The Kennet and Avon Canal Trust and British Waterways are asking local people and organisations to nominate interested individuals to become volunteer board members on the new Waterway Partnership Board. The deadline is very soon. It’s really important that as many boaters as possible volunteer to be on the board of the partnership so that we are properly represented. Contact administrator@katrust.org.uk by Friday 27 August 2010 to nominate yourself. The announcement appeared on BW’s Waterscape web site. In the article, David Rees, Chair of the Trust describes the canal as “a vibrant linear country park.” It’s up to us to make sure the Waterway Partnership recognises that the canal is also the home and workplace for many people, and that management of the canal should include restricting enforcement to activities that are within the legal powers which BW has. Here are some extracts from the article:
“The establishment of a Waterway Partnership Board for the Kennet & Avon Canal is a pilot scheme created to inform British Waterways’ national proposals to become a ‘civil society’ organisation, a ‘national trust for the waterways’.
British Waterways recognises that its current governance arrangements need to be reviewed ahead of a move to the third sector to allow for greater participation by local people.
The Kennet & Avon Waterway Partnership Board will demonstrate how the different groups, communities and businesses that use, enjoy and neighbour the waterway can work together locally to help manage and maintain the canal corridor effectively”.
“The membership of the Board, which will number up to 12, will reflect the full range of interests in the waterway. The partnership is seeking expressions of interest from individuals with commitment and relevant experience, including people from the public and private sectors, local communities, interest groups and individuals who may have technical knowledge, such as engineers, ecologists and environmentalists.
People with skills in community engagement, fundraising and marketing and communications may also like to apply, along with keen boaters, anglers, cyclists and walkers. David Rees, current Chairman of the Canal Trust, has been invited to chair the pilot Waterways Partnership Board.”
“The Waterways Partnership Board will initially meet this September and will run as a pilot for up to 18 months, meeting every six to eight weeks at locations along the Kennet & Avon Canal, to be decided. The Board members will be volunteers, although out of pocket expenses will be met.”
You can read the full article on
http://www.waterscape.com/features-and-articles/news/2831/board-members-sought-for-kennet-and-avon-canal-waterway-partnership
Tags: Kennet and Avon Canal Trust, Lifestyle, liveaboards, mooring policy