CA AGM

[tome]

Any members looked at this yet, and in particular the 2004 president's report and financial statements? Looks like an organisation in need of changes at the top and some urgent rallying by the troops. They can't even make a profit from the bar, and the postage rates and yearbook losses are mounting in this age of internet and PDF files.

This may either reflect a robust and dreadnought membership, or else a sad slide. Hope it's not the latter as I'm a recent member and support the well stated objectives of the CA.

 

[Kurrawong_Kid]

I agree with you concerning the Year Book-a nice catalogue, but what an expense! Surely it could be produced "in house" and then duplicated by modern technology in lighter and more compact form to reduce postage costs as well. Seems attemps are being made to correct mistakes of the past though- I never thought the CA should have a "Chief Executive", General Manager sounds much more member friendly.

 

[Gunfleet]

Don't get me going on it. They decided to close the bar and the rooms some of the time because they were losing money. You know the one about the man whose pub was losing money, so he decided to cut the losses by keeping it closed most of the time? Nor do I. I think the guys at the top must have worked for British Rail or Leyland in another life. I expect as a recent member you got your free Almanac, didn't you? I didn't because I've been a member for 10 years. Or are you one of the thousands of Swedish Cruising Association members who get to use what are essentially our facilities free on the back of loaning the Baltic Section of the CA a couple of mooring permits per annum.

 

[tome]

Indeed as a Swedish cross-dresser I did enjoy an introductory rate. I was invited, on joining, to choose any single publication off the top shelf. I went for 'Scandinavian Luste' by Bjork Bothendersen, though my choice was more artistic cover than author. When I settled down to enjoy my new publication, I found its illustrations scant and low resolution.

 

[heartlander]

I am also a recent member and equally surprised at the content of the reports. It appears that some action has been taken to halt the decline in the finances - let's hope it is effective.
Have stayed in the cabins on a few occasions and the bar has never been busy. Presumably they will be thinking about how that can be made a more a more popular venue. Whatever they do I hope it works as the objectives seem worth supporting.

 

[Gunfleet]

I'm struggling to work out tidal heights in Bornholm. Is there some big blonde at the club who could meet me for some tuition?
Sven.

 

[tome]

Indeed there is, Svein.

She's popped away for a photo opportunity, but will soon return hungry. Bornholm is her subject, looks like you're in in the right place at the right time. Enjoy!

 

[beancounter]

I was horrified (professional pride I suppose) to see that they apparently had no financial reporting worthy of the name, and no practice of looking ahead at the cash flow. For an organisation of the CA's size, that's something of an ommission.
A bit like setting off on a passage and only checking your position when (you think) you've arrived...

 

[npf1]

I joined at the boat show and am now wondering why! IMHO it looks like the whole organisation needs some serious' nurturing and dragging into the 21 century. There's obviously some very dedicated people involved but it would appear that the Association could benefit from improved co-ordination, IT skills, business awareness etc. To give a few examples:

- There's far better info available on google than on the CA website, in fact the website looks like a two year old put it together. Surely it would not be too difficult to resolve if the impetus was there.

- the crewing service seems to be another missed opportunity. Appears to be mainly used by pensioners. There are lots of people out there looking for experience, plenty of skippers needing crew and not many decent UK non commercial places where the connection can be made. Again, this could be easily resolved using IT/website without being resource hungry.

- the 10% discount on Imray stuff 'benefit' is bit of a joke as Amazon sell the same pilots for about 30% off. Looks like someone at the CA need to go and speak to Imray who are having a laugh.

- a review of their data protection policies might be a good idea also.

And before everyone jumps down my throat on this one, I am considering offering some of my time to help. Just can't do so for the next few months as too many other things on the go.

 

[Kristal]

As a resident of Limehouse Basin Marina over the winter, and having spent significant amounts of time in the CA bar, I have to put in my ten'penworth.

Firstly, their cashflow is probably suffering after handing over control of the marina to British Waterways. Whilst the local management there is very friendly and helpful (have rarely been in a nicer place, as far as bertholders and staff are concerned) I understand that British Waterways intend to make the marina something rather different to what it is at the moment - God forbid it should take the high-profit approach that St Katherine's has. The bar is sometimes quite busy, and is certainly one of the cheapest pints in East London, and although it could be accused of being a little bleak, they are making efforts to change this - the building itself doesn't lend itself to being cosy and quaint, as it's only a few years old.

The CA probably need to try and inject a bit of life into it's social side - they had a very successful new members night some time ago, which completely filled both sides of the bar area, and a litle more advertisement of the services offered at CA House (which are superb, especially the library) might benefit. It's a really nice organisation, and it would be a shame if it succumbed to indifference from the members.

I have been thinking about taking a much more active role in the CA, and am on good terms with the General Manager, so I will pop down and see if I can collar him for a chat.

/<