Wussername

A blast from the past! Old Wussername

I mentioned several months ago that there needed to be an accreditation for those who conduct trial runs, in the past so often the trial run would befall those who might well have had the skills to drive a boat but an inability to teach. Take the river Ant at Stalham, a completely different scenario that you will experience at say Reedham, Great Yarmouth, St Olaves and yet I have come across trial run drivers who have never been on the southern rivers or indeed had any real experience of the broads. Conversely, at some boat yards you will find individuals who are very experienced, knowledgeable, and are able to communicate their skill. If you care to observe from the quay heading or river bank, engage in conversation you will soon discover that sometimes there can be difference in the quality of the trial run. Perhaps this needs to be addressed. In the first instance I am not advocating in any shape or form certification for the boat hirer or private owner. It simply would be unworkable and virtually impossible to monitor and control. But there does need to be an identification and introduction of a basic skill set, common to ALL boat yards and all hirers and in the fullness of time private owners which is taught at an intermediate level. In simple terms everybody is flying information, singing from the same song sheet. Once that has been established it will be a step forward in implementing a defined and disciplined approach to the issue. There needs to be guidance with regard to the format of this proposal. We have at our disposal some 26 years of data relating to incidents in order that that should be able to assist in making an informed decision as to which matters take priority for example Embarkation/Disembarkation features prominently amongst injuries requiring hospitalisation with some 33 admissions last year. There are of course other matters to consider. As for documenting previous experience then a system is already in place. After the trial run has been completed a tick sheet is filled in for the boatyards record. Simply hand a copy to the hirer, signed by both parties and date stamped. Such a document could be filed by the recipient as a record to be shown on a future occasion. A log book if you will giving confirmation of previous experience. In conclusion it must always be recognised that when compared with many recreational pursuits boating on the broads has an enviable safety record despite the dreadful incidents over the last few weeks. A few days ago the Broads Authority stated that Mr Packman in consultation with the hire industry and the boating community in general will be seeking ways to improve on a range of issues for the benefit of us all and in this respect the hire boat industry together with the private sector will once again demonstrate their ability to make a positive contribution. But as in all things we must be careful not to "over egg the pudding"

It was some three weeks ago that I decided to drive down to Ranworth/Malthouse broad. Parked the car opposite the Post Office Shop and proceeded to walk around the green. It was indeed a carnival atmosphere with children laughing, cheering, shouting and generally doing what children do.........having fun, enjoying themselves. The parents were lounging about by their boats and on their boats enjoying the wonderful sunshine. I meandered along the dyke opposite the dingy dyke until I reached the end which enabled me to observe where all the noise and shrieking was coming from. It was very evident. Several children were involved. At the very entrance to the dyke. In the dyke were five or six hire boats or private boats. The children, were enjoying the water. Two, about 8 or ten years old, were on a paddle board. Three were on a Lillo type floating mattress. One was just swimming about. At any one time all were swimming. Several feet into the broad, several feet into the navigation area. Boats were preparing to leave; boats were jostling for that all important advantage to gain a mooring that had been vacated. These were not rowing boats but some 40ft hire boats in control of experienced helm. Some were not experienced. At the same as this scene unfolded another was taking place. Coming down the dyke from the River Bure onto Malthouse broad itself a large hire sailing cruiser made a majestic entrance under full sail. On reaching the broad it turned to port and proceeded to “cruise” the broad, being helmed seemingly effortlessly supported by an able crew. The craft turned, passed several craft mud weighting. Having completed its run the boat started to repeat the exercise again. What followed next was quite amazing. Figures were seen of young people on the boat running down the deck of the boat under full sail and at regular intervals jumping of the stern. From a distance it was reminiscent of a craft launching depth charges. There was now a situation where four or five people were in the water separated by a distance of some 15 feet between each swimmer in the middle of the broad. The sailing craft on more than one occasion passed through the swimmers. Thankfully no other boats were competing with each other for the same piece of water. I have in the past been in a situation in charge of a motor cruiser where I have come across people swimming in front of me. One can be relatively high up on a motor cruiser some more than others. However even from this vantage point it may not come as a surprise to hear how difficult it is to see a small brown head in brown murky waters. In a sailing cruiser you are much lower down, your field of vision can be challenged by the main sail and the jib. In fact the sailing cruiser is or can be a movable feast of forever changing circumstances not particularly suited for navigating in such conditions. Many are highly manoeuvrable but are limited to mans ability to anticipate others actions. So, there you have it. My observation of the day. To my mind a toxic mix, a disaster waiting to happen. We as a community including the hire industry as well as the private boater can ill afford a repeat of events over the last few weeks. Perhaps a suggestion could be considered and that is for a Ranger to be in attendance on a regular basis. Not perhaps by boat but by road visiting the well known moorings. Meeting people, advising, simple instruction, partaking of local knowledge. Not to replace the Rangers boat but to compliment this tradition and service for everyones benefit, to restore etiquette and just as important discipline for the well being of us all.

You have become a Grandad. That is why you are in McDonald's. Eat your Mcflurry and get out as quickly as you can.

If people do not listen, or seem to understand the trial run with regard to its importance then it would seem to me that it may be time to revisit the procedure. Is it working? Is the literature working, the DVD’s, or perhaps the actual way the trial run is presented? Andrew

Many people are overly judgemental in certain instances. I believe that our local emergency services have a proven record of acting in accord to their experience, expertise and past record of an exemplary service to our community.

What tea would that be may I ask?

They were good days. Once the village policeman had finished his shift he would pop in for a swifty. A night cap. The lights were dimmed, the door was bolted. You were in a safe place.

It will of course need an Austin Healey outside the front door. Andrew

My great Grandfather and my Grandfather were North Sea trawler skippers out of Lowestoft. Neither could swim. Neither wore a life jacket. They certainly did not wish to be in the bobbing up and down stuff, the bitterly cold north sea, waiting for a cold and lingering end. However they did wear ear rings, as did many fisherman, gold ear rings. Considered somewhat effeminate in their day. Although few would dare to tell them. Grandad told me that if he was lost at sea and finally cast upon a distant shore his ear rings would pay for a Christian burial. So the moral me old shipmates is get yourself some earrings. Old Wussername.

I understand more than most. Good luck with your scan. Followed by Scanxiety. That dreadful wait for the result, takes for ages. However. Never ever forget that it is not one man or one individual that determines your destiny but a team. A team of dedicated professionals comprising of surgeon's, anetheiatsis, nurses, doctors, specialist's who meet daily,weekly, to discuss and action on your particular problem. Why do I know this. It is because I have been there. I have also been privilaged to have been asked to address year three trainee doctors of my experience as a patient on more than one occasion in a training theatre. Be positive mate. I have been there, done that. And so will you.

There is the private boat. The hire boat, and the day boat. The new boat is of course the so called Picnic Boat. Has a toilet on it. Can accommodate up to ten people, some twelve people, or have I been misinformed. The latter, the picnic boat often visit Reedham. The helm, little or no experience. I refer to my previous post of a few days ago. Is this a matter of concern?

We must demonstrate the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious with regard to our concerns for an immediate response or action to these dreadful incidents. We must also be aware of any intrusion which could frustrate any future legal proceedings and the consequences which we would be held responsible not only as a community but as individuals. Andrew

There is a number of issues that the BA need to address. A number of issues that we must recognise. The Norfolk Broads have changed dramatically over the last few years. Issues that need to be challanged, discussed, changed or indeed accepted. We must have an influence, a constructive influence with regard to that change or acceptance. Andrew

it involves not just the hire industry but private owners as well, canoes, swimmers,paddle boards.

There is a raft of issues that need to be addressed. Sooner rather than later.

https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/police-cordon-off-quayside-after-man-injured-1-6839793

https://www.greatyarmouthmercury.co.uk/news/man-pronounced-dead-after-falling-in-loddon-staithe-1-6824683

Ah! The Sea Marge. The most wonderful afternoon teas. No wonder Mr Churchill stayed there. As for designer shorts. On the bridge, all the gear, no idea. Thankfully in the minority. The majority are considerate and mindful of their responsibilities with regard to others. As ever it is the few that we remember for their behavior with justified criticism.

The jazz scene me! Studio4, the Grosvenor, Singing with Black Anna in Ber Street. Norwich was a different place in those years. Dancing to Terry Lightfoot, Acka Bilk. The snatches of converation. "Dance.? ......."I'm with me friend" "Where do you live? " " Beccles"......................."Gulp!

Well we all knew who that was don't we. I think you have have got to the very heart of the matter. Surely the Washington Club, not the Sampson. The big boys went to the Washington. Andrew

Those were the days, what,what! All the young farmers had Austin Healey Sprites. Plenty good enough for them ! Andrew.

Perhaps, just perhaps, one should look at the wind turbines that surround our coast. Migratory birds have to combat the vortex of these massive machines. Indeed the real possibility of hitting the whirling blades. Is it a coincidence that all bird numbers have decreased since the wind turbines introduction. Google RSPB on this matter. They promote the benefits of renewable energy, applaude the benefits of this seemingly panacea of our energy requirements. But at what cost to their core, defined cause, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Andrew.

Excuse Mr Nog. Wot about Watneys Red Barrel. The girls had a Cherry B, or a Babycham. A good night eh! Sometimes with a happy ending! Andrew

It was, and still is, the keystone. It is the understanding of the importance and relevance of this very important principle which would determine the present and future of The Broads. It is that very principle that is feared by all who hold dear to their hearts that which we have been entrusted.