about CQBHA
In the summer of 1991, Tony Hackett sat on his Yacht “Bold Lancer” surveying the Cobbs Quay Marina as it was then and he was alarmed at the way it looked! The berths at low tide were full of mud, causing the boats to lie at odd angles and making access difficult for the owners.
Tony discussed the situation with other Berth Holders over a drink in the Yacht Club. By the end of the conversation the Berth Holders Association had been born. The original board members included Tony, Bob Maidment and Eric Hall. The initial purpose of the B.H.A was to represent all the berth holders in a united voice over day to day running of the Cobbs Quay Marina.
The first challenge was to address the dredging of the marina and access channel. The profile of the problem was raised with the help of the boating press and after photographic evidence was published in a Yachting Magazine the marina owners took the necessary action.
At the end of 1993, the second full season, the B.H.A had swelled to 100 members. By the end of 1996 this had jumped to 219, and today over 600 skippers have paid subscription fees.
In 1994 with the majority of the dredging work work completed, The B.H.A established a social side after a successful group cruise. This led to the ever popular “cruising calendar” and “cruising in company”.
Today the objectives of the association are much the same:
Purpose
Bring people together to have a better experience cruising from Cobbs Quay and Davis’.
Vision
Enabling members to 'Go Further‘
Key Strategies
Develop members’ experience of cruising from Cobb’s Quay.
Continue to enhance communication with members.
Promote Safety and skills
Continue to be seen by MDL as a valuable partner.
2009 Activities
Positively influence the functionality of the second bridge
Have a positive impact on the use of the Backwater Channel and the Harbour
Continue to develop communication with members
Continue to develop website content and functionality
Ensure the web site remains self financing
Liaise with MDL to give value add to members enhancing our joint working
Continue to develop the financial input from revenue generating activities
Use finances prudently to the benefit of all members
Drive up membership numbers by 50 during the year
Continue to develop a relationship with Davis’ Boatyard - office and members
Establish and run at least 3 non cruising events to include social and training activities.
Plans for this year are :-
- 2010 Cruise programme
- Exciting programme visiting Isle of Wight, Solent, Channel Islands and France and the West Country
- Revisions to the organisation with new Secretary and Cruise Leaders
- Support – ‘required’ briefing attendance and skipper guidance
- Training
- Diesel engine course
- First Aid
- Member resources available for free hire
- Specific CQBHA designed ‘new’ boater training – sponsored
- Ladies Training
- Tell us what else you would like ….
- Events
- Boat Jumble – (there will be a CQBHA table), Summer Party, themed end of season party - any more ideas?
- Bridge
- seems to be going ahead this year
- continue to lobby the BoB – ‘double lift for safety’
- try to positively influence the protocols and use of the bridges
- Communication
- Magazine
- Give us your views
- As ever need articles
- Hard copies to purchase
- Monthly e newsletter
- Make sure we have your up to date e mail details
- Summary
- During 2009 your Committee has continued to take the Association forward – a tribute to their talent and commitment
- Cruising is still at the heart of the Association – same for 2010 but with an eye of cost and an improved – and safe experience?
- Link with Bridge Operating Board still there but must strengthen to make a difference in order to :-
- Positively influence the safety and use of the bridges during construction and beyond
As ever please contact me if you would like to make any points or discuss anything.
Let’s hope for a great season’s boating.
Jonathan Saunders
Chair – CQBHA – chairman@cqbha.org