The meeting was chaired for the last time by Michael Shafas, who retires as Chairman next March. He reported that he had been very disappointed to learn that despite all the private boat owners protestations, the EA had decided to increase the registration fee by 2% above inflation, so making an annual increase 4.8%. Apparently this only represents an additional £76k in additional revenue, a tiny increase to the EA's overall income.
Matt Carter from the Environment Agency gave a short presentation to the meeting. He pointed out that his budgets had been severely cut yet the EA were having to do more with less money. They had worked hard to introduce more volunteer lock keepers and their performance was being monitored with a new Customer Charter. He said that the EA are working hard on enforcement and have increased the number of officers, and were making steady progress in this area.
There was a report on the last ATYC rally which had gone well from a social perspective, however less boats had attended (70 boats instead of 80 last year) and sponsorship revenue had dropped, so the event had made a loss. The boat handling competition had also been disappointing with only three clubs entering two boats each. This did not justify the amount of work involved and the organizers came in for some criticism concerning the judging.
The next event is the Annual ATYC Dinner Dance on 8th March at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Marlow. Tickets are £36 each if anybody in interested.
The BCC AGM - 27th November 2013
Thanks to those who attended this years AGM. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the committee for their sterling efforts throughout the year.
The Treasurer presented the accounts which show a drop in income but still a healthy bank balance, however in view if increasing expenditure on website maintenance, it was agreed that subs would be increased to £20 per annum next year.
John Yates, Derek Jones and Charles Curran all stood down from their posts. My thanks to them for their great contribution over a number of years.
Christine Peppiatt was elected Treasurer and Giselle Mansfield joined the committee.
Commodore: Andrew Kirkwood
Vice Commodore: John Scott
Treasurer: Christine Peppiatt
Hon Sec: Clive Evans
Committee: Steve Tatham, Jan and Leslie Ferber, Giselle Mansfield
