TMBA v ATYC

[534l4rk]

I have been following the recent postings related to these associations with interest. As someone who has applauded and still applauds the efforts of Boatone for his work on behalf of Thames motor boaters I would like to make some comment. It would appear to me that the membership of the TMBA is probably no more than that of one of the larger Thames Yacht clubs. If true, this is somewhat surprising, taking into consideration that membership is free! The ATYC represents just under 50 yacht clubs with an estimated average of 50 members per club. If each club sought direct representation with the Environment Agency at meetings, would this not be even more difficult to manage ? There are already many different groups who attend.

If I am wrong and the TMBA has a membership similar to that under the umbrella of the ATYC then I fully support their direct participation as it represents; among others; those that use the Thames who do not belong to yacht clubs. .

My previous posting on this subject resulted in several vitriolic responses which, rather than encourage me to join the TMBA, put me off.

Please note that my comments are my personal viewpoint not endorsed by the ATYC.

. .

 

[No Regrets]

You are confusing quantity with Quality my friend.

From memory, you were suspected as being on the ATYC committee and as such surely your views would be considered as impartial as a Vampire at a Black pudding competition....however, I'll not hold that against you

The problem is, the ATYC do not act in the sole interests of Motor boaters do they, and as such there will be conflicts of interests, making a lot of things they could be doing worthless.

For an organisation that claims to have duly elected officers, it's also interesting how one can apparently just get invited onto the committee, and frankly a bit iffy, given the reasons the ATYC won't accept the TMBA.

Most of the individuals in ATYC affiliated clubs have no interest or involvement in the whole process, while 100% of the TMBA members have chosen to join. That makes your active membership only slightly greater than the TMBA because the Boat clubs themselves are the real members, not their members, who on the whole have nothing to do with the ATYC in their entire boating career.

Shefras stand on this matter is clearly not in the interests of the ATYC mission statement, nor his own popularity at the moment. He has lost a lot of credibility over this matter, as have the ATYC themselves, but I'll bet you my Boat nothing will be done about it!

Similarly this post represents my personal views not those of Bray CC.

 

[rosssavage]

I am a member of the TWYC, and by default the ATYC. I have no interest in the ATYC, I have attended none of their functions ever.

I joined the TMBA of my own volition, and I have every interest in B1's efforts to represent me.

The attitude of the ATYC towards the TMBA has nurtured an old boys network feel, and I find the stance taken by the ATYC towards TMBA utterly amazing and puerile. It feels like the ATYC are putting undue effort into preventing the TMBA from being heard, and that does NOT represent my views.

There is evidence to suggest (from threads in this very forum) that many motorboaters not in the ATYC are members of TMBA, and they have a right to be heard too.

Can someone put it in black and white - what do the ATYC have against TMBA, apart from some weird perceived threat from the TMBA?

 

[No Regrets]

See?

 

[Captain Coochie]

I also have no interest in the ATYC and i only heard about them when they started comming on here to have a pop at the TMBA
P.S i have reported your post as i'm getting very bored of this kind of attack on the TMBA .

 

[dash300]

I echo the posts above. I have cruised the Thames in various boats for 30 years and never had any desire to join a club. The ATYC has on this issue confirmed my worst fear of clubs; status obsessed and inward looking whose comittee is more interested in their own position and security rather than representing the membership.

It was not until the TMBA formed that I as a 'non club' boating river user felt I had an association that represented my use of the river.
It would appear that the attitude of the ATYC is that if I am not a member of one of their affiliated clubs then I forfeit representation. The TMBA has I am pleased to say has filled that gap.

 

[boatone]

The subject of this thread is TMBAvATYC which distresses me.

It infers that it is a case of one against the other which is both untrue (certainly as far as the TMBA is concerned) and unhelpful.

I am not even sure that the stance being taken by certain ATYC representatives is one that represents the majority view of their own members - many of whom may not even be aware of the situation.

Speaking personally (i.e. not on behalf of TMBA), and as a member of two ATYC member clubs, I actually question whether their actions are in the best interests of their members.

Current signed up membership of the TMBA is approximately 170, some of whom also belong to ATYC clubs. In my view that is a significant body of EA licence fee payers and has every right to seek representation on EA consultative bodies in relation to navigation and wider non-tidal Thames issues.

A recent request for members views on this issue resulted in me receiving, within 48 hours, over 50 replies declaring total support for my management of the TMBA, the stance I am taking and my personal position as it's administrator and representative.

 

[534l4rk]

Perhaps my post heading was misjudged as I did not wish to infer that there was a conflict of interests nor cause you distress. Indeed I acknowledged that boaters not belonging to clubs should be represented. My point related to the number of groups attending E.A. meetings. It would still appear to me that the size of the TMBA is more on a par with the size of the larger ATYC clubs.

Many non club boaters may be unaware of what the ATYC has been doing over the years which I do not see as the fault of the ATYC. Certainly it has been justifiably criticisd at times via feedback from the clubs. However, the relatively low number of TMBA members in spite of membership being free and strongly promoted on this forum and elsewhere suggests apathy which is also not uncommon in clubs.

There are many of us who do care about boating on the Thames including those who do not contribute on this forum. What I do see is that these postings will serve as a wake up call to the ATYC administrators.

 

[watson1959]

Many non club boaters may be unaware of what the ATYC has been doing over the years which I do not see as the fault of the ATYC. Certainly it has been justifiably criticisd at times via feedback from the clubs. However, the relatively low number of TMBA members in spite of membership being free and strongly promoted on this forum and elsewhere suggests apathy which is also not uncommon in clubs.
.

As a newbie in only my second year on the river I have to disagree with your assumption.

TMBA has 170 members and was formed less than one year ago.

Let's see how it continues to grow over the next 12 months as Tony's representation becomes more widely known and we members promote TMBA's free and un-selfish representation of boaters.

 

[boatone]

TMBA has 170 members and was formed less than one year ago.

Let's see how it continues to grow over the next 12 months as Tony's representation becomes more widely known and we members promote TMBA's free and un-selfish representation of boaters.

A little over a year actually.

There is, of course, something of a chicken and egg situation here. Those joining the TMBA do so expecting it to represent their views to the EA, the main vehicle for which has been the Waterway Working Group, now to be called the Thames Navigation User Forum (TNUF). If the TMBA is denied representation that, in itself, inhibits growth.

I have correspondence, through my MP, from the Waterway Minister, Richard Benyon MP, in which he states that it was the EA intention to invite me to join the WWG. I have every reason to believe that it is only determined opposition from a small number of present participants that has, thus far, prevented this.

So much for democracy !

 

[No Regrets]

Perhaps my post heading was misjudged as I did not wish to infer that there was a conflict of interests nor cause you distress. Indeed I acknowledged that boaters not belonging to clubs should be represented. My point related to the number of groups attending E.A. meetings. It would still appear to me that the size of the TMBA is more on a par with the size of the larger ATYC clubs.

Many non club boaters may be unaware of what the ATYC has been doing over the years which I do not see as the fault of the ATYC. Certainly it has been justifiably criticisd at times via feedback from the clubs. However, the relatively low number of TMBA members in spite of membership being free and strongly promoted on this forum and elsewhere suggests apathy which is also not uncommon in clubs.

There are many of us who do care about boating on the Thames including those who do not contribute on this forum. What I do see is that these postings will serve as a wake up call to the ATYC administrators.

Thats more like it!

The reality is, the ATYC appear to have nobody effectively promoting them. Gaby Chambers is, I believe the person responsible for these matters, although how far her jurisdiction goes remains to be seen of course, but if she has carte blanche, then there are a whole host of promotional opportunities she hasn't explored. This forum being a rather large and effective one.

If the ATYC could be bothered to post regular news updates and feedback enquiries on this forum, then people might think they are actually doing something, perhaps they should have a Facebook page and link up with these millions of members.

Until some new blood arrives, I doubt the current hierachy will ever understand how this whole thing works. Their website is tedious too.

Note I'm not being nasty or critical, I am actually trying to help, but realise this, until the ATYC reverse their ridiculous stance with the TMBA, they are damaging themselves beyond their wildest dreams, as every thread is read and talked about by thousands of real people, which is more than their entire communications department reaches.

Get a grip ATYC. Do the RIGHT thing!!

 

[dash300]

' However, the relatively low number of TMBA members in spite of membership being free and strongly promoted on this forum and elsewhere suggests apathy which is also not uncommon in clubs.'

There are many who join a Club who are more interested in the Club House Bar, the Club Tie, the Club Flag, the parties and dressing up than they are in the future of the river. TMBA has none of these things; (ok a window sticker) people join the Association as it comprises of group dedicated of river users who are seeking information and representation in relation to the river they use and enjoy and pay for. Those who have joined the TMBA have therefore done so for the most relevant reason and should be welcomed to the table.

 

[Ramage]

I am sure most people know that it is NOT possible for an individual to join the ATYC.
The Association of Thames Yacht Clubs membership consists of the member clubs.

Membership of a member club of the ATYC would most likely cost from £50 to £300 per annum (depending on the individual club & its facilities).

 

[dash300]

I am sure most people know that it is NOT possible for an individual to join the ATYC.
The Association of Thames Yacht Clubs membership consists of the member clubs.

Yes quite. It was the member clubs to which I was referring. Unfortunately the ATYC seems to have it's back to the river, rather like the majority dressed up in the enclosures at Henley Regatta!!!

 

[Brayman]

Don't think its that much, Paul - I believe BCC pay £30 p.a.

More like £50 I think, but some clubs have a joining fee plus an annual fee that can take your first year subs up to £200 or so.

 

[boatone]

More like £50 I think, but some clubs have a joining fee plus an annual fee that can take your first year subs up to £200 or so.

Yep - I read it wrong and was referring to club sub to ATYC

Think Rochester is £150 joining and £150 a year. Mind you they do have decent premises, bar, their own pier and moorings as well as fuel.

 

[Brayman]

Yep - I read it wrong and was referring to club sub to ATYC

Think Rochester is £150 joining and £150 a year. Mind you they do have decent premises, bar, their own pier and moorings as well as fuel.

and a good cook!