I am pleased to say that our presence at Kingsbridge Show 2022 was a success. To date 7 new members have joined while several others intend joining next year. Many people stopped for a chat, some of whom knew of us but several did not. Existing members were mostly pleased to see us and admired our stand. One subject which emerged from chats was the absence of an easy way for members to contact each other when they felt that a hand would be useful, e.g. when slipping or launching boats. The use of the web site has been suggested but this raises data protection issues as any entries would have to display the applicants’ contact details. We can’t make access to the Club’s database available. WhatsApp groups get round this problem but I know many of us have enough of them already. Comments or suggestions please..
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An additional bonus was the sale of a member’s inflatable from the stand.
Subsequent to the show your committee met and finalised the winter programme, full details are available on the web site up to March 2023. Next on the agenda is a talk on the flora and fauna of the estuary by Nigel Mortimer from S. Devon AONB. 7pm for a 7.30 start on October 12th at the Regal Club.
We met our new representative to Salcombe Harbour Board, Chris Plant, and discussed a few items which concern us. An extract from the Club Committee minutes follows
Discussion held at opening of meeting whilst Chris Plant present:
Our list of questions (see last minutes) had received a response from Phil at Harbour Office but was discussed again with Chris:
(a) Buoyage – Chris is pushing the need for lit buoys in Kingsbridge estuary. C 15 solar powered buoys needed so cost will be c £30k and big issue for charts etc. We had only asked for light at end of KB slipway to be replaced to avoid hazard and this has been done. With some hesitation icw light pollution KEBC could support Chris’ project.
(b)Pontoon use – unused boats blocking berths. Chris raised option of full winter maintenance requiring ALL boats to be moved. This a non-starter as some have nowhere to go. However, all agreed that the same rules should be applied to pontoon berths as to deep water moorings. Also, all boats without Harbour dues stickers should be towed away.
(c) Speeding – possibility of drone patrol for wide coverage and proof of speed (Currently lacking and prevents prosecution)
(d) disabled access from Pontoon – Chris agreed this was lacking throughout estuary
(e) Changes to KB quay – Chair cautioned need to retain a launching point for 60ft pontoons and large vessels as Kingsbridge slip is only remaining option for this. Skateboard park and Waterborn containers should not block articulated lorry access. Dinghy/kayak racks built along tree edge would not hinder quay use and would be popular.
(f) Security of pontoon – key code to access pontoon: elsewhere such codes are changed regularly. The new code could be emailed to harbour dues payers. SHB solar camera could be installed (SHDC one is for crime on car park)
(g) ladder – not a SHA responsibility (although they have persistently NOT said so)
TO NOTE: difficulties arise due to division of authority between SHDC and Salcombe Harbour Authority.
Thus ended a full and useful meeting, we await responses from Salcombe Harbour Authority in due course and I will report back to you.
Hope to see plenty of you on October 12th
Tony Watson.