Foreword by The Chairman

I am delighted and honoured to have held the position of Chairman of The Boating Association since 2017. The TBA was established in 1949 and I am very proud to be associated and actively involved with the running and administration of the Association.

My first introduction to the TBA was at age 6 when my parents were thinking about a trip down the river Trent for the first time and were made aware of the Trent Charts by another boater. As we weren’t near a chandlery, my mum traced a copy of the charts using greaseproof paper. I have spent all my life boating and after putting the family Seamaster aground at the age 14, I knew the importance of the Trent Chart series. This inspired me back in 2007 to change the charts from the original sketches to the current system of aerial photographic shots with guidance notes.

The TBA is unique in that we look after the needs of boaters and represent them and their clubs at a national and local level. By working with our affiliated clubs, we are able to maximise the support we get from external sources, ie Canal and River Trust, enabling us to help and support our members’ needs.

Happy boating.