’ things put into it and become a health hazard.

14) Brass Plaques: Moorers’ request for Mercia Marina brass canal plaques will be pursued by the Office.

5. Next Meeting

The next meeting would be on Tuesday, 14 December 2010 at 7 pm at Nadee. If moorers have matters they wish to raise, they should talk to the appropriate representative or talk directly to the Marina Office at any time. There will be two ‘observer’ places at this meeting and if any moorer wished to attend, s/he should talk to Robert.

New Bistro Evening

New Wednesday evening menu for The Willow Tree commencing 20 October.

Bonfire Night

All welcome for Mercia Marina's Bonfire Night celebrations on Saturday Nov. 6th from 5pm til late.

Heart of the Water podcast

NB Maggie-Anne has become our very own Radio Caroline. Instead of broadcasting from the coastal waters off Felixstowe, Anna is in the relative comfort of Heron Pontoon, although on windy days the similarity is more marked!

Anna, the owner of Maggie-Ann, is a compulsively creative person and Heart of the Water is her latest passion. You can read more about her on her own website http://www.annalovatt.info/ and a nice resume of the show on http://www.grannybuttons.com/granny_buttons/2010/09/heart-of-the-water-is-it-the-first-canal-podcast.html.

The show is well worth a listen as Anna is an excellent broadcaster. If you know of any local musicians, please suggest they get in touch.

The show is all Anna's own work. Mercia Marina's connection is simply that we are fortunate to have her as a moorer and so bathe in the reflected glory.

Winter 2010/11 Closures

Despite budget cutbacks, British Waterways have some extensive maintenance programmes planned for this winter which will result in closures. The map above, which you can click to enlarge, is from Waterscape, one of British Waterways' websites and can also be found on http://www.waterscape.com/media/documents/Map_C.pdf.

Although each year many stoppages are planned, and so boaters are forewarned, in reality if the first ones overrun in time and/or money, it is not uncommon for the planned stoppages to be cancelled.

Celebrating reopening Bridge 20

Findern Footpaths Group, a redoubtable local charitable body committed to maintaining and improving footpaths and around which both local politicians and landowners tread carefully, today announced a special event to celebrate the reopening of bridge 20 on the T & M.

Many will remember the stink caused when a wayward tractor-drawn trailer load of manure was dumped in the cut in Oct 2008 and much of the bridge parapet was demolished.

The 240 year old Bridge 20, also known as Hicklins Bridge, was rebuilt at the reported cost of £250,000 although whether BW or the insurance company paid is not known. The bridge was rebuilt to make it as authentic as possible and was strengthened at the same time.

As can be seen from the Findern Footpaths Group photo above, BW's contractors did a wonderful job.

If you fancy attending what must be a very rare event, celebrating the reopening of a canal bridge, Findern Footpaths Group welcome you to attend on Saturday Oct 2 at 11:30. There will be speeches and a cake in the shape of this now famous bridge, which has gone from the ignominy of almost being demolished thanks to a load of manure to having its very own celebration.

Western Evening at the Tea Rooms

The second face of

The Willow Tree

7:30 SEPTEMBER 18^TH

WESTERN NIGHT

3 COURSES FOR £12.95

(DEPOSIT OF £5.00 PER HEAD TO SECURE PLACE)

BOOKING ESSENTIAL

(NUMBERS LIMITED)

LIVE MUSIC

FANCY DRESS OPTIONAL

BRING YOUR OWN WINE – CORKAGE £2.00

JOIN OUR EVENT MAILING LIST

(caroline@morrowbrown.plus.com)

TEL: 07866960008 FOR DETAILS

Payment by Cash or Cheque only

Mercia Marina

Findern Lane

Willington

DE65 6DW

IWA National on Our Doorstep

The Inland Waterways Association (http://www.waterways.org.uk/)have announced that the National Festival and Boat Show will be held at Burton next year on the 29-31 July. The last time this travelling event was held at Burton was about 5 years ago.

The final choice of location was between ourselves and Burton. Unfortunately, the Committee decided that the town centre site was preferable to our rural location. However, there is still a possibility that we will host it in the future as the organisers visited us many times and had already planned the site layout.

As the Derby and Sandiacre Canal Society are seeking volunteers, so will the IWA for the show. Although most of the work is done by the indefatigible WRG army, stewards and the like will be required.

The Derby Ring

Since 1994 the Derby and Sandiacre Canal Society volunteers have been working to reopen the 12 mile Derby Canal which was built in 1796 but abandoned in 1964.

Three local planning authorities need to be appeased as well as BW itself. It was hoped that a decision by Derby City Council on part of the route would be forthcoming last week, but as NarrowboatWorld reports (http://www.narrowboatworld.com/index.php/leatest/2233-derby-decision-delayed) the decision on outline planning permission was delayed seemingly by BW needing more information.

Despite the canal being infilled, unlike most abandoned canals which are simply left neglected, over 90% of the land required has been has already been promised for the restoration. The cost of the whole project is estimated to be £45m plus a further £10m for the Midlands equivalent of the Falkirk Wheel.

The end result would be a 25 mile ring with the reinstated 12 mile Derby Canal stretch running from Swarkestone on the T & M to Sandiacre on the Erewash. Most of the infilled canal is now bridleway, cycle routes and the like so the route can be explored now. So far so good but a major stumbling block exists on crossing the Derwent to access the Derby Arm and so to the city centre by the Silk Mill.

To cross the Derwent an innovative design has been proposed to rival the Falkirk Wheel. The design is based on a medieval siege engine or trebuchet which can be likened to a catapult. The idea is that a boat would enter a cassion, or chamber, which would then be lifted 100ft upwards, swung 200ft and then deposited on the other side, after dropping 100ft. An ingenious, elegant and inexpensive to operate solution but expensive to build.

The Derbyshire and Sandiacre Canal Society is reliant upon volunteers. Some of Mercia's moorer's are already involved but they need more help. Or you can simply support their aims by joining the Society. They can be contacted via their website http://www.derbycanal.org.uk/ and leaflets are available in the Mercia Marina Office.

Historic 1908 NB Tasmania for sale at Mercia

As Aqua Narrowboats fit out a brand new shell by Graham Edgson of Norton Canes, Mercia Brokerage is selling the historic Josher F.M.C. Tasmania, dating from 1908. Originally an unpowered horse drawn boat she has a fascinating history.

F.M.C TASMANIA

£40,950

Length: 50 Status: For Sale

Builder: F.M.C Josher Lying at: MERCIA

Year: 1908 No. of berths:

Stern: Traditional Beam: Narrow Beam

Real head turner ! which is a very practical and comfortable cruising boat. Painted panels forward of

the the engine room with a light oak laminate flooring gives it a light feel to the living space. Good spec

including - Water heater - Heron stove - Shower cubicle - Thetford toilet - Fixed double bed.

GENERAL SPECIFICATION

Engine: Water cooled Lister FR2 with Blackstone gearbox with 2.1 reduction.Diesel day

running tank. 3 domestic and 1 starter battery. Sterling 4 step alternator to battery

charger. Advanced alternator /regulator display & diagnostic panel. Durtic 1500w

inverter.

Construction: Started life as a horse boat built in Saltley in 1909 for F.M.C.Originally believed to

be named Rumania. In the 70's she was converted to a 40' motor boat by ME

Braine. Further refurbishment was carried out by Five Towns Carrying in 1990.

Further work was carried out by Keith Ball(Industry Narrowboats) in 1998 which

which included extending her to her present length of 50'. In 2009 after a poor survey she

was taken down to Paul Barber's yard on the Erewash and had considerable work

carried out to comply with all survey requirements. Today she is offered for sale as

a very practical historic vessel.

New Build by Aqua Narrowboats

Centenary Boat Build

A Derbyshire based boat builder is currently undertaking the fitout of a celebratory

narrowboat shell.

Aqua Narrowboats based at Mercia Marina in Willington, Derbyshire has been

commissioned to undertake the fitout of the 100th shell built by Graham Edgson of Norton

Canes Boatbuilders. The owners of the new shell, Jan & John Callender who already own a

narrowboat moored at Mercia, approached Aqua Narrowboats over a year ago to discuss

the fitout project.

Justin Hudson-Oldroyd owner of Aqua Narrowboats said, “Jan & John have seen our

business progress since expanding into the workshop at Mercia in 2008. Impressed with the

quality of our fitouts, they approached us to become involved in the project. We were thrilled

to have been asked to be part of this special boat built by such a prestigious builder as

Norton Canes and we’re confident that our team will produce a top quality fitout to match

such a top quality hull”.

The boat, named Honesty, designed by the owners, will feature many traditional elements

such as a full Boatman’s cabin, but will also incorporate more modern technology with the

hydraulically driven propeller and LED lighting throughout.

Graham Edgson owner of Norton Canes Boatbuilders said, “I’m very proud to have built my

100th boat for Norton Canes and it was a pleasure to have built it for such knowledgeable

customers as Jan & John. It is important to have a good relationship with your customers as

you are building their dream. I look forward to watching Aqua Narrowboats completing the

build of Honesty”.

Owners Jan & John said, “Nb Honesty was built by honest and dedicated craftsman, is being

fitted out by similarly honest and committed craftsmen and we are honestly utterly delighted

to own this truly honest boat”.

The fitout of narrowboat Honesty can be followed on Aqua Narrowboats popular blogsite

which will document the step by step progress of all the interior fitout work carried out by the

company. The blog can be found at www.aquanarrowboathire.blogspot.com.

For those wanting to take a closer look at Honesty the completed boat will be on display at

the 2011 Crick Boat Show together with another boat being fitted out by Aqua Narrowboats.

Willow Tree Opening for Evening Meals

Midland Chandlers Sale This Weekend

Mooring Fees

16 July 2010

Dear Customer,

As you are aware all mooring agreements terminate on 31^st August 2010 and a new agreement effective 1 September 2010 must be entered into with us should you wish to maintain a berth at Mercia Marina.

Our long term mooring rates have remained unchanged since we opened in September 2008. However, our costs have risen during that time as costs have generally in the economy with inflation. Therefore, our mooring rates will increase by 2.5% with effect from 1 September 2010. Despite this increase our prices remain very competitive. The Service Charge remains unchanged and electricity costs will be coming down at the start of September 2010.

Notices will be sent over the next few days detailing the mooring fees applicable to your boat. The notice will also enquire whether you wish to pay annually in advance, quarterly or monthly. Quarterly and monthly surcharges remain unchanged at 4% and 10% respectively. The wide beam surcharge also remains unchanged. Kindly check the details given on the notice, indicate your preferred payment terms and return the notice to us by 30 July 2010. Copies of your notice are also available from the Marina Office.

The Government has stated it will be increasing VAT rates to 20% from the current 17.5% with effect from 4 January 2011. The fees given in the notice incorporate the increased VAT from the date at which your next payment is due after 4/1/11. Those boaters paying monthly or quarterly will need to pay the increased VAT on payments falling due after 4/1/11. Those boaters paying in advance will not have to pay the increased VAT for this coming mooring year.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

BOATERS’ FORUM

Minutes of the Third Meeting of the Boaters’ Forum held at Nadee on Thursday, 24 June 2010

Attending (Forum Members)

Steve Taylor (NB Jenique).- Finch, Grebe, Heron

Celia Kind (NB Bluebell) - Ibis, Jay, Kingfisher, Lapwing, Moorhen

Sandy Bentham (NB Swift) – Veery, Woodcock, Xantus, Yellowhammer

Lee Bartlett (NB La Pirogue) – Nuthatch, Owl, Peregrine, Quail

Gordon Pilgrim (NB Edgewood Dirk) – Zebra Dove, Avocet, Blackbird, Albatross, Bullfinch

Jo James – Forum Secretary

Robert Neff – General Manager

Andrew Denny – “Granny Buttons” attending

Apologies

Jane Bennett (NB Janeil) – Redshank, Sandpiper, Teal, Upland Goose

Robert Neff had invited Andrew, author of the Granny Buttons’ blog and resident of Findern Lane, to the meeting as a point of interest since it demonstrated the relationship and communication between the Marina and the boaters. Those attending introduced themselves.

1. Acceptance of Prior Meeting Notes

Members of the Forum were happy with the notes from the February meeting and had no additions or amendments to make.

2. Items Arising from Previous Meeting

· Holiday Homes: The Show Home was now being built and would be open for the July weekend. There was a website (http://www.merciamarinalodges.co.uk/) and further information at the Marina Office.

· Fireboards on Jetties: These would be put up following the July weekend.

· Bike Racks: These appeared popular with bikes filling up the additional racks provided. More would be supplied provided appropriate use and care was evident.

· Visitor Jetty: Midland Chandlers, who leased the jetty, would be putting up a sign making it clear that this was for short-stay loading purposes only.

· Facilities’ Blocks Repairs: There was still work to be done. Additional work was needed to the floor joists and this, coupled with the unavailability of the contracted labour, had resulted in delays. All Blocks were useable but Robert was sorry for the delay in completion. It was noted that door hooks were also needed.

· Picnic Benches, BBQs and Bench Seats: These were now around the Marina, though further Bench Seats had still to go in. Boaters were asked to ensure the areas were appropriately used and kept clean; the Marina would not be responsible for cleaning the BBQs. Boaters could use any of the BBQs or picnic areas and it was noted that some benches had been moved. The Forum did not consider this a problem provided the principle of common use and sharing was followed.

· Safety Ladders: More had been provided where possible. The point was made that the position of the ladders might lead them to being frozen into the ice during the winter. It would not then be possible to free them quickly if someone went through the ice. The Forum saw no solution to this, agreeing that it was not possible to raise the position of the ladders without making them a trip hazard.

· Vermin: Thirty-five boxes with bait had been distributed around the Marina and Forum members reported on a noticeable reduction in rats.

· Storage Sheds: These would be provided for rent– timber built and bespoke. Robert needed feedback on size and shape and Steve Taylor would talk to boaters and come back to Robert with a general consensus on what was wanted. Anyone with views should contact Steve Taylor on Jenique.

· Pub: The design and drawings were in the Office for all to see. The responses had been good to date. The Marina was now waiting for the Council’s comments. The build cost was likely to be £2.5m (£2m from the Marina, £.5m from the tenant) and, all being well, the build would begin next year and finished in 2012. The spa/heath area would be open to the local community as well as the Marina with full or day memberships available (discount for boaters!).

· Mercia Cards: These had been well received and further local businesses were being sought. Steve Taylor reported that The Wheel in Findern would give 20% discount on all meals on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. For an up-to-date list of businesses and discounts, ask at the Marina Office

· Spring Tidy: This had been a success. The follow-on Summer Tidy was well underway but there was work still to do. Some areas needed particular attention such as the island and walkway in the Finch, Grebe and Heron area.

· Unlicensed Boats: The feeling was that the majority of boats were displaying current licences. If a boater was concerned about a boat, its state of repair or safety, they should report it to the Office.

· Untaxed Cars: It was suggested that boaters concerned with untaxed cars should report them as appropriate.

3. Issues and Information

a) Pontoons: A small addition to the pontoon walkway between X and Y had been built together with a mid-jetty access on the Y pontoon. These had been wanted by the boaters and the plans agreed by Robert with the Marina paying for the materials and the excellent work done by Chris Fletcher on Y. The addition to the pontoon was to provide a small ‘sitting out’ area, particularly for those in the nearby boats with mobility needs.

Forum members asked whether similar changes might be made elsewhere. Robert was happy to receive proposals and would again provide the cost of materials provided the work could be done by the boaters themselves to a similarly high standard.

b) Block 3 Bins: These are being moved to within the circular car park by Facilities Block 3 and 3 additional bins have been provided in the semi circular car park leading to the dry dock. Two additional car park spaces have been created to accommodate the show lodge and only one car park space has been lost compared to the two originally planned. Sandy Bentham knows the details if boaters wished further information.

4. Any Other Business (issues raised by Forum Members from discussion with their areas)

1) Jetty Boards: Janet (Lady Jessica) wanted to her thanks for the board fixing to be passed.

2) Dryers: The new dryers had only one time setting – 40 minutes for £1. Boaters would appreciate a 20-minute for 50p option. Robert would look into this.

3) Clothes Drying: Boaters felt it should be possible to dry clothes outside, particularly given the weather. Robert said the boaters’ contract stated clearly what was allowed and these requirements were to preserve the quality of the environment. Clothes could be dried in the cratch or in the back of semi-trads as long as covers were down on a cratch or the rear doors on a semi-trad were closed.

4) Slippery Jetty: The X Jetty, under the trees, could get slippery. Robert felt there was a need for more frequent jetty washes in particular areas.

5) Facilities’ Blocks: To avoid visitors and boaters being caught short when Blocks were closed for cleaning, it was agreed that a notice should go up in each Facilities Block, stating the time period when it was likely to be cleaned on each day (weekdays and weekends). Robert knew the cleaners did try to keep to a routine but it was not always possible.

6) Weed on Boats: A Boater was concerned that when the weed had been cleaned off the waterline following a trip out, rust was evident. Knowledgeable boaters present said it was the wind and water that took the bitumen off and that the waterline was always the first to show such wear. But if the anodes are up to scratch this will do no harm. Certainly the weed was not affecting the bitumen.

7) Handrail: The agreed handrail by Block 2 had not yet been fitted. Robert apologised for this, saying that once the Open Days were over, it would be done.

8) The Big Lunch Jude (Salt Spring) has suggested that Boaters might like to take part in the Big Lunch (www.thebiglunch.com) on Sunday, 18 July by having a marina BBQ – either centrally or at each of the BBQ sites around the marina. (The Big Lunch began life as a wild seed at The Eden Project who believed the world can get better by people working together, with nature, optimism and common sense.) All forum members supported the idea believing it should be organised by the boaters themselves. Sandy Bentham would be willing to help Jude with the thinking and planning for the event and all forum members would support the event and help publicise it.

9) Cats: Some boaters were concerned at the number of cats on the marina. Robert said that there were no restrictions on cats (unlike dogs which had to be on a lead at all times). Forum members felt it was accepted generally that cats do roam and that they were part of the marina life.

10) Dogs: It was not permitted to have dog guards on jetties – both because the jetty was not part of the boaters’ rented space and because the dog/s were not under proper control.

11) Mooring Fees: The VAT increase on the 4^th of January would be passed on to boaters’ mooring fees. It appears that this would not affect those paying the full year in September, but would affect those paying monthly or quarterly, an uplift occurring after January. Robert would check with the accountants to see whether it would be possible to pay the fees in the first quarter or monthly up to December and then a single payment for the residual nine months and thus avoid the VAT increase.

With regard to the basic mooring fees, Robert did not know yet whether there would be an increase (the marina would remain competitive with others) but any increase would only be in line with inflation which was itself very low.

12) Moorings: It was asked whether wide beams might have priority for bank side moorings since they did not then incur an additional charge. Robert replied that all bank side moorings (which were sought after) were available to all boats and they were allocated according to a waiting list to ensure a fair and equitable system. Wide beams taking up two narrowboat moorings did only pay a 30% premium where other marinas might charge a 100% premium.

13) Strangers: Two women were recently sunning themselves on deck chairs in the secure area – having come in ‘for a walk and a sit down’ through, they said, open gates. Robert said he was always available for security issues on site though incidents were rare now that the gates were in place – provided boaters took care of their fobs and did not loan them to anyone. For an emergency security issue, the Police should be called.

14) Speeding: Cars and vans were still spotted exceeding the 10mph speed limit. Numbers were being taken and these vehicles reported to the Marina Office. Everyone was asked to co-operate – both in terms of keeping their speed down when driving around the perimeter road and in reporting those driving too fast. Action would be taken on known offenders.

15) Swans: One of the male swans was particularly territorial and was known to threaten dogs and indeed people. A watch would be kept and if the problem got worse, the RSPB could re-site birds if their behaviour was unsuited to the local environment.

5. Festival and Open Days, 3 and 4 July 2010

Robert reported that plans were now completed and there was a great deal promised. The Programme would be available from the Marina Office and all visitors would be welcomed. Car Parking was £1 a car in the field past the amenity lake and the adjoining house; car passes for boaters were available from the Marina Office. Sea cadets and army cadets would be coming to help with car parking and site security. There would be a big wheel on the central promontory area, a land train around the marina and junior go-karts in the field at the back end. Thirty stalls were expected with craft and art and specialist boat services. The evenings would have a Hog Roast, BBQ, Music and Fireworks.

Forum members had invited family and friends and were looking forward to what promised to be a great weekend.

6. Chair

Robert told the Forum he wanted to hand the Chair over as it would relieve him of the preparation and administrative detail and it would be easier to be a participant in the meetings rather than also chairing them. He proposed Jo James should take over the role. Forum members discussed the proposal and were in favour of trying the arrangement over the next couple of meetings. It was stressed that the informal structure should be preserved and, in the spirit of that informality, roles could be rearranged if needed.

7. Next Meeting

The next meeting would be on Tuesday, 31 August 2010 at 7 pm at Nadee.

All moorers are encouraged to talk to their representatives or inform the Marina Office if there are matters to be raised.

Or contact Jo James directly (07973 711431; jojames46@gmail.com)