River User Organisations

boatone

boatone

Well-Known Member
Joined
29 Jul 2001
Messages
12,845
Location
Just a few cables from Boulters Lock
www.tmba.org.uk
The EA are currently reviewing their rules of engagement with stakeholders i.e. those contributing financially or having other significant interest in using the waterways.
All those of us trying to represent boaters interests are desperately short of the support we need from you guys, boaters actually using the river and paying registration charges.
The TMBA are currently offering new members a second year of free membership - thats just £5 to join now for 2022 and get 2023 for free !
The TMBA solely exists to represent the interests of powered boaters using the non tidal Thames. Please give us the support and encouragement we need to “keep buggering on” !
www.tmba.org.uk/register
 
Not sure that the day of the "Traditional Club" has already not run its course and that the modus operandi of the TMBA will be the only way that any like minded group, in our case boaters, can gang up and apply pressure on a large organisation.
Not sure what any traditional club is going to do with all those EPNS pots gathering dust in the cabinet.
We had a new members meeting recently, the first for two years. 37 folks got their tie and badge. ( Buy your own burgee we are not a charity) :)
Some with larger craft were economic refugees :) ( no knowlege of Le Manche or inflatable needed ) from commercial marinas.
Some with smaller boats, joined to expand their boating horizons. It usually takes a few months to realise that a boat they were perfectly happy with prior to joining the club , is actually way too small and way to slow and they need to upgrade ASAP.

Without being rude, not many new members were in the first flush of youth .
We are hemorrhaging , one generation of boaters through age and declining health and replacing them with a generation a decade or so behind.
The youngsters of today simply do not have the time and the money to engage in boating .
Three boats now on sale this weekend .
 
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oldgit said:
Not sure that the day of the "Traditional Club" has already not run its course and that the modus operandi of the TMBA will be the only way that any like minded group, in our case boaters, can gang up and apply pressure on a large organisation.
Not sure what any traditional club is going to do with all those EPNS pots gathering dust in the cabinet.
We had a new members meeting recently, the first for two years. 37 folks got their tie and badge. ( Buy your own burgee we are not a charity) :)
Some with larger craft were economic refugees :) ( no inflatable needed ) from expensive commercial marinas.
Some with smaller boats, joined to expand their boating horizons. It usually takes a few months to realise that the boat they were perfectly happy with prior to joining the club , is actually way too small and way to slow and they need to upgrade ASAP.
Without being rude, not one of them was in the first flush of youth .
The youngsters of today simply do not have the time and the money to engage in boating .
Click to expand...
It is not time or money it is understanding the concept of joining a club - seen as stuffy - blazers, white trousers and skirts and failing to understand the mutual support that such groupings provide with information and education. Sad but true.

But ask them to pay for SUP training/ cruising - no problem - registration / license may be a step too far.

How do we join up the extremes and excite the current boaters to support those who continue to challenge the authorities on their behalf and are demanding fair service for their registration fees?
 
Gibeltarik said:
It is not time or money it is understanding the concept of joining a club - seen as stuffy - blazers, white trousers and skirts and failing to understand the mutual support that such groupings provide with information and education. Sad but true.

But ask them to pay for SUP training/ cruising - no problem - registration / license may be a step too far.

How do we join up the extremes and excite the current boaters to support those who continue to challenge the authorities on their behalf and are demanding fair service for their registration fees?
Click to expand...

Frequently hear an opinion voiced by our older club members, that there is a urgent need to return to the traditions of the club in order to resuscitate the club and all will be well.
This is usually at one of the several set in stone social events with Full blazer and Tie etc.
Problem is the generation who used to actually go to these events is dramatically in decline and the newbies have neither the time, inclination or the money to go.
Try organising being home early from work for two parents , arranging transport, then baby sitters and forking out for food and beverages plus a night in a local hotel.
 
I've actually filled out the membership application form twice (2 different years) like it says to do... but never heard anything.

Maybe its just me...!
 
I think there is a big difference between a traditional "yacht club" that at times can barely keep a roof over it's head and something like the TMBA that costs way less and seems to be far more pro active in dealing with day to day boating issues than a commodore et all more interested in floatillas and how their peaceful meeting place is run and kept open for their functions.

I am sure the vast majority of Thames boaters wish things to improve and forming a disciplined reply to EA proposals and changes has shown that things can be done for the better of everyone regardless of dress code status or involvement.

I have paid my £5 for the TMBA for over six years now and the recent survey and activity to reply to recent EA changes has been very welcome from my point of view.
 
You of course know of the NBTA that supports inland boaters
(I mean this as a source of help & support, not competition)

There's also the London boater groups on FB, members might want to join
 
Award Cup inflation !
For a certain generation a "Cup" with your name on it was the ultimate accolade regards your final acceptance as a proper club member
Award ceremonies became interminable and frequently involved asking for previously awarded jugs to be returned so they could be re allocated.
This was fine if anybody remembered who last had them.
Eventually display cabinets became full of spoons, glass vases, plaques,sheilds and cups that nobody could quite remember exactly what they were awarded for.
Time for clear out and start again.
Some ideas more in keeping with the times.
Awards for..........

The most offensive views. Tiny little Cup.
Moaning Most but contributing Least . Big Cup.
Lets return to Traditional Values . Great Big Shield.
Having not been near the boat for longest time award. Cup.
Longest grudge nursed against another club member. Plaque.
Disgustingly filthy Boat. Bucket and Broom.
The Greatest number of rumours Enhanced & Spread Award. Spoon.
Is it Blazer and Whites or Grays ? Award. Burgee.
The What the Committee is doing Wrong Award. Cup currently missing in action believed nicked.
Resigning from in a huff " Hissy Fit " Award. Can the last person awarded this please return it, there others now waiting for chance to jump up and down on it.
and finally
Several Awards for the " New Member who has no idea what he is in For" also looking for some new homes.


Anything have missed. ?
 
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Amongst many other issues, hoping we might learn something about EA plans regarding managing moorings at the next TNUF meeting on 13th. April. Might suggest they invite the NHS to provide the service - they already have the signage and they’re a much nicer colour ! Penalty charges much more user friendly too!
B0142D87-6760-426A-8A07-AAF48A9BFC8C.jpeg
 
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