News

DAVE HOWARD

We have been saddened to learn of the death on February 18th of our Thameside member Dave Howard after a short illness.

Always a colourful and enjoyable character Dave owned the steam boat 'Loudwater Lady'. and had many other interests. The owner of a Locomobile Steam car and a very rare Dutton Amphicar was fascinated by old cars and motorcycles. He will be much missed by the SBA's Thames area members and our sympathies are extended to Jean and the family.

I have been asked to pass on the following information.

'I am writing to let you know of the passing of David Abrahams of Surbiton, Surrey, who I am pretty certain was a longstanding SBA member.

David died on 5 November 2024 after a short illness. He was active almost to the very end and among other things had sailed on the paddle steamer Waverley and enjoyed a holiday in Wales last year.

The funeral will take place on Wednesday 15 January 2025 at St Paul's church, 280 Hook Road, Hook, Surrey, KT9 1PF, at 1.00 pm. No flowers have been requested. I believe that the service will be followed by a woodland burial, and a gathering at the church.'

Have been asked to report the death of Cory Luxmoore. He & his wife Kate were very active members of the SBS  some years ago. Newer members will obviously not remember them.

If anyone would like to attend his funeral they are most welcome.

Details: Wednesday 22nd January at 2pm at Sherborne Abbey. Afterwards the wake with Afternoon Tea will be held at The Sherborne, Newland,, Sherborne, DT9 3JG.

At the request of the SBA Committee, SBA Services Limited (The SBAS) have instigated a new service to allow Overseas Visitors to SBA Events to obtain temporary Boiler Test Certificates from the SBAS.

These will be known as "TISRs" (Temporary Inspection Scheme Reports) and are provided under the normal Boiler Inspection Scheme. They can be valid for up to 60 days, need to be applied for typically 60 days before they are needed.

Such test can be requested via the Scheme Administrator, and you can see the updated booklet (Version 7.08, dated 29th May 2024), which describes the process and charges) on the SBAS pages of the site or download it from here

Malcolm Duckett, Company Secretary SBA Services Limited

Waverley, the World’s last seagoing paddle steamer, has been awarded the prestigious status of National Flagship of the Year by National Historic Ships UK. The award recognises the breadth and geographic coverage of Waverley’s sailings in addition to the extended sailing programme planned for 2024 with a record beating seventy ports and piers included within this year’s cruising itinerary.

There are some slightly adjusted draft accounts now on the website on the Events page/2024 AGM

See all the latest news by going to their website or using the url link below:

https://waterways.org.uk/civicrm?civiwp=CiviCRM&q=civicrm%2Fmailing%2Fview&reset=1&id=1176

Go to the IWA website (www.waterways.org.uk) using the link below to learn about progress with the IWA's campaign to ensure funding for Britain's waterways.

https://waterways.org.uk/fund-britains-waterways 

Julian Garratt, has informed SBAS that he wishes to resign his post as Chairman of the Company and as a Member of the Company. This request has been accepted by the Management team and Directors of the Company.

The Directors and Management Team recorded their considerable thanks and appreciation for Julian's work for the SBAS over many years, both as Chairman and as Boiler Design Library Librarian.

Furthermore, the company is please to announce that Nigel Thomson has agreed to stand (and was subsequently elected) as the new Chair for SBA Services Limited, and as a Director of the Company.

Lastly, it has come to our attention that people may not be aware that SBAS no-longer sells the CD of the Boiler Design Library, but has instead provided all this information free of charge (including new boilers designed by John King) via it's web pages on the SBA Site. Please review these as they also include castings and drawings of engines and hulls for sale.

https://www.steamboatassociation.co.uk/SBA-Services-Limited

·        Boiler Inspection and Testing Services 

·        Boiler Design Library

·        Hull Drawing Library

·        Castings for steamboats

·        Castings and drawings for steam engines

See set out below an important message received from the Inland Waterways Association. This campaign and the petition are backed by the committee of the SBA.

Note: Here is the link to the petition - 

https://www.change.org/p/fund-britain-s-waterways 

Copy this link into your browser or go to the IWA website to find the link there under 'Fund Britain's Waterways'.

"Please sign our petition calling on prime minister Rishi Sunak to guarantee future funding of the entire 5000-mile network of canals and navigable rivers.

Our campaigning coalition Fund Britain’s Waterways aims to deliver hundreds of thousands of signatures to 10 Downing Street this Autumn.

There’s so much at stake. Please add your name and help us by circulating widely to your networks.

More than 8.5 million people (nearly 15% of the population) live on or within 1km of the waterways, and half of us live within 5km. In urban areas, the percentage is often much higher with many urban waterways running through heavily populated areas of deprivation and diversity, often with higher rates of ill-health and unemployment. Add to those figures the additional 10 million people who access the waterways for business, leisure, wellness or commuting, and it’s clear that open, accessible and well-maintained waterways are vital for us all, and for Britain’s economy, ecology and wellbeing.

Let me stress – this isn’t just about boaters, nor is it solely in response to the Canal & River Trust grant settlement. Inland Waterways Association and the Fund Britain’s Waterways campaign is for much more.

5,000 miles of navigable waterways across England, Scotland and Wales form a vast national infrastructure network.

Collectively they provide hugely important benefits to people, the environment and local communities, while also contributing significantly to the economy.

Our canals and rivers create jobs and bring financial benefits through tourism and leisure.

They offer opportunities to mitigate flooding, transfer drinking water and provide habitat corridors for wildlife and biodiversity.

They can also contribute to the improved health and wellbeing of the whole population.

These benefits can only be realised if they are well maintained and looked after.

We’re concerned not only about Canal & River Trust’s 2,000 miles but also the stretches managed by the Environment Agency, Broads Authority, Scottish Canals and other navigation authorities.

Most of all, we’re fighting for the millions of people like you who rely on canals and rivers for housing, work, education, commuting, and leisure along with our mental and physical health and social connection.

Please sign our petition and spread the word far and wide.

Thank you."

End