A blatant plug.......

[TrueBlue]

One of the difficulties

with the Thames representations is that they are many and various:-

• ATYC represents folks who are members of a boat club and these are mostly local
• The RUGs represent local (usually riparian) interests
• Rowing clubs are mostly locality based

and so it goes on

The idea of the TMBA is that it should represent motor boaters who may / may not have any local affiliation, possibly implying that they may use a greater length of the River than could be covered by joining one of the above bodies.

Motor Boaters contribute more per capita to EA's registration income than any other interest group and yet there has been no way to represent their concerns.

Thus TMBA.

(I happen to think that perhaps it should perhaps be TMUA (U = Users), but that is totally impracticable, so forget it)

It's fun to watch Commodore's parades, Swan Upping, Henley posing, whatever. Not for me, BUT I won't deride it either.

My reason for being totally boring today is twofold -
1). To encourage a bigger voice when dealing with EA/DEFRA/ government.
2). To make a plea to all and sundry - especially the latter to make much, much more use of the River.

Although the River has been "busy" this and last weekend, the actual traffic is small.

If I was a decision maker, I'd say what is the point of having locks staffed if actual boat movements is small, use does not justify the cost of having locks staffed, and to some extent doesn't justify the quality of the infrastructure.

If as users "we" spend effort on internal slanging matches, rather than spreading the word around of "cruise it or lose it", then the issue is lost.

I won't rabbit on any more, but let's focus on the real problems??

 

[dash300]

with the Thames representations is that they are many and various:-

• ATYC represents folks who are members of a boat club and these are mostly local
• The RUGs represent local (usually riparian) interests
• Rowing clubs are mostly locality based

and so it goes on

The idea of the TMBA is that it should represent motor boaters who may / may not have any local affiliation, possibly implying that they may use a greater length of the River than could be covered by joining one of the above bodies.

Motor Boaters contribute more per capita to EA's registration income than any other interest group and yet there has been no way to represent their concerns.

Thus TMBA.

(I happen to think that perhaps it should perhaps be TMUA (U = Users), but that is totally impracticable, so forget it)

It's fun to watch Commodore's parades, Swan Upping, Henley posing, whatever. Not for me, BUT I won't deride it either.

My reason for being totally boring today is twofold -
1). To encourage a bigger voice when dealing with EA/DEFRA/ government.
2). To make a plea to all and sundry - especially the latter to make much, much more use of the River.

Although the River has been "busy" this and last weekend, the actual traffic is small.

If I was a decision maker, I'd say what is the point of having locks staffed if actual boat movements is small, use does not justify the cost of having locks staffed, and to some extent doesn't justify the quality of the infrastructure.

If as users "we" spend effort on internal slanging matches, rather than spreading the word around of "cruise it or lose it", then the issue is lost.

I won't rabbit on any more, but let's focus on the real problems??

Here here; well rabbited.

 

[534l4rk]

just commenting

Whether you are a member (my thanks for your support) or not (why not?)

I have been watching this thread from abroad with interest. As someone who has been on the Thames for many years, a club member, an ATYC club representative and someone who knows B1 I think you will find that there are many club and ATYC readers and contributors on this forum. I believe that the ATYC has given much to the boating community over the years. Whilst I appreciate that many boaters do not wish to belong to clubs my wife and I enjoy the interaction between clubs.

I appreciate what B1 is doing and feel that anything that furthers the cause of the Thames boating community is beneficial. B1 is aware of my reluctance to sign on with the TMBA which relates to my loyalty to my club commitments as the ATYC representative.

I will continue to watch the open TMBA website and to read and occasionally contribute to this forum

 

[Brayman]

Whether you are a member (my thanks for your support) or not (why not?)

I have been watching this thread from abroad with interest. As someone who has been on the Thames for many years, a club member, an ATYC club representative and someone who knows B1 I think you will find that there are many club and ATYC readers and contributors on this forum. I believe that the ATYC has given much to the boating community over the years. Whilst I appreciate that many boaters do not wish to belong to clubs my wife and I enjoy the interaction between clubs.

I appreciate what B1 is doing and feel that anything that furthers the cause of the Thames boating community is beneficial. B1 is aware of my reluctance to sign on with the TMBA which relates to my loyalty to my club commitments as the ATYC representative.

I will continue to watch the open TMBA website and to read and occasionally contribute to this forum

I don't see the two orgsnisations as being mutually exclusive, they are both working for the benefit of the boater, being a member of a club brings many benefits to those who enjoy hanging out with like minded beings but you are a boat owner first and a club member second.

 

[Captain Coochie]

What he is trying to say is he doesnt want to do anything about stuff untill all of his mates agree on it

 

[534l4rk]

What he is trying to say is he doesnt want to do anything about stuff untill all of his mates agree on it

Not at all. I am only the club messenger. Actions considered by the club as requiring a more powerful lobby are forwarded to the ATYC. All actions taken by the ATYC are available for all to see on their website. At the moment it would appear to me that the ATYC represents more boaters on the Thames than any other organisation.

 

[No Regrets]

So aside from 'Gerbil Tadger's opinions, would you, as the club messenger like to tell us:

1/ What is the ATYC official stance on the TMBA

2/ Why the ATYC seem to be so dismissive of the TMBA

3/ Who sanctioned Gerbil's actions in terms of posting under subterfuge.


Thank you.

 

[Captain Coochie]

Not at all. I am only the club messenger. Actions considered by the club as requiring a more powerful lobby are forwarded to the ATYC. All actions taken by the ATYC are available for all to see on their website. At the moment it would appear to me that the ATYC represents more boaters on the Thames than any other organisation.

They may well continue to represent the majority of boaters . I didnt realise that this is what it was all about . I thought we where just trying to get things " done " on the river Thames

 

[boatone]

Firstly. may I apologise to anyone here that feels irritated by the way this topic seems to be dominating the forum at present.
It was not my intention that the TMBA should be regarded, in any way, as a threat to other established organisations on the river. In fact, I am somewhat bemused by the fuss - and, dare I say, apparent hostility - towards an association which clearly has only one interest i.e the representation of all motor boating users of the non-tidal Thames. Note ALL, not just those that choose to belong to clubs or other local organisations.

As Brayman has commented, there is no reason at all why membership of the TMBA or any other organisation should be mutually exclusive and I, myself, am a paid up and participating member of two member clubs of the ATYC.

Members of the ATYC are CLUBS, not individuals, so to be represented under the ATYC banner an individual needs to be a member of a club. The TMBA is specifically NOT a club and membership is open to individuals of whatever persuasion as long as they are motor-boaters using the non-tidal Thames. Other organisations such as clubs and commercial entities sharing our objectives can apply to be affiliates, but only individual boat owners can join as members.

There are some 8,500 registered powered vessels on the non-tidal Thames of which only a minor percentage are owned by members of existing organisations such as boat clubs. My primary objective in setting up the TMBA was to try and harness at least some of this 'silent majority' in support of the future of the river.

I know who every individual member of the TMBA is, and they have all positively opted for membership being fully aware of the nature of the association and its objectives. Many are, to my certain knowledge also members of ATYC member clubs and, as individual motor-boaters, they are welcome.

I have no wish for the TMBA to be used as a means to an end by people who have an issue with their own organisations. I am, naturally, delighted with the level of support I appear to be receiving through this forum but would ask that such support takes care not to draw the TMBA into a futile argument over who should have the right to represent users of the river.

 

[apollo]

So aside from 'Gerbil Tadger's opinions, would you, as the club messenger like to tell us:

1/ What is the ATYC official stance on the TMBA

2/ Why the ATYC seem to be so dismissive of the TMBA

3/ Who sanctioned Gerbil's actions in terms of posting under subterfuge.


Thank you.

...and why did so many of the ATYC committee resign when the chairman changed to Mr S.....?

What do they know that we dont.

 

[apollo]

Well said Uncle Tone.

Just no fenders up and blazers in the future - ok mate?

 

[Ramage]

I am also a member of two ATYC affiliated clubs (Bray Cruiser Club and Thames Scout Cruising Club). I am fully aware of the ATYCs efforts on behalf of its members, attend ATYC meetings where possible and also ATYC Rallys.

I don't feel this can or should preclude me from being a TMBA member. With the current economic and political climate I think it is important to get as much recognition as possible of the views of all Motor boaters, not just those who are members of clubs.


Although I am a member of Bray Cruiser Club's committee, I would like to state that these views are my own, and not necessarily those of the Bray Cruiser Club.

( Could we have a similar clarification from Gibel Tarik? ).

 

[oldgit]

As a visitor

Can I add my two pennyworth.The Thames is just about the most iconic river in the world and should be conserved for future generations,note the use of the word conserved and not preserved.
It does seem to an "outsider" that the exisiting situation regards organisations is a bit exclusive and it is appreciated by those of us who do not moor on the river or live nearbye to have a chance to comment,welcomed or not, and this is made a lot easier by a web based loose association of boat owners.
There will be many people in the rest of the country who could now have a chance to express any concerns they have regards the future of the Thames via the TMBA and as the rest of us out there in UK PLC. are contributing to the cost of your boating,we must surely deserve that at least ?

 

[Gumpy]

( Could we have a similar clarification from Gibel Tarik? ).

It would be good if he even came out with his real name and the position he holds in ATYC.

I believe that I know but am not saying publicly at present.

 

[534l4rk]

So aside from 'Gerbil Tadger's opinions, would you, as the club messenger like to tell us:

1/ What is the ATYC official stance on the TMBA

2/ Why the ATYC seem to be so dismissive of the TMBA

3/ Who sanctioned Gerbil's actions in terms of posting under subterfuge.


Thank you.

I would suggest respectfully that your proper route should be via your own club messenger not via another club rep.

 

[Captain Coochie]

Yeah No regrets , go through the proper channels to speak to the big man . He doesnt talk direct to riff raff like you

 

[No Regrets]

I would suggest respectfully that your proper route should be via your own club messenger not via another club rep.

Then perhaps you two ATYC clowns might want to apply the same rules to your own posts, if that is the official stance. Don't post your **** here, unless you are able to deal with the outcome personally.

Best not apply double standards eh,

You know, this whole thing stinks of 'Old boy network' which is the thing that keeps a lot of decent people off the River. I can handle the Blazers, Burgees, and stuff, but what you're up to here is something far more sinister.

 

[rebellion]

Hi all,
I've been following this thread for a while now, and everyone has been making some interesting points (apart form the occasional post) and I thinl we should all look at the bigger picture. The ATYC is a great system for clubs, a system that I participate in through socials and competitions etc. However this system is not good for the individual boaters, as it does not represent them. ATYC is also (in my experiance) not terribly good at either connecting with the younger generation, or in fact listening to their opinions. I see TMBA as a step in the right direction towards listening to the younger generation

 

[Chris_d]

I see TMBA as a step in the right direction towards listening to the younger generation

Agreed its about time the under 70's had a voice

 

[boatone]

Thought you might like to know that membership is now well over 100 (including lots under 70, Chris !) and rising daily. (Gerbil Wotsit doesnt seem to have signed up yet, though )

Got myself into a little bovver over on the Canal World forum where I popped in to encourage Gold Licence holders and Thames visitors to join up. Within 48 hrs that thread exceeded 3000 views and 150 posts and boy did I get a roasting from some! Several did join the TMBA though - including a couple of enquiries about affiliate status - and quite a few of their number eventually made me feel welcome. Some even encouraged me to stay around !!!!

You can see the thread HERE if you have a few hours to spare