This is the third year of holding a conference in the capital as
it was felt important to position the organisation as a key stakeholder within
the Waterways and be accessable to other major stakeholders and political
allies.
The setting of the Union Jack club put us within striking distance
of Westminster and the River Thames and its magnificent interior evoked images
of a bygone age of British spirit. The photographs and models reminding me of
the sacrifice of our countrymen but the group coming through the door showing
that sacrifice was still being met by our current generation.
The day was filled with a range of speakers with projects speaking
of how they were meeting current needs of the community –“respite care for
Armed Services” to “Partnership working” to the key topic of “sustainability”.
These presentations were complemented by Alun Michael M.P. (Chair of the All
Parliamentary Waterways Group) and John Bridgeman (Vice chair of British
Waterways Board and transitional trustee of Canal and River Trust). We were able
to demonstrate how the work of Community Boat Organisations bring so much
value and benefit to individuals but should be a valuable and valued partner
to the emerging Trust.
It raised questions of “are
we remote from the membership?’ - “you
are doing so much but you don’t tell
members” but brought an enthusaiasm from the floor for individual projects to
work closer together, share knowledge and resources.
I spoke later with John who commented “ You are doing a fantastic
job – its not about the boat it’s what you do with that boat. It’s about people.”
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| At the End of the Conference Day London NCBA |
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