CAMPAIGN EVENT AT WARE

The IWA Lee and Stort Branch arranged a blockade of the Lee Navigation in Ware, Hertfordshire on 25th November 2007 to highlight the potential disastrous consequences of BW and EA funding cuts.

23 Narrow Boats, 2 Dutch Barges and a coracle braved the elements to support the Save Our Waterways campaign. A media centre was established close to the main bridge in Ware to inform local people of the threats to our rivers if these cuts take place. More than 600 signatures were gathered on our petition showing overwhelming public objection to the government plans.

The AWCC and local boat clubs and the deputy mayor of Hertford attended to show their support for this national campaign.

Craig Haslam, Branch Chairman said "This is a fantastic turn out of boats, supported by so many others from the towpath, highlighting the passion the people of Hertfordshire have for their waterways. We are the newest and smallest IWA branch and have pulled together at this critical time to say "no" to funding cuts".

Dave "Moose" Hearnden also writes :-

Cruised from our mooring up to Ware this morning. Considering the rain overnight, the river was up but it has been up for the last few days. Strong wind blowing in gusts looked like the order of the day but after picking up gas from the Marina and then in Stanstead Lock picked up a further two crew members ( I suppose no one else would have them) After reaching Ware, heavens open up.

We moved our boats into appointed positions and spoke to people, a marquee was set up. From the marquee leaflets were being handed out and people could sign the petition.

The local Deputy Mayor, was walking around, I had a few word with him. He seemed very keen and on our side.

Craig from the L & S IWA was making very useful, announcements over a microphone to announce why we were there and for people to sign the petitions etc.

I think the normal suspects would be staying on tonight in Ware but we had to get our extra crew back to the Marina so Helen could go to her Mum's 70th birthday party tonight.

Very enjoyable day shame about the reason why we had to be in Ware and the weather was not the best, but I believe our 23 boats (all narrow boats I'm afraid) is a good number considering its a dead end river.There was plenty of support from other boaters on foot.

Originally posted to canals-list@yahoogroups.com

And Les Hunt adds

The storm clouds and heavy rain showers could do nothing to dampen the spirits of the Lee & Stort Branch of the IWA on Saturday morning, November 25th, as they gathered in Ware, on the River Lee, to demonstrate against the DEFRA cuts. Armed with clipboards and information leaflets the stalwart volunteers stood in the rain on Ware Town Bridge informing the passing members of the public of the proposed cuts, and collecting signatures.

At about 12:30 boats were still arriving (in the pouring rain!) with crews showing their support. Then, a command from Craig Haslam, Branch Chairman, and the boats were formed up to effectively blockade the river - and there they stayed for the next hour!

At this point the sun really did shine on the protestors - the clouds parted, the rain disappeared, and the protestors basked in glorious sunshine (for about half an hour, anyway) while Craig addressed the crowds, the boats sounded their horns, and the public appeared from everywhere to see what all the commotion was about. Passing shoppers, shopkeepers, dog walkers and gongoozlers of every shape, size and age appeared to show their support, and sign the petition.

By the end of the afternoon over 500 signatures had been collected from the good burghers of Ware, and a lot of new friends of the waterways were made. The final tally of blockading boats was 22 (or 23, if you count Ron's coracle).

Special thanks are due to John Shacklock for producing such colourful and eye-catching signs, placards and posters, and to Frank Wallder for tirelessly manning our Gazebo - sorry, Media Centre - throughout the day.

Go to the top of this page.