Page 4 of 8 . . . Stockport Canalboat Trust .
GRAPHICS VERSION
HOME Introducing `New Horizons` About the Trust `New Horizons` News Macclesfield Canal photo cruise An Invitation Booking Information How To Find Us Useful Links Peak Forest Canal photo cruise
In an effort to reduce "spam" , "mail to" links have been removed from this site. Please enter the desired address manually or paste in, replacing the "at" with "@". Thank you.
For help with how to adjust your computer to make it more suitable for viewing this or any website please visit www.abilitynet.org.uk/myway/
FEBRUARY 2010 . . .Bookings
You can print out your 2010 booking form on-line .
02/02/10 . . .
MARPLE WEBSITE
The owners of the Marple Website have decided to follow the lead of the Marple Business Forum and donate the profits from the sales of their 2010 Marple & Mellor Calendar to New Horizons.
It is now known that profits were just over £400 and they have agreed to round it up to £500.
Unfortunately this is only around half of what was raised in previous years and because this is considerably less than had been hoped for, it has been decided to donate the profits from the 2011 calendar to New Horizons too.14/01/10 . . .
FUND RAISING QUIZ NIGHTS
The first of this year's Quiz nights at the RING O' BELLS (Church Lane, Marple) have been fixed for the 31st of March and 7th of April.07/01/10 . . .
MARPLE WHARF UPDATE
The following update has been received from the Marple Civic Society .As you know, Marple Civic Society has been in consultation with British Waterways since July 2009. We last met with them on 7th December and are due to meet with them again on 19th January 2010. The Regeneration Team at Stockport MBC has recently taken an interest in Marple Wharf and its potential and they will enter into discussions with British Waterways this month.
The latest Joint Statement is available HERE, (This is a pdf file and requires the use of Adobe Acrobat Reader . If your computer does not already have this , it can be downloaded FREE from ADOBE.)
but British Waterways has offered to provide a comprehensive review, including diagrams describing the work to date and the current situation. When this is available we will arrange a display in Marple Library for members and friends to view. Members of our steering group will be on hand to explain and answer questions. We expect the meeting will take place towards the end of January or beginning of February 2010.
Alan Postill,
Chairman.JANUARY 2010 . . .Bookings
Print out your 2010 booking form on-line .
12/12/09 . . .
MARPLE CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONThis was the weekend of the official announcement that New Horizons was to be Marple Business Forum's Charity of the Year.
The cold, bright and dry day was well attended (including by Father Christmas) and our stand was manned (and womanned!) by Sue and Bob with their loyal band of volunteers.
A quick tot up indicates that the return on the stall will be about £750. Well done to all involved.
Also at today's event, the Marple Business Forum presented New Horizons with a cheque for £1000 at the start of the year of us being their nominated charity.
Press photos were taken so watch out in next weeks papers.For a full report and more pictures, visit the Marple website.
All credit must go to this hard working group who have made such a success of visiting events throughout the year and raised a substantial amount of money for our cause.
Sue and Bob especially, must have spent many hours preparing and cooking much of the stock for sale and then setting up and manning the stall. It is also thanks to Sue that much of the information is passed on to be posted on this website.
Webmaster
2/12/09 . . .
SITUATION VACANTTHE TRUST IS SEEKING A
SKIPPER/BOAT MANAGER
for 'New Horizons', a specially designed 70' boat based in Marple.
This is a full time salaried position requiring flexible working arrangements.Candidates should have the NCBA Certificate in Boat Management, or equivalent, good interpersonal skills and some knowledge of basic maintenance of diesel engines.
For further details and a job specification/application form,
jamesdunlop@tiscali.co.ukINTERVIEWS ON the weekend of 16th./17th. JANUARY 2010
2/12/09 . . .
Report of the STOCKPORT CANAL BOAT TRUST OPEN EVENING, 27th. November 2009
The meeting was conducted by Sue Woodgate since the Chairman was away.Apologies were given.
The acting Chair then gave an account of a very positive season of activities.This was followed by the Skipper's Report.Skipper’s Report ‘NEW HORIZONS’2009 SEASON
Comparison bookings are as follows
2009 = 200 bookings
2008 = 196 bookings
2007 = 187 bookings
2006 = 198 bookings
2005 = 184 bookings
2004 = 171 bookings
2003 = 148 bookings
2002 = 131 bookings
2001 = 135 bookings
2000 = 164 bookingsBreakdown of bookings for 2009 as follows, (figures in brackets are previous year).
April,
30 days
Mornings 6(8)
Afternoons 11(9)
All day9 (9)
Evenings 0(0)
Total bookings 26(26)May,
31 days
Mornings 4(6)
Afternoons 12 (13)
All day 4 (5)
Evenings 0 (0)
Total bookings 20(24)June,
30 days
Mornings 8 (7)
Afternoons 14(17)
All day 5 (6)
Evenings 4(3)
Total bookings 31 (33)July,
31 days
Mornings 14(15)
Afternoons 20(21)
All day 5 (9)
Evenings 8 (1)
Total bookings 47 (46)August,
31 days
Mornings 11(7)
Afternoons 19(19)
All day 10 (13)
Evenings 0(0)
Total bookings 40 (39)September,
30 days
Mornings 7(3)
Afternoons 15 (14)
All day 6(9)
Evenings 0(0)
Total bookings 28(20)October,
14 days of 31
Mornings 1 (0)
Afternoons 7(6)
All Day 0 (0)
Total bookings 8 (6)
Total bookings that did not turn up 4(4)
Total number of passengers carried over 2009 = 1985
Previous years; 2008 = 2025. 2007=1 836.2006 2158.2005 = 1816.
Most common destination = Higher Poynton
Longest journey, Marple to Bollington Wharf (just before Bollington) 15.5 miles.This year despite being down on the overall amount of passengers, has seen a record figure in the bookings. New Horizons year on year is going from strength to strength ever increasing in both popularity and support.
This has been the season we said goodbye to Marion Eyers and Ken Cook as volunteer skippers but said hello to Jay Havelena , Sue Woodgate, Bill Arden and John Wright. Bringing the total of volunteer skippers up to an impressive group of nine in total.
Works carried out on the boat since last season include the complete re wire of her internal electrical systems, a complete re-plumbing of her gas system (carried out by volunteer skipper Peter Sharp), the much needed replacement of the prop shaft and fuel lines and various other small tasks to see her through the commercial craft boat safety inspection.
For the first time in many years the New Horizons meets up to all regulations required for the safe running of such a craft.Over this off season, Peter Sharp has already carried out work on the Boatman’s cabin, putting in place a desk and lockable cupboards for the safe storage of important documents and harmful chemicals. A comprehensive boat hull survey will be carried out to determine whether any major steel work need be carried out on the hull, along with the inspection of the propeller (suspected bent out of shape along an old fault in the metal). Whilst this is to take place in dry dock the bi-annual blacking of the hull is to be carried out.
Also work is to commence on the decoration of the cabin interior to be carried out by the volunteers and myself. I hope to pass the boat onto the next skipper in full working order and in top condition.This has been my third and as you know final season working on New Horizons.
The past three years have been the highlight so far in my working life. Skippering the New Horizons up and down the High Peak and Macclesfield Canal has to be one of the most stress free, relaxing, sociable and rewarding jobs I have ever had the privilege to undertake. Through it I have met such great folk many making lasting friends. Leaving this position is not easy, but I feel it is time to hand over to someone else and take leave to explore the rest of our great canal system with my wife Heather on our own boat , whilst youth is on our side.
I wish the Stockport Canal Boat trust and New Horizons all the best over the coming years and extend a massive thank you to all involved. I look forward to returning to this area to offer my services as a volunteer upon your boat in the future. Keep up the good work.
James May - Skipper
The Treasurer then gave his report of the 2008 season (see accounts below) which showed a small surplus, despite some heavy repair expenses, thanks to some very generous donations.
The Treasurer was also able to estimate that the 2009 season would probably also show a small surplus. The Chair then continued, pointing out the vital efforts of our many volunteers in a variety of different roles.Special mention was made of our Information Officer Marion who retiring as Volunteer Skipper (but NOT as Info. Officer!) and Dave Capp who does the vital job of co-ordinating the bookings, collecting the monies and liaising with the skipper, to keep our operation working smoothly.
The availability of the mooring was slightly in question due to the possible re-development plans of British Waterways.
The Trust, together with The Marple Civic Society are working with British Waterways to come to an arrangement suitable to all concerned.
In the mean time it is expected to at least commence operations in 2010 working from our present base. If necessary a temporary base could be found whilst any re-development takes place. WATCH THIS SPACE!
Several local festivals were attended with very satisfactory financial results (see below).FLOAT THE BOAT DRAW
This was won by Ron Astles, one of our Trustees(NOT a fix, honest!)PLANS FOR 2010
The Trust has been selected as the Charity of the Year by Marple Business Forum and will start with a stall at their Christmas event on the 12th. of December, for which tombola items and preserves etc. are required.
As will have been seen, Skipper James has resigned (see above) and an advert will soon appear for his replacement.It is planned to visit several local festivals again next year, Whaley Water Weekend, Marple Carnival and the Marple Food and Drink Festival at least, in order to maintain fund raising and raise the profile of the Trust.
Prices for cruises will be kept at present rates for the next season and the boat will be running trips from the 1st of April until 31st. of October 2010.
Crew notices will be posted on board in the refurbished boatman's cabin, by email and also on this website.
There are items of crew wear for sale, fleeces, sweatshirts etc.
Crew Kit
Last year we were asked several times about sweatshirts and jackets with a New Horizons Logo on them. We will be organising some 2010 versions. • The Fleece Jackets will be £17.50 all sizes. • The sweatshirts will be £12.50 all sizes.
These will be ordered from the suppliers on demand.
Please send the information required (below) to either
James Dunlop, jamesdunlop@tiscali.co.uk, or Sue Woodgate, sue.woodgate@tesco.net. (64 Glossop Rd, Marple Bridge, SK6 5EL)
Payment by either cash or cheque on delivery. Cheques payable to Stockport Canal Boat Trust.
Name ____________________________________________
Fleece Jacket / s size _________________
Sweatshirt / s size __________________
Delivery address or date you are on the boat.
Signed ______________________________
QUIZ
The evening was rounded off with a light hearted quiz on a number of topics including waterways, history and general knowledge.
Much to their own surprise this was won by a team of 'Old Stagers', comprising Booking Officer Dave, Webmaster Bill and Photographer Ruth, who won a bottle of wine each. Perhaps we were allowed to win!
20/11/09 . . .
STOCKPORT CANAL BOAT TRUST
2008 Accounts are available HERE
This is a pdf file and requires the use of Adobe Acrobat Reader .
If your computer does not already have this , it can be downloaded FREE from ADOBE.
31/10/09 . . .
STOCKPORT CANAL BOAT TRUST OPEN EVENING
Friday 27th November 2009 at Marple Cricket and Squash Club, Bowden Lane, Marple, 7.30 for 8pm.
Review of ‘09 , Plans for ‘10 and a Quiz / Social.
EVERYONE WELCOME
NEW HORIZONS’ NEWSLETTER EDITION 4, AUTUMN 2009
WANTED! - NEW MOORING.
There has been a significant amount of activity during 2009 revolving around the plans of British Waterways, in conjunction with H2O Urban, to build houses on the site.
Several options have been discussed, the current situation is that our tenure at the current mooring has been extended and we are currently planning to start the 2010 season in Marple. Two possible moorings have been identified if we have to move in the short term.
We are now working with Marple Civic Society to explore more imaginative solutions to the development of the site as a whole. More details of this are available from the Marple Civic Society website. .
During the year we have received support from local MP’s, Councillors and the General Public, all of which is much appreciated.NEW HORIZONS, MARPLE BUSINESS FORUM CHARITY OF THE YEAR 2010
See below.A FANTASTIC YEAR FOR FUNDRAISING
2009 has been an excellent year for fundraising at festivals.
Our first outing was the Whaley Water Weekend, where over the two days we offered trips on ‘New Horizons’, ran a Tombola, sold tea towels, aprons and had some imaginative games. This weekend raised over £1000 for our charity.
One week later, a similar set of activities at Marple Carnival, where we had a stall in the park and the boat at Possett Bridge raised in the region of £400.
A short break of one week, then led us into the Locks Festival, where as well as the stall in the park, we had the mooring open as a café. Again we raised over £1000.
In September we made an appearance at the Marple Food Fair. We had a very well stocked stall , cakes, jams and jellies and a massive Tombola. This event also raised over £1000.
None of this could have been possible without the generosity of New Horizons volunteers and a massive THANK YOU is due to all.HIGHLIGHTS OF NEW HORIZONS DONATIONS 2009
The Triangle Trust 1949 £2,500
New Mills Wives Group £50
L A & P E Goff £80
Exors of G W Fernyhough dec'd £120
Cheshire B/Soc £50
Rotary Club of New Mills £150
Marple Business Forum £50
A & G Stunnel £500
G Ashley £30
M Westecott £24.17
Butler Court Social Club £260
Lyme 41 Club £200
Jean Rich Foundation £3,420
Royal Sun Alliance £500
Hazel Grove Ladies Supper Club (via Sue Astles) £70
Marple Carnival Committee. £150
2010 CRUISING SEASON
The 2010 season will start on the 1st of April 2010 and continue until 31st October 2010. We will be offering, morning, afternoon and all day cruises throughout the season with evening trips in late May, June, July and early August.
See You There
17/10/09 . . .
CHARITY OF THE YEAR 2010
New Horizons has been nominated as the Marple Business Forum, Charity of the Year 2010.
This will be launched at an event on Market Street on the 12th of December 2009. We have been asked to put a stall together with publicity and our usual merchandise.
Sue has a lot of extracts etc frozen from the fruit processed in the summer but virtually no JARS! Any jars would be very gratefully received.
The October Ring O'Bells quiz nights raised £265 in support of New Horizons.
PREVIOUS . . About the Trust.