Other reports for SU 12

"Steaming Up" - Issue 12 - Spring 2005

Words from the Chairman

Dave Powell and Judy Spencer - photo by Nigel Wood

Annual General Meeting at the Black Country Living Museum

Dear Friends,

On the weekend of 16th & 17th April we held our AGM at the museum, this was very well attended. There have been a few changes to the committee as Ron & Judy Spencer have decided to take a break from the admin side of FoP. For many years they have served our society, Judy has been a great secretary producing the minutes and keeping your chairman in order, a hard job.

Ron has organised the working parties, a very important part of our reason for being here. I know he has spent many hours phoning us persuading, begging (and I am sure other ways) to get us out on a cold winters Saturday to fix this, shift that and paint the other. In addition they have both been regular crew members and for health reasons are to take a break this season, a message from us all is get fit soon so we can join you boating again. I am sure you would like to join me in thanking them both.

At the AGM it gave me great pleasure to award Dave Goodman with an Honorary Membership of FoP. Dave is one of the few members who have been with the society from the start and he has put a great deal into the boats. I have had the privilege to boat with him many times over the years and have always come home a lot wiser. Dave's knowledge of the steam plant, the boat, the canal system is very deep (unlike some of the canals) and he is always willing to pass on this to those willing to learn. ! hope we see him in the engine room for many years to come.

Following the AGM we held a crewing conference where we tried to look at the Health & Safety factors in running our boats. I thought this was a very successful afternoon and I would like to thank all those took part and to the new members who attended the Crew familiarisation day on Sunday. We had a very big turn out and we look forward to seeing you on the crew soon.

Dave Goodman - right

Richard Thomas explains

Over the years we have been thinking of holding some sort of social event and this year the museum kindly opened the Bottle & Glass exclusively for us. About 40 members had a very enjoyable evening with a 'Fagot and Peas' super and a short quiz, a great evening and a great weekend. We will try something again in the future so if you have any ideas let us know.

As I write this note in the middle of May the boats have already completed one trip down to Leamington Spa and back. With the boating season well under way have a great season and I look forward to seeing you on the cut.