 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Introducing the New Editor - Before I introduce myself I would like you to read the following account sent in by Norma O'Keeffe:
"HANG ON" In the Spring 1995 issue Phil Clayton introduced himself to Boundary Post readers as their new editor. He told us quite a few things about himself. He was a boater, he rode a bike, he walked the cut, he regretted, as we all do, the developments that were changing the landscape around the B.C.N. In his first issue he highlighted the gift to the Society by Bulldog Tools, of an impressive array of spades, shovels, saws etc. These gratefully received tools are indicative of the hard graft put in by our dedicated work parties over the years. It is impossible to pick any article that Phil has featured, we have been so well served in this respect, in matters both historic, and current. It is noticeable looking through past issues of B.P., a phrase often used by Phil is "hang on". Well that is something he has kept us doing over the years as editor. Hanging on with interest for the next edition of B.P to pop through our letter boxes. In the wider viewpoint hanging on is what the B.C.N.S is all about. Hanging onto a unique heritage. Ed- Thank you Norma. I'm sure this reflects the thoughts of many members who have read B.P over the past nine years. I feel I have a really hard job ahead keeping up the high standard set by Phil. Before I introduce myself I would like to say "Thanks Phil for the great effort put in over those years as I make my first attempt I do appreciate how much time & trouble he has actually given and is still giving to the Society!! Your new Editor: At the Bonfire Rally, I had a chance conversation with Andy Meek, our press and publicity officer, followed by a quick chat with Phil (the chap whose hard act I am trying to follow) I then thought long and hard. I talked things over with Brian, my long suffering husband, who did as he usually does and supported my decision. Phil assured me that "It more or less runs itself and people send stuff in for publication". Well I'm sure he's right but it seems a lot of pages to fill and I'm really new to this editing thing! Just to give you an idea of my past experience of BCN matters they go like this: 19995 Brian & I bought our first narrowboat "Colehurst" and we moored it at Curdworth Top Lock under the careful quidance of Don Clive, unknown to us then, but we were to learn what an asset he was to become. "27 locks will get you into Birmingham" Sounded like two days hard work to us, and anyway why did we want to go to Birmingham? We could get there on the bus or in the car to do our shopping. We wanted to go the pretty way out onto the Trent & Mersey or Coventry Canals. I could'nt imagine anyone wanting to go on those canals out of choice, just as a necessity to go through to a pretty place. Well, we joined the I.W.A, I read some books and spoke to people who had actually boated on these Birmingham Canals! Then I read about the BCN 24 hour Challenge. We needed a challenge to get up there so I persuaded husband and daugther & her then boyfriend and we did the 24 hours! It nearly killed us, nearly ruined the engine, remember we were novices....not after that we weren't! We'd learned how to avoid rubbish, and there was a lot more of it then (there's been 8 BCN Clean ups since then) and also how to navigate the BCN waters. We did a few more 24 hour challenges and now can boast having navigated 90something% of the BCN as whose remaining arms are a bit shallow for us. During the next year I found myself being persuaded to organise a Lichfield IWA branch canal clean up. What's that? Where do I find the rubbish? How do I know its there if I can't see it beneath the water?. Another sharp learning curve! My first Clean Up weekend was on the Coventry Canal with much help from the Coventry Canal Society. The following year WRG and Birmingham IWA decided to hold the first of these BCN Clean ups as we know them today. I agreed to let my name be given as a contact, not realising how much that involved. So for the next 6 years I was well involved with the Clean Ups. Much enthusiasm was shown by many people from waterway groups around the Midlands and local folk came along as well. I am no longer directly involved in these but will promote the event with much enthusiasm in this publication. My knowledge of the B.C.N I think is reasonable but with still very much to learn especially in comparison to the experts/enthusiats of long standing in the Society, so...I would encourage those of you with particular expertise or even just a vague interest to pick up your pens or type on your keybopards and send something to Boundary Post. I'm sure you've ALL got something worthwhile to contribute, even if it's just a question. Brenda....