Chairman's Report

Dear Steamers

Firstly I would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a great new year.
More of the new year shortly, but first a look back on 2008 and what a year! After the disasters of 2007 it was a great feeling to hear that the boats were on the way down the Nene to visit the Fens and Rivers of the East. The whole visit went very well and I am sure that there will be much written about the various parts. From my part it was great to have the boats so near to home, (only 16 miles away at one point) and to be able to go to places that no FMC steamer has been before. The welcome we got was fantastic with even the fishermen taking photos. The highlights were the evening arrival in Upwell, the banks and bridges lined with the villagers and then beeing invited to our evening meal at the trust vice chairman’s home because the pub was not serving food. The next day we were towed by a Volvo as the bottom was very close to the top. The passage through Salters Lode and Denver stands out as well, firstly as Driver and the return as Captain (details later). I also enjoyed the visits to Prickwillow, Cambridge and Ely. Congratulations to all the crews involved and thanks to the members who attended the working parties that made it all possible.
Well on to 2009 – President will be 100 years old. From the crewing sheet and the web site you will see that we have plans for a good year of exciting boating and special events. Please have a good look and let Richard know what you can do – be generous with you time for this very special year. The events will be kicking off with a ‘party’ at the Black Country Living Museum on Saturday May 2nd with activities in the evening and going on all over the bank holiday weekend so put this firmly in your diary. We would like to see as many members as possible especially on the Saturday. We will send out more details later in the New Year.
In addition to the birthday celebrations 2009 must be the year we push for new members, we have to ensure the boats future is secure, and this will only happen if we attract lots of new younger active members.
The boats are been prepared for the celebrations. ‘Kildare’ is currently at Dafords' Wharf where Ian Kemp is replacing the fore cabin and then a repaint. Early in the New Year we will swap the boats over and ‘President’ will have some running repairs and a paint job ready for May. As the year unfolds there will be a lot for us to do so again please come forward to calls for the working parties in great numbers.
So again season’s greetings and best wishes, looking forward seeing you in 2009.

 

David Powell

Chairman