Wales

The Committee for Wales (CFW) was set up primarily to provide a means of good communication on pan Wales waterway matters within the Association, including specialist advice and assistance and to advise Council on matters relevant to the Association’s activities in Wales.  The structure is flexible allowing Branches to meet as and when required and provides a platform to engage with Welsh Canal Societies, offering help and assistance in furthering the interests of the navigations.

The Committee met in April 2007 at one of its twice yearly meetings held in Newtown, Powys.  In reviewing the important work being undertaken members were delighted to understand that twenty persons had signed into membership of the IWA following the promotional work undetaken at the National Eisteddfod of Wales held in Swansea in August 2006.The General Secretary reported that little or no response had been recieved by the Committee in its quest to source bilingual speakers or good Welsh learners which was disappointing.  As a consequence and having regard to the bilingual rule of the Eisteddfod it was unlikely therefore that attendance at the National Eisteddfod in Mold in August 2007 was possible.  However, it is still hoped to come some understanding and arrangements with one of our partners so that a Reception or similar can be held during the week.  In future years arrangements will be made to attend at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show, held in Builth Wells during July.  It is considered important to continue with the promotional work being undertaken in order to raise and then retain the profile of the IWA in Wales.

Committee members continue to be called upon to attend and to partner with other interested groups at various meetings throughout Wales including those called by the Welsh Assembly.  Because of this continued involvement useful contacts are continually being forged in the interest of the Waterways and the IWA.

In short, the Committee continues to go from strength to strength and interested individuals are invited to contact the General Secretary G W Hughes for further information.  Bilingual application forms are available to those who wish to join the Association.

G W Hughes (01341) 250 631