The first Save Our Waterways (SOW) AGM was held on Saturday May 30th 2009 at the Stafford Boat Club.
The following is a summary of the meeting.
Given the current political climate and greater cooperation between other boating user groups, the AGM considered whether there was a still a need for SOW. The AGM decided we should continue SOW activities for at least another year with a view of working with other stakeholders to try and build support for the waterways at a community level. This will also enable us to continue the contribution we have been making with other stakeholders to the process of updating and strengthening the government policy for the waterways, as defined in the document 'Waterways for Tomorrow'.
The new policy is due to be signed off by the end of this year and is likely to be given a more inclusive name like 'Waterways for Everyone'. Most stakeholders are largely pleased with the content of the new policy but there is concern that it doesn't solve - or yet, address, the all-important issue of funding. SOW is at the forefront of trying to ensure that this fundamental issue is addressed and a dialog has been started with other stakeholders.
We are conscious that we could have communicated better over the past year will endeavour to improve that both by direct email as well as on our website.
I will start this process rolling in the autumn once the cruising season is over with a paper that I hope will involve you all in forward thinking proposals that effect the future of the waterways.
I hope this will be enough to encourage you all to support our activities for at least another year. We rely on your subscriptions and the generosity of donors to fund our activities and so any contribution you can make will be greatly appreciated.
The full minutes of the AGM are available here.