Medway and Swale Boating Association
The voice of boating on the tidal Medway and Swale
Author Nick Ardley, often seen cruising the Medway with his wife Christobel in their classic Finesse 24 “Whimbrel” with sailing tender in tow, has revealed that he has prostate cancer.
The diagnosis only happened after he insisted on a PSA blood test and he is campaigning for routine screening for men in the same way that women are screened. He says many a sailor’s life could be saved, so come on chaps, get a PSA test!
Sadly we have to report that Paul Mace, long time Captain of the Medway Branch of the RNSA, passed away on 3rd May. A keen and knowledgeable sailor himself, Paul’s enthusiasm and leadership of the local RNSA developed the Branch and steered it through difficult times and it is much to his credit that it is now a healthy and flourishing club. He will be sorely missed by all in the RNSA, and the many other river users to whom Paul freely gave his time, help and guidance.
Paul served in the Royal Navy as a submariner. He also served on board HMS Cavalier, now preserved in Chatham Historic Dockyard and Paul was an active member of the HMS Cavalier Association, helping to maintain the ship when time allowed.
Our condolences go out to Paul’s family at this sad time.
Applications are invited from enthusiastic pro active persons in the Leisure Boating Industry to join the team at Queenborough Harbour Trust CIC in the role of Harbour Controller. The harbour is a not for profit Community Interest Company which is rapidly developing and expanding. The successful candidate will be responsible for the day to day running of the harbour, management of staff and plant equipment, as well as be part of the team developing the harbour. The successful candidate will also need to show evidence of a successful track record in the industry as well as qualifications, expertise and experience in management and marketing similar organizations. In order that there is a smooth transition from the current post holder the Directors wish the successful candidate take up the post as soon as possible before the new year, if at all possible.
Interested persons should apply, for full further details, in writing, including a CV, to the Chairman at the following address by 31st October 2017.
Queenborough Harbour Trust CIC
Harbour Masters Office
Town Quay, South Street
Queenborough, Kent
ME11 5AF
Nick Ardley
is an eccentric, an anachronism from a simpler age, for the way he sails his clinker sloop around the Thames estuary. In Rochester to Richmond: A Thames Estuary Sailor’s View. The book is a reflective journey between Rochester and London, a path once of commerce, but now pleasure. Rochester was of immense importance to Britain’s past trading richness too. The belching chimneys pouring acrid fumes and cement dust have evaporated. Oil refineries have slipped away, but wharves lining the banks survive. As a distraction, he wanders a little above Rochester and then again, a little above the Pool of London towards Richmond. Between, he lands amongst the marsh and mud, finding graves and farmsteads enveloped in purslane and lavender. Many towns sailed past were part of this heritage, supplying building materials and food carried by the tan-sailed barge to London. Ardley dips and dabbles into these communities and explores how they have transformed.
Nick will have copies available on Whimbrel at the Queenborough Classic Boat Festival on 9+10 September.
MSBA Chairman Brian Corbett was treated to a personal tour of the indescribably weird and wonderful steamship SS George Stephenson. The beautiful vessel is the brainchild of eccentric Dutch owner Vaas Stik who used hundreds of recycled components and materials, some more than a hundred years old, in her construction. The ship has both a steam engine and an eight cylinder 1950s Gardner diesel engine, both wonders to behold in their respective immaculate engine rooms The ship is moored on the waiting pontoon in the river at Chatham Marina and is free to visit this week only, so don’t miss the opportunity!
We are sad to report that Ron Judd has died tragically. He fell from a ladder whilst working on Nepos in Gillingham Marina last Thursday. He was air lifted to London but he never regained consciousness. He had extensive head injuries and life support was turned off on Friday evening. Ron was a member of the Medway Motor Yacht Club, which was a member of the MYA. Details of the funeral can be obtained in due course from Nigel Jennings, past Commodore of MMYC, on 07775 701631.
Chairman
Reluctantly, because of health and professional pressures, John Gore has decided to resign from the position of Chairman of the MSBA. All the members would like to thank John for his wisdom and good service to the Association.
On John’s recommendation, Brian Corbett will be acting as Chairman, and Tony Lavelle will be acting as Vice Chairman, subject to ratification at the next AGM.
Secretary
Gavin Parson, again due to professional pressures would like to pass on the mantle of MSBA secretary. Although we have been asking for volunteers at the last two members’ business meetings, we would also welcome and consider the offer of administrative support, including minute taking at the monthly meetings, on a fee paid basis.
Bob Cox has told us of the sad news that his father, Stuart, died on 16 October. Stuart was a popular GP and had a distinguished career in local politics. As a pillar of Medway Yacht Club he set up the Medway Yachting Association, which became the MSBA, and it was his idea to link the RYA membership to clubs.