With Christmas almost upon us, and the end of the year fast approaching we all find ourselves facing another uncertain time. There have been a couple of questions asked if the AGM will go ahead as planned. I think at the moment it is too soon to make a decision. We need to see how things pan out and what if any restrictions the government impose.
If need be we can set up another Zoom AGM. Although not ideal, last year’s seem to work reasonably well.
It is normal for us to send out the membership renewal reminders between Christmas and New Year. I’m on schedule to do that again this year, although it will be slightly different.
We will send out an email to each member containing a personal link. That link will take you into your own personal renewal form on the website. There will be no need to login as in the past. The form will show all your personal details that we have stored from last year including your boat and if applicable mooring details. Please check the details and correct anything that is wrong. Some address details could do with tidying up as we use that information to print any labels. The form is broken down into several different sections and will take you to the sections relevant to you. The final page will give a summary of the charges. If anything looks wrong you can use your browser back arrow to correct any errors. Unfortunately the software we are using can only calculate a total on the final submit. The website will then send you an email summarising your submission with the total amount payable and the payment details.
Please do not share or try to use your link to assist anyone else, as the link will only give access to your record and will be locked out once you have submitted your renewal. If anyone has any problems, don’t hesitate to contact me for help.
Most of you will find the total higher than normal. We have again maintained the club fees at the same level, but Peel Ports have upped their fees for our moorings and the Conservancy discs by 8.5%.
Peel Ports left it very late informing us of this increase, and I have questioned the higher than inflation price rises. It seems to have fallen on deaf ears and I was pointed towards a letter from the Director of the Port of Sheerness, which included the following:
“Additionally, charges on vessels, goods and line handling will be adjusted by an underlying
increase of approximately 8.5%, which is based on Retail Prices Index (all items) to October
2021 plus additional costs to cover government mandated increases to National Insurance
contributions, Peel Ports Group decarbonisation commitments and increases in taxes relating to
the diesel fuel costs.”
On top of this increase Peel Ports have made it clear that they require your personal information if you purchase a Conservancy disc. Previously we have limited the information to boat name and owners surname, as we didn’t believe that their requirements were GDPR compliant. Last year they insisted on Boat name, Owners name, address, telephone number and email. I called their bluff and offered to send the discs back and refund the members money. They backed down and accepted just boat name and owners surname, but made it clear they wanted full details this year. I consulted with the RYA legal team and they agreed that Peel Ports had the right to ask for it.
A few weeks ago I attended the MSBA AGM where Peel Ports were represented. In their report they stated that they would be introducing compulsory leisure craft registration in 2022. Fortunately, Kelly Tollhurst, local MP and President of the MSBA was present and immediately shot them down, telling them that Compulsory Registration could only be introduced if the changes to the Port bylaws were submitted to and approved by parliament. I believe the Conservancy discs are boat registrations by stealth.
On a lighter note, John Williams has decided it is time to step down as editor of Up the Creek. I’m sure you will all wish to join me in thanking John for his hard work over the last few years.
We are now looking for someone to take on the role. If you are interested please let me or any other committee member know.
That just leaves me to wish you all and your families a Happy Christmas and hopefully an unrestricted and healthy New Year.
Dave Metcalfe
