Paladine

While not canal related, I am aware that some members hire boats on the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads, or take their own boats to visit, or may even keep a boat there, so this may be of interest to them. The Broads Hire Boat Federation (BHBF) have sent an objection to the DfT, under S31 of the Harbours Act 1964, to the level of tolls imposed by the Broads Authority for the 2023/24 season. The grounds for objection can be seen in the attached notice. The tolls went up by 13% over the previous year. A group of private owners have collectively sent a similar objection. They have a FB group, with over 1,300 registered members, the Broads Reform Action Group (BRAG), where further information may be found https://www.facebook.com/groups/1402368430170302 May I ask any members who have been, or may be, affected by the tolls increase, either through paying a toll themselves directly, or through increased hire costs, to write to Paul.Sharpe@dft[.]gov[.]uk to give their support for either or both of the objections. (Please remove the square brackets from the email address.) Thank you.

Eight, apparently 😉

Every time the Wiki entry is corrected 'someone' changes it again. For example, the Broads Authority does not receive a "National Park Grant", it receives a grant from the Secretary of State by virtue of s.15 of the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act 1988.

No, they WANT to introduce a charge at Reedham, but they lease the quay from Broadland District Council and BDC don't think a charge would be lawful and have told the Broads Authority to provide legal evidence that it would be. The present lease, which expired in 2002 and has been 'held over' since then, says that there can be no charge imposed for the first 24hrs. The latest from BDC, as of today, is that they don't agree to a charge being imposed.

Be aware, particularly if you want to eat in the pubs, that, like everything else, mooring costs are going up. For example, the Swan Inn at Horning charges £10 between 11am and 5pm and £20 from 5pm onwards and overnight (not refunded against food), and at Ranworth Staithe, a popular spot for boating visitors as it has the Malsters pub, St Helen's church tower and the Norfolk Wildlife Trust Visitor Centre, and was previously a free mooring, the Broads Authority has imposed a mooring charge of £5 (10am - 5pm) and £10 overnight. Please ignore the bit on the photo that says 'Broads National Park'. The Broads is NOT a national park, and never will be. It's just that we have a delusional Chief Executive.