Chairman's Notes
The recent Black Country Boating Festival at Netherton was a very successful one for the Society. Fine weather meant that the crowds turned out in force and our sales stand was kept busy
It was good to see many old and new friends visiting the stand for a chat.
Phoenix was used as the boat for the boat handling competition,
Speaking of events, the Pumphouse Boat Gathering back in July went ahead on one of the wettest weekends for a long time and was thoroughly enjoyed by all present.
It was good to meet long standing member Ken Mullins on his boat 'Delph' during the summer at Llangollen. Ken retired from British Waterways 12 years ago and he's moved to Bedworth and keeps Delph in Charity Dock.
The Society is forty years old next year and it would be good if some of our founder members would get in touch and share memories of the BCNS's early days
One slightly depressing story. Our son and daughter in law brought the boat back home from Llangollen with a couple of friends. In their twenties, they were rather surprised and disappointed at the approach and attitude of some members of the boating fraternity they met on the way who seemed to think "they're young, they've got no idea, I must order them about." They're probably about the same age as many of our founders were when the BCN Society was formed.
The waterways need all the young people they can get and to this end, through her work with disadvantaged young people, Heritage Officer Anne Parouty, together with Barrie Johnson and John Edmonds are involved in a programme of introducing youngsters to the canals through practical experience on 'Phoenix'.
On a personal note, it has been a privilege to work with such a dedicated group of folk as make up your Council. There's always room for more new blood and I would urge anyone who is interested in helping the Society in a practical way to contact any Council Member before the AGM in November. But, as I said last year, after nine years editing Boundary Post and two as Chairman I think it's time to give somebody else a chance. To paraphrase several ex Government Ministers, I want to spend more time with my bass.
Best Wishes....Phil.
