Not feeling "charitable" just yet...but getting a bit closer!

After having decided not to run in the recent Canal and River Trust elections, I decided that I would try to keep up to date better with what's going on with the waterways. My aborted run did demonstrate to me that there is a lot that British Waterways has tried to hide in the past (bonus payments, failed investments, etc) and I decided that I would do my best to make sure that I knew what was going on with the Canal and River Trust, which will replace British Waterways in.... erm.... well, at some point to be determined.

Having had to reconcile myself to the fact that my quaint old idea that our Country's Assets (hospitals, schools, railways, and now waterways) should be publically owned is now hopelessly out of date and anything not nailed to the floor is likely to be privatised, I am also doing my best not to moan all the time about how horrible the future of the waterways is going to be, and how everything is doomed.

I do want to get behind the new charity - hell, if it fails, then my way of life will be in serious danger. Establishing a new charity does present a once in a generation opportunity for those of us who love the waterways to effect some change - but it's an opportunity we're in danger of squandering.

The transition from quango has been poorly managed - the only people who will say otherwise are those who managed it from BW's end. The new charity is late (it was due to be up and running now), has been subjected to further Parliamentary Scrutiny, and, at the moment, is not even registered with the Charities' Commission.

However, a transition of this nature from the public to the private charitable sector is pretty much unprecendented, so, if I'm in a charitable mood, I can forgive the odd delay or hiccup - particularly if it's going to make the end result better.

What I can't forgive, though, and won't forgive, is if the new charity turns out to be British Waterways 2.0 - and there is a real chance that this might happen.

True, the new Trustees seem to be "making the right noises", saying in public that they are seeking to engage stakeholders, and talking about what an opportunity this is for the waterways. What's worrying, though, is that the same people who managed the day-to-day affairs of BW will manage the day-to-day affairs of the new charity. Given their track record, this is something that should worry anyone afloat.

A bright spot, though, is that there seem to be more forums through which the management of the new charity can be held to account - or if not held to account, at least get a pretty cleark rebuke. Waterways Boards, a new Council elected from boaters, boating business, employees, and other stakeholders, and the Trustees themselves should do this. What remains to be seen is whether the new Boards, Councils, and Commitees will be filled with "yes" men and women, and/or whether they will have the desire, will, or strength to stand up when it's important.

So, I may not be feeling "charitable" towards the new charity, but I'm warming to the idea. It had better deliver, though, or there will be one hell of a backlash.

Spring is in the air...!

It always seems a bit odd to complain about cold weather when you are Canadian living in England. Here, the coldest it gets is maybe a few degrees below zero - whereas it can get pretty cold back home in Nova Scotia - but the English are right when they say "it's a different kind of cold". I always tell people that I was never cold until I moved to England.

But... the end is in sight!

It wasn't really a cold winter, compared with our first two winters on the boat. We were iced in for a week or so in Stoke Bruerne and about 10 days a bit further up the canal - but that was it. We got a bit of snow, but not too much and it didn't stay around too long.

Another thing that has changed is that, though we collected a lot of wood this year, we certainly treated ourselves to more coal then we did in our first two winters. This was partly out of necessity, as we had a lot of work on with Drew's puppet shows and a successful Arts Council grant, and so spending hours each day collected wood - there just wasn't time.

When you live on a boat like ours, you get a real idea of just how important labour saving devices were in the development of the idea of "leisure time!" Though, of course, drifting down the canal is "leisure" - the amount of time that those with central heating save not having to collect wood, build a fire, tend it, and build it again in the next day is, I promise, more than you think! You also take a different attitude towards a good fire when it's your only source of heating - not simply something pretty and cosy in the corner.

It's been a good winter - but spring is now definately showing it's face. We've seen our first daffodils, the farmer's fields that we cruise by have tiny lambs, and it certainly is warmer. Hard to believe we're now into our third year as liveaboards. That said, we're still learning plenty and by no means do I consider myself a "pro" - a failed attempt at changing my engine's fuel filter was a good reminder to me that I'm still pretty green behind the ears. Live and learn - and keep floating!

What a difference a month makes

This time last month...
I was giving serious thought to running as a candidate in the upcoming Canal and River Trust election - and it was warm.

Now - I'm not standing - and it's as cold as - well, it's cold!

As you'll see from my post below, I had put a lot of energy into trying to put together a campaign for a seat on the Council of the Canal and River Trust. The Canal and River Trust - a charity - is supposed to replace British Waterways - a quango which currently manages most of the waterways in the UK.

The election itself has had its problems- confusing about who could run, who could vote, and when people would receive their ballot. It's the first time that an election like this has been run by British Waterways, so it is not surprising that there are teething problems - but there are rather a few of them!

After a week of trying very hard to gain support for my candidacy, I decided to withdraw when it became clear that it would take many, many hours a week to canvass the support I would need to be successful - and, not to point to fine a point on it - but I need to work to eat!

Many of those running are retired, or wealthy. I think this is a real shame - and part of the reason that I wanted to run. However, in point of fact, the real power in the new trust will be held by the management - who will remain the same despite the move into the third sector - and the Trustees. Some of the Trustees do seem impressive - others? Well, we'll see. The only real power the council of the new trust has is to appoint and dismiss Trustees - but the Trustees have the power to dismiss the council - so it's not really got "teeth. The Trustees will also "consult" the council on issues, but are under no requirement to follow the council's guidance.

And the weather? It's cold. Bloody cold. The canal has frozen, and keeping the boat warm is a full time job! Monty has found the best seat in the house - by the fire - and very rarely vacates it. We lesser beings (i.e. Andrew and I) make do....

So, those of you in your heated houses, bathrooms that are not, usually, at an average temperature of about 5c - have a hot bath and think of us.

...and when we're moored in a gorgeous rural idyll, with the doors of the boat wide open and the warm summer breezes gently blowing, we'll think of you!

Standing for Election!

Well, I've taken the leap and put my name forward to stand as a candidate for the Canal and River Trust Council.

What's that, I hear some of you ask?

In a nutshell, British Waterways controls most of the inland navigation in the UK. It is a quango responsible to DEFRA (the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs - but DEFRA sounds sinister, eh?). The quango is going to cease existance in April, to be replaced by a charity. Essentially, a charity is taking over the function of the former quango.

The new charity will have Trustees and a "Council". This Council consists of 35 people - some elected, some appointed - from various constituencies that use the waterways. 4 of this seats are available to boaters - and an election is being run to fill them.

If you would like to help me in my candidacy, or find out more, email me on macdonaldpj@googlemail.com or visit my webpage - http://www.peterforcrt.weebly.com/ (website still under construction though, so bear with me!) At the moment I'm looking for people to sponsor me - I need 10 - so if you've got a BW licence and fancy helping out, get in touch! If you've already sponsored someone, don't worry - you can sponsor as many as you like.

Wish me luck - off I go....!

Christmas Afloat

The lead up to Christmas, for us as for most, is a hectic time. For us, it meant lots of driving too and from the boat, performing in schools and at Christmas parties - even at the Canadian High Commission. Both Drew and I were glad when we had finished the last performance of the "season" and could have a day or two of "rest" (by which I mean preparing for Christmas) before Santa came to visit.

At the moment, we're moored near a little village called Grafton Regis - only a handful of houses, but one of the Queens of England was born here (hence the "Regis" in the title of the village). It's a gorgeous place to be - we overlook a field with grazing sheep and a 13c church.

On Christmas Eve, we decided to be good and go to Midnight Mass. The church we went to - St. Lawrence's, Towcester, is 600 years old - amazing to think how many midnight masses would have been celebrated there, and under what circumstances!

All was going well, until Drew felt a bit woozy and had to sit down. A few minutes later he said he wanted to leave, and on the way out collapsed! The Ushers were very helpful, and we knew it wasn't the warming whiskey he'd had on the way to church. A quick trip to A and E confirmed low blood pressure - prescription? More salt in his diet!

On the day, our friends Robyn and Reg, their 16 month old son Evan, and cousin Gordon came to the boat for a meal. Getting a Christmas meal ready in an ordinary kitchen is work enough, but preparing it in a small space a few feet long and wide is even more of a challenge - but we managed. We had a great time - and it was good to celebrate with good friends.

My brother, his wife, and her parents were in England for Christmas - but in Swindon - a few hours away. Jetlagged from their flight over, they wanted to meet up on boxing day, so we stopped in at their hotel on the way down to Bath to visit Drew's cousin and family. Another nice meal, more chocolate, and a bit more driving!

We saw my brother and the family again on the 28th, checking into their hotel for the night and enjoying the pool, sauna, and free electricity! On the 29th we went to explore Bradford upon Avon (one of our favourite towns), Avebury, and Bath. That night, we stayed with friends Donna, Reedy, and their son Ethan.

So, our "post Christmas" season has been busy!

We're keeping warm - the weather has been lovely - and keeping busy - including planning how to spend an Arts Council Grant Drew received (what a great Christmas present!). All and all, a great end to the year.

All the best, everyone, for a wonderful 2012.

Back on the Grand Union

Wow - time sure flies. I hadn't realised it had been quite so long since I updated this blog until my mom asked me about it - at least my mom is following me!

So, where were we? Oh yes! Bath and the Kennet and Avon Canal. Seems like years ago!

Those who know English geography will know that Bath is in the West Country. We've since turned around, and went back up the Kennet and Avon to the Thames.

The Kennet and Avon has been a wonderful experience. Much of the canal is rural, and it runs through some beautiful countryside. The countryside itself bears the marks of ancient inhabitants, with stone circles, earthworks, and other iron-age remnants.

It was great being in the West Country, but we did seem to have a lot of work going on in London and the South East, which meant that our trusty little Fiesta travelled up and down the M4 countless times. The only injury she sustained was a flat tyre, and that was while parked near the boat - so really, I couldn't have asked for better motoring luck.

The Kennet and Avon joins the River Thames at Reading. Apparently there is nice mooring in Reading, but I've never found it. Our night there, we were moored next to a very grotty park where there was evidence of drug users, and we saw a "sex act" being performed. Not really the kind of place you want to stay for long - and we didn't!

Cruising on the Thames is an entirely different experience to being on the canals. By and large, on the canals you have to operate the locks yourself, where as on the river they are much larger, and are done for you. Mooring is also more difficult on the river, as along the canal, one side is always "Towpath" - and so public land, but on the river, much of the bank is privately owned - which means you either can't moor there, or need to pay. Still, we saw some beautiful properties...!

We left the Thames at Oxford, continuing north up the Oxford Canal. We've done this bit before, and were back in territory that was familiar. The Oxford, Leicester, and Grand Union canal all join around Braunston, and so we took the Grand Union canal south, and are now slowly chugging towards Marsworth - where we like to spend our Christmas - it's a bit of a tradition now.

Ever wondered why the path on the side of the canal is called a "Towpath"? At first I thought it was a "Toepath" - i.e. somewhere where people walked - but it's actually the path that the horses used to walk when they towed the boats. The photo is of a horse drawn boat we encountered on our way to Reading.

Autumn is here, and winter is almost upon us. Dark days, and the little light we do get is used mostly to collect wood! We're still warm, though, and waiting to see if we get a bit of Christmas snow.

Ancient Graffitti!

I'm sure I've said it before, but one of the things that has always fascinated me about living in England is visiting buildings and monuments that are hundreds, if not thousands, of years old. The town Hall in Antigonish - my home town - was built in 1905 - and I remember, even in the 80's, thinking "Wow! That's 75 years old!". Nowadays, when I visit a church and see that it's Victorian - a mere 150 old, I think "Meh. Let's find a proper old church".

Of course, many ancient buildings and monuments have survived in England for hundreds of years because of their beauty and the fact that they remained useful and relevant to those who lived nearby - but often it's hard to imagine the people the actually used these places. You can imagine the work and craftsmanship that went into building them - but WHO built them? What were their names?

At the moment our Narrowboat is moored in Bath, Somerset. This city was built as a Roman spa town, and became very fasionable in the 18th century. The city is a world heritage site because of its wealth of Georgian architecture. Though beautiful, what struck my eye was a piece of graffitti.

I guess some things never change - I saw this piece of graffitti - if you can call it that- under a bridge in Bath.

To think that it was carved before Canada existed as a country is amazing. I've since seen graffitti under bridges from the late 1700's.

Mr. Hodges - your stone graffitti has now entered the digital age!