Top Thames Priorities

boatone

boatone

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29 Jul 2001
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Just a few cables from Boulters Lock
www.tmba.org.uk
As a Thames based boater, and in a strictly practical sense, what would be your top 3 priorities for improvements that would enhance your perceived value of your registration fee?

Once we have a reasonable list of (sensible!!!) suggestions we can set up a poll and identify the Thames Forum Top Ten Wish List !
 
Eyes down...

At first I couldn't think of anything practical that would be likely to get done, but on reflection here goes:-

1). Modify the boater proof OOPPS lock system so that -
If somebody presses a button repeatedly ('cos they don't think anything is happening), it doesn't then lock the system up.
If the previous user has shut the gates after use and lock is set for the next boater in the opposite direction, then said next boater shouldn't have to go through the complete cycle to get his boat in.
That's how the system works from Romney downstream and the later types seem a bit of overkill. (Even so a lot better than winding the handle).

2). EA should maintain such moorings as it owns, or at least not create objections to folks wanting to help themselves. I have in mind Wargrave where over half of the length is unuseable as a result of trees growing out of the bank, and the rear of Desborough.

3). Overhanging low branches where they really obstruct navigation, and excused by EA as not within their impracticable arbitrary non statutory rule.

4). Dredge the near side channel by the island just below Mapledurham Lock to allow two way working. The mainstream channel is very narrow exacerbated by (3.) above and is positively dangerous.

2,3 and 4 are sort of one-offs, or where a short term blitz would produce longer term gains.


I won't say anything about dredging generally - leaving that pint for the regulars on that subject.
 
TrueBlue said:
I won't say anything about dredging generally - leaving that pint for the regulars on that subject.
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Perish the thought....Not from me you wont, long since given up. Apathy rules.

The EA already have the results of a very recent survey like this given to interested parties and institutions with all the obvious candidates on the top ten list (NOTE! I still havent mentioned it...) and I await their action on these issues with interest!

The results of this survey is either on the EA web site/ATYC/Riverusersgroups I forget which.
 
Registration Fee

I would like the EA to offer the option to get a partial refund on your licence fee if you sell your boat during the year - if the DVLA can do it why can't the EA?
 
Why's that?

boatone said:
Hmmmm......obviously not one of my better ideas, then.

Shall I get my coat.......?
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Too contentious?

Not contentious enough?

Not enough replies - heavens-to-murgatroyd, it's only been up for a few hours.

Here's some more suggestions -

Get more boats on the river and paying their registrations.
Bring back the Thames Conservancy
Get British waterways to turn it into a ditch for.......
 
Ok, since Apollo has given up saying it:

1) Dredging. If you keep going aground then the navigation is not fit for purpose. £500 or more per annum for an unusable waterway is NOT good value for money.

2) More useable moorings. As True Blue said, the moorings need to be maintained & policed (ie action against those who overstay on 24 hour moorings).

3) The licence should cover a tender. The reduction in charge for a tender this year is a start, but it should be covered by the licence of the parent vessel.
 
TrueBlue said:
Too contentious?
Not contentious enough?
Not enough replies - heavens-to-murgatroyd, it's only been up for a few hours.

Here's some more suggestions -
Get more boats on the river and paying their registrations.
Bring back the Thames Conservancy
Get British waterways to turn it into a ditch for.......
Click to expand...

You're right of course, nothing like long enough for a meaningful rsponse - although there are frequently times when all hell breaks loose on quite minor issues !

Anyone fancy proposing enlargement of Bray and/or Boveney locks? I seem to remember that was actually on the agenda not that long ago!

As for your 'extra' suggestions they probably don't meet my 'practical ' criteria - but then neither does raisng Osney Bridge to 10' headroom stand any more than a snowballs chance in hell......

Surprised no-one has mooted enlargement of locks at Bray and Boveney - seem to remember that was actually on the agenda not that long ago.
 
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boatone said:
neither does raisng Osney Bridge to 10' headroom stand any more than a snowballs chance in hell......
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None of it stands a snowballs chance in hell..

They will take the top ten list from their survey, turn it around on its head and do more marketing and silly magazines and more enforement cos that will keep them in work.

As for anything that would actually benefit the customers, nah - no budget!
 
boatone said:
As a Thames based boater, and in a strictly practical sense, what would be your top 3 priorities for improvements that would enhance your perceived value of your registration fee?

Once we have a reasonable list of (sensible!!!) suggestions we can set up a poll and identify the Thames Forum Top Ten Wish List !
Click to expand...

...has this come about cos you and Mikey G are going to lunch with "er indoors"?
 
boatone said:
You're right of course, nothing like long enough for a meaningful rsponse - although there are frequently times when all hell breaks loose on quite minor issues !

Anyone fancy proposing enlargement of Bray and/or Boveney locks? I seem to remember that was actually on the agenda not that long ago!

As for your 'extra' suggestions they probably don't meet my 'practical ' criteria - but then neither does raisng Osney Bridge to 10' headroom stand any more than a snowballs chance in hell......

Surprised no-one has mooted enlargement of locks at Bray and Boveney - seem to remember that was actually on the agenda not that long ago.
Click to expand...

I was wondering about enlarging Bray and Boveny but you seem to be fixated with it yourself!

My top one would be consistent levels from one day to the next, followed by well maintained overnight moorings.
 
He went to Specsavers!

'Hello, Could I have an eyetest please?'

'A what?'

'An Eye Test...'

'We don't do those mate'

'What sort of opticians is this??'

'We're not an opticians, we're McDonalds!'

'Oh, er, OK then. Two Big Mac meals, make that three, Max out the fries, and I'll take a couple of Mc Flurries too....

'Sure. Would you like to know where Specsavers is then?'

'Not right now.....'
 
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