smellyloo

Previously I have seen accusations of bullying and wondered where. However this time I have been on the minority side supporting the swimming event and I have seen how some posts can make you feel that you shouldn't be expressing such a foolhardy view. Almost a feeling of ridicule. Now I should make it plain that there are a few well argued, eloquent posts expressing their concern, the bullying style posts tend to be posted by followers of these. I don't for one moment think these individuals mean to be bullies but the wording is clumsy and can be interpreted as such. I actually don't care what people say to me and the bullying comments make me even more compelled to have my say but I couldn't let the concerns raised by others be dismissed is such an off hand way. Maybe we should all stop and think ...... are we sure that we show the correct respect to those who express opposing views

Let's hope the organisers of the event are not seeking legal advise re: some of the wild accusations made against them.

Sad that you lost an old friend but this illustrates the opportunities that will be denied to us when we wave sad farewells to our European cousins.

So, with complete dismissal of others opinion you claim your view to be of such importance that it is the only one that merits consideration. We have been told that the organisers entered into discussion re these maters with several respected bodies and got approval for the event. I, and others who support the event have been accused of having little regard for safety. When I am told that the safety aspects surrounding this event have been considered I believe them. That may be naive but I feel it is better than imagining untold catastrophes that may befall the swimmers, the safety boats, the emergency services etc etc. If you have proof that the organiser has disregarded safety concerns then that is a different matter however I have read nothing more than speculation that this has been so.

I was determined not to make any more contributions on this thread but given the continued hysteria and unfounded speculation that is continually being regurgitated here I feel compelled to speak just one more time. The broads doesn't belong to any one interest group and no group can claim more rights than any other. Back in early 1900 s regattas were a time for the whole community to enjoy the waterside, regular swimming, fishing, sailing and the emerging motor boaters all existed quite amicably .... Indeed much swimming took place from moored boats. For the first time in ages we have a swimming event on the calendar. This demonstrates that the water quality is now considered clean enough for swimming ... This we should celebrate. After consultation with the authorities the health and safety kill joys have been silenced and the event given the green light .... This we should celebrate. The nbn then announce judgement claiming the majority don't want it to happen for reasons which have been continually repeated on this thread .... mainly health and safety with a touch of why should boaters be inconvenienced. This I cannot celebrate ..... Most of the safety concerns stated here could be applied to canoeists, sail boats, row boats, crew on moored boats, mud weighting etc etc. Should we ban all activity on the broads? This surely would lead to the inevitable dreaded new branding.

I never thought I would read such a statement here on the nbn. There are usually two sides to every debate, both have merit and deserve equal respect, assuming that is you want to maintain nbn as an open, welcoming, friendly forum.

A few who have felt motivated to contribute .... certainly not the majority of members. What I find disappointing is that whilst valid concerns have been raised there appears to be an assumption that these have been ignored/overlooked in the safety review of the event.

I guess it is important that every broadland event meets the exactING safety scrutiny and approval from nbn members? If so nothing would ever happen.

I feel uncomfortable with this interrogation I'm not sure it is anybody else's business

Ferry cross the mersey lol

Actually Liverpool is a lovely place to visit these days ... I think it attracts more visitors than broadland.

I watched a recent TV program of people who regularly swim across the mersey. Im not aware that this resulted in hordes of people taking to regular swimming there.

We have been assured that a thorough safety assessment has been carried out, is there a need for less informed individuals to cast doubts on the advisability based on safety. Wild swimmers, which this event will attract, are used to swimming in conditions much worse than the waveney, surely we can allow them to decide if this event is viable. Sadly we seem to live in a society where we revel in thinking up reasons not to do things instead of welcoming new ideas. I hope the negativity written here, although well intentioned, won't put the organisers off from organising future broadland events. One final request please can we refer to the broads as the broads ... continued use of national park label only serves to fuel discontent and ill feeling amongst members.

Angling and swimming events coexisted quite amicably for many years in Beccles.

That's great news. It's nice to see the return of swimmers to Beccles .... memories of the old regatta frolics. It's also good to open up the rivers to other interest groups other than boating and fishing. I note that there will be tests on the condition of the water prior to the event. One again the Suffolk broads lead the way.

I always keep an expensive bottle of malt on standby ready for a refill from Aldi own brand.

Thank you for the English lesson ..... I will strive, probably without success, to ensure my postings what I make will be better constructed.

Blimey, you kept that quiet. I didn't know you did boat building!

Some dramatic views eastcoastipa. Thanks for sharing

Maybe the local councils should relax planning and make plots available on nearby farm land to accommodate those who lose uninsured clifftop properties.

It is unlikely that a consensus will be achieved on this subject. Contributors on both sides seem entrenched in their views and are unlikely to be swayed one way or the other. However it is important that people's views are respected whether you agree or not. I haven't noticed any posts that have challenged the tos unless I have missed a deleted post. Whilst some may view lively dialogue as confrontational, many believe that it is an essential aspect for a successful forum.

But in those days people knew how to look out for themselves no such thing as nanny state or blame culture. If you made a judgement mistake you accepted that you had been a idiot.

That's quite sad. That said the winning parks are very picturesque. But it's the taking part that is important, any publicity for the broads is welcomed.

Whilst I understand your sentiment on this occasion Robin quite openly discussed his preferred method of purchase. So discussion regarding this is IMHO quite justified on this thread.

If you have loads of money then you can justify buying blind as you can afford to bin it and try again. If, like most of us, you are spending hard earned savings on a dream then you only have one shot so you need to do all you can to ensure there are no nasty surprises.