Yesterday at Marlow

It turns out the whole 'event permission' issue, is a bit of a red herring, as the EA have fessed up that they did receive a request, but did not process it properly, thus no event notifications were issued and no guidance either. However, the size of the provided navigation channel is a separate issue, which it seems is still worthy of some constructive dialogue between the Rowing community, Boating community and the EA. IMHO, of course.
 
I am sure that in future the regatta committee will ensure that the channel is wider where it needs to be the channel in any event is only about 900 metres long. No doubt the Marlow Town Regatta will take note, racing on 13th June will be from 08.00 to 18.30 every 3 minutes but I understand there will be some 5,000 to 7,500 spectators. Could be an interesting spectacle.
 
thames cruiser said:
It turns out the whole 'event permission' issue, is a bit of a red herring, as the EA have fessed up that they did receive a request, but did not process it properly, thus no event notifications were issued and no guidance either.
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I have for some considerable time, as previously indicated, been pressing the EA to improve their communications with boaters and my initial reaction to the problems at Marlow was that the EA had probably omitted to issue a Harbourmasters Notice. Frankly, it never occurred to me that Marlow RC would not have submitted a request for river restrictions. This is an annual event and it would be very remiss of the club if they had not done so.
The EA have now admitted that they did receive the request but failed to action it. Had they done so, it is clear that they would have issued their usual guidance which would have specified the navigation channel and a patrol launch should have confirmed compliance at the beginning of the day. Had that been done, I am prepared to give the EA the benefit of the doubt that the channel restriction would have been more reasonable.
Marlow RC must however share some of the responsibility as they must have been aware that they had not received confirmation from the EA that their request for restrictions was approved. The scope of the navigation channel had therefore not been considered or approved by the EA and its imposition by Marlow RC was, it could be argued, a possible breach of the by laws.
However, it is now clear that this was a classic case of a cock-up rather than conspiracy !

However, the size of the provided navigation channel is a separate issue, which it seems is still worthy of some constructive dialogue between the Rowing community, Boating community and the EA. IMHO, of course.
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Which is exactly why I have asked for a specific agenda item to consider this matter at the next TNUF meeting in June which is the correct forum for issues of this nature to be discussed by all parties involved.
 
I felt like joining in earlier, but hesitated as the subject was well covered. However, it's necessary to be counted.
So here goes:-
I've always felt that the navigation channel provided at many / most (usually) rowing regattas has been poor to inadequate. This latter at various pinch points either because of insufficient depth or obstructions - usually overhanging trees. Both Marlow regattas have been consistently poor in this respect. What looks good on paper is not confirmed on the ground. Some years ago I complained to EA whose attitude was that - provided they were notified of the event - they were not much interested. Things have changed for the better perhaps.

Many events are held out of the mainstream cruising season and other boat traffic can be small to insignificant, so everybody's guard has been lowered. This year Easter was late and the weather surprisingly good - so 'everybody' was caught out. No excuse, though.

To my mind if there was more general boating TRAFFIC on the River, EA and event organisers might / would take more action.
A few people show an interest in getting a better deal for boaters - but they are not helped by the total lack of interest / support from licence holders.
The minority do the work, the majority remain silent or worse - criticise from afar.
 
boatone said:
Which is exactly why I have asked for a specific agenda item to consider this matter at the next TNUF meeting in June which is the correct forum for issues of this nature to be discussed by all parties involved.
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So why no agenda item on speeding coaching launches whilst not engaged in coaching or marshalling?
 
Are speeding passenger vessels on the agenda? Despite 2 request to the EA to explain the discrepancy between time and distance on the advertised timetables, no answer has been forthcoming. Is that an issue that the TMBA will raise?
 
apollo said:
So why no agenda item on speeding coaching launches whilst not engaged in coaching or marshalling?
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As you well know the devil's in the detail.
You've got to catch them in the act, produce credible visual evidence that could 'stand up in court' AND persuade EA to take action. Rowers are well supported and vociferous with a lot of contacts in 'high places'

Boaters, sadly only have TMBA and possibly ATYC to put their cause. While membership is small and lacking in resources it is difficult to make a sufficiently loud noise.

NOW if more boaters could be persuaded to join TMBA or club, THEN that possibly could carry more weight. Until then it's down to B1 who works very hard indeed to plead the cause.

Perhaps you could collect evidence in the future??
 
When the chairman will only raise issues he wants to raise and not those of his paid up members, i think you will always struggle to attract and more importantly "keep" members.
 
Jeez, its tough trying to represent peeps when the very folk you are trying to represent make it so difficult for you :D

There are many ways to make representations to the EA of which the TNUF meetings themselves are only one. There are also many smaller meetings and discussions/conversations where matters can be aired and, sometimes, these can be more effective and lead to quicker and more decisive action. I am but one of over 20 river user representatives on TNUF all of whom represent their own constituents and it will not surprise you to know that different factions have different agendas. Add to this mix the complexity of trying to deal with a government department under instruction from its political masters and it is not difficult to see why we, apparently, achieve so little.

This forum is not the place to conduct TMBA business. Indeed, I have no way of knowing, other than by personal knowledge, whether some posting here are even members. Any member is entitled, and welcome, to request that we consider any matter which is affecting their enjoyment of the river and, where appropriate, we will represent their views. This does not mean we will jump up and down and scream and shout about every single complaint. A main agenda item regarding the issue of river restrictions at regattas will give opportunity to raise related matters such as the behaviour of coaching and safety craft without that needing to be specifically on the agenda itself.

As far as the agenda is concerned this is set by the EA with consultation. A 3 hour meeting means there is limited time and it is essential that we try to prioritise key issues. I do not set the rules, but somehow or other I and other representatives have to try and make maximum use of the time available.

As for what will actually be on the agenda I have no way of knowing until it is published.

Quite frankly, as far as representing motor boaters is concerned I think I can fairly claim to be punching well above my weight. It would help me a lot if I had more weight behind me!
 
Dear all,

I am currently discussing reparation plans between Rowers and Motor-boaters with Peter Hunt, the chairman of Marlow Rowing Club.

This is being done as a normal club member of Bray CC, therefore not in any official capacity, incidentally.

While many people have been angered, rightly or wrongly by this episode, and I'm sure others, the big question is, do we want to fix it, or not!?

I want it sorted, and have a simple, yet slightly cunning plan which will sow the seed towards fixing the Disrespect, Misunderstandings, and Unfriendliness between many Rowers and Boaters.

Would any of you like to enjoy your boating while helping me?

Kind regards, John
 
I'm sorry to see that such things are still happening on the Thames. We had five years of constant skirmishes with rowers, and endured considerable abuse over the time. I remember one guy who hadn't seen us - I had stopped for him, but he was on collision course. I sounded one toot of the horn, to alert him to our presence, and his verbal abuse was disgusting. It was the straw that broke the camel's back, and I spun the wheel hard over and 500 hp (I know, I know!) took off after him. SWMBO persuaded me to abandon my temper (good job she did or I might have done some I later regretted).
We immediately relocated to the Solent, and have never looked back. It was a shame in many ways, because boating on the Thames was magical.
I'm not sure you will ever get these arrogant b@stards to change their ways - they have Steve Redgrave in their midst and they DO own the river. Those with decent mobos should really come down to the sea - here we just have skirmishes between mobo and raggies, but not as many as you may be led to believe.
 
Yesterday, while Shiplake Lock was on self service a narrow boat came out and a rowing coach, completely ignoring us, closed the gates against us and raised the level with the lock empty so that he could get a couple of rowing eights through more quickly. I spoke to him and he apologised, saying that he hadn't seen me, but it is an example of the fact that they seem to be completely ignorant of other river users and their requirements.
 
I'm in direct contact with MRC, and this will be fixed as far as the first two clubs are concerned.

Instead of talking about it, why won't anybody actually stick their hand up and join in!?

The sad facts are, many rowers simply do not know much of this information, and there are plenty of Mobo owners who don't know the Rowers needs either.

This is about to change, but only if people will actually take the time to act.

Your call peeps :encouragement:
 
No Regrets said:
I'm in direct contact with MRC, and this will be fixed as far as the first two clubs are concerned.

Instead of talking about it, why won't anybody actually stick their hand up and join in!?

The sad facts are, many rowers simply do not know much of this information, and there are plenty of Mobo owners who don't know the Rowers needs either.

This is about to change, but only if people will actually take the time to act.

Your call peeps :encouragement:
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Could TMBA be of help, there is a page on the web site where you can write up any "wrong doings" and it will be taken up directly with the EA. The more that join the bigger the voice.
 
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