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Ramblings from our Chairman - August 2020

Hello Everyone, and welcome to the August 2020 Chairman’s inane ramblings (aka Newsletter).
I hope that you are all well and continue to live within the various Covid-19 restrictions/advice as unscathed as possible. On a positive note, there seems to be quite a resurgence of canal use in various including boats, anglers, cyclists, and walkers. Although advice keeps changing, (and will probably have changed by the time you read this) it looks as if “social gatherings of more than 30 people” are not going to be permitted until the end of the year. This means that our next three meetings will be “virtual” using “Zoom”. You will be able to access the meeting by telephone (mobile or landline), tablet, laptop, or PC/Mac.

First Meeting

We kick off the 20/21 season at 7:30pm on Weds 9^th September, with David Fern, Principal Engineer from CRT talking about his work on the canals. To access the meeting via the internet, you need to use this link.
If you would prefer to use a telephone, dial 0203 481 5237, 0203 481 5240, or 0203 901 7895.
When prompted, you will need to enter the Meeting ID: 869 4112 9230 and Passcode: 189907.You will soon receive the full 2020/2021 programme of talks, meetings, and walks. Walks will hopefully end with a lunch in a suitable hostelry, but again this will be dependent on any Covid-19 restrictions/advice. Please note that, as announced at the AGM and reiterated in the July Newsletter, we still need a volunteer to take over the programme planning. Carole has organised the 2020/2021 programme, but really does want to stand down. This task is essential to our Branch, so please consider helping.

Technology

As a general point on communication, there are still some members who have not provided us with an email address. If you have received this newsletter in paper format, for example by post, please consider giving us your email address. This helps to keep Branch running costs down and is a much quicker way for us to communicate updated information. The IWA rigorously follows the instructions of the GDPR and will not divulge your details to any third party.
Fairly soon, the new IWA website will be released. This will be much more user-friendly and you will be able to easily access our Branch pages, as well as all the national stuff.

Grapple

After a discussion with our local CRT management team, we are going to hold another “grapple” or “under-water industrial archaeology” session. This will be on Sunday 18^th October, from roughly 9:00am to 1:00pm in Leamington Spa. The actual location will be announced when known, so keep your eyes and ears peeled for an update (e.g. email, website, social media, carrier pigeon). We will provide grapple hooks, and there will be a safety briefing before we start, especially being mindful of social distancing.

Benches

The planting of the Rhodes Thomas benches was planned for 28^th/29^th March and did not happen. We are now awaiting the go ahead from CRT. Depending on when this is, and what Covid-19 restrictions/advice are in place at the time, will define how we do this safely. Details will be announced when known.

Christmas and New Year?

Yes, it is only August and the weather is far from being in the spirit of Christmas. However, it is already time to think about friends and family for the festive season. Why not help Branch funds by ordering some Christmas cards and 2021 Calendars?
As we are not physically meeting in September, we will be taking orders for the IWA Christmas Cards and Calendars via email from Branch members. We are happy to deliver orders in the Warwickshire Branch area during the last week of September/first week of October. Payment is not required until delivery takes place. Purchasing your cards and calendars through the Branch helps fund waterways projects and the work of our Branch in the Warwickshire area. Your help will be much appreciated.
When ordering, please state the code number of pack(s) and number of packs required and email Greta at info.warwickshire@waterways.org.uk or, if preferred, by text or phone on 07831 438576 by Saturday 12th September 2020. Items available are shown in the Autumn edition of ‘Waterways’ magazine and in the “shop” area of the IWA website. Use the following links to view the cards and calendars available:
Cards
Card bargain packs
2021 Calendars

In closing, I hope that you are continuing to enjoy our local (and maybe further afield) canals whether you are on a boat, horse, bicycle, angling or just walking.
Colin and the Warwickshire Branch Committee (Carole, Greta, Nick, Peter, Sheila).

For further information about Warwickshire Branch activities please email: info.warwickshire@waterways.org.uk