Little to report since our last meeting as no Regional or CRT meetings.

I have been cruising a little this year and it is even quieter than the past couple of years.  No trouble mooring at Thrupp or Banbury.  Major problems with depth and vegetation – what changes!

Thrupp CCC report that the number of AWCC members requesting moorings at Thrupp this summer has dropped dramatically, less than 50% of what they had last year. Our Rep/Vice Chair feels this trend follows his thoughts that narrow boating as such is declining in interest and they are now just an excuse for affordable housing, particularly in the south (he apologises for his rant but that’s one of the reasons he is giving up after 25 years)

The areas of collapsed tow path on the wide and outside The Boat have been repaired by CRT with help from Thrupp CCC. The one outside the pub looks as though it is temporary and won’t last long?

Thrupp CCC continues with its work parties and membership is thriving. The club has a very solid committee under the leadership of Mark Paris after a few turbulent years.

As ever the Cotswolds Canal Cruising Club have had a wonderful summer.  Unfortunately, one of the planned cruises up the Caldon, Macclesfield and Peak Forest Canals had to be the  cancelled due to closures.  They state “something is wrong with the network, it cannot all the weather!”  However, two crews attended the Stratford upon Avon River Festival and welcomed non boating crews in their gazebo.  The two crews met up with a further two crews at Stourport before returning down the Severn.  They agree that out of a potential disaster they had one of their best cruises. Another group of seven boats made their way from their home moorings all over the country down the Trent, along the Fossdyke/River Witham to Boston then crossing the Wash (with a pilot).  Despite being held up after they refloated as they had to wait for an incoming ship they set off, making their way to Wisbech and celebratory Champagne.  Then it was on to Peterborough and the Middle Levels, the River Great Ouse.  They visited the Bedford River Festival in sweltering conditions.  They made their way back via the Northampton Arm and onto the Grand Union.

They would like to “plug” the case for the Bedford to Milton Keynes Link.

Pewsey Wharf Boat Club continue their Social programme but only one boat has travelled any distance this season.  I met up with them at Thrupp and they were heading to the River Avon and time in Stratford.  Several boats plan to attend the Crofton Steam Gala but low water levels have incurred problems on the summit with locks being opened for short periods only.

Canal Taverners Cruising Club report that despite losing their venue for meetings they have found a new one and continue to hold regular, varied and interesting meetings.

I was very pleased to receive the document that should provoke discussion regarding the way forward for AWCC on Saturday.

Pauline King