Chairman's Blog – 25 January 2013

Following a profuse apology for my being late, Pat, Kenny and I discussed the following:

1. Dredging: Thumper is still serviceable and is working. The machinery is being nursed and work is concentrated on the S. Pat has discovered that running Thumper is a major expense.
2. Prices for mooring: The fees have been restricted to less than 3% in the main.. The new brochure will list all the charges and will be published soon. The brochure will be released on the web. It is worth noting for example that the Ratho soft play area charges have been increased by 17% this year!
3. Pontoons: Boards are being replaced whilst funds are being sought for the nylon covering. New lights have been fitted above the refuelling berth to assist with safety. New rails have been fitted on the crane to act as a safety measure.
4. Maintenance: Work continues. In addition more power points have been installed at the Church. A water trailer with pressure hose has been secured allowing boat owners to power wash boats.
5. New Staff; Mainly front of house.
6. New Management: No news yet of the bids for the Marina.
7. Shed 4 Door: The company due to make and install the new door on Shed 4 has ceased trading.
8. Laundry: A replacement washing machine has been bought and installed.

Frank Pullen

Chairman

Chairman's Blog – Late Oct 2012

Following quite a long time without news of the takeover of the marina's management, I took the opportunity of an informal discussion with Russell Aitken (Bosun's Locker) to find out what is happening. Of course, he couldn't/wouldn't discuss anything that is confidential or sensitive. So here is a summary of what we discussed:

Russell is one of the management of Port Edgar Holdings that consists of lawyers, engineers and other specialists as well as investors from Edinburgh. Together they have submitted a detailed bid to City of Edinburgh Council (CEC) within the prescribed timetable and the offer is based on “early entry” - earlier than Apr 2014 although this may be problematic. Since submission a few detailed questions have been posed by CEC and Edinburgh Leisure, but no further news has been passed. They await any announcements.

In the meantime the bid did contain the following, although understandably they are short term plans :

1. A “Capital” effort on dredging.
2. No additional pontoons yet.
3. Replacement of pontoons over time with some being heavier to assist with the provision of shelter as there are no plans, in the short term, for wave barrier development.
4. Preferred option for boat lifting is to extend the slipway and add a slipway hoist ( probably 25 ton lift).

Investment shore-side envisages a new hub of offices, marina reception, restaurant, bar and some refurbishment to current sheds and blocks although there is uncertainty about the plans for Sea Cadets and the Sailing School. A cafe may also be included.

The footprint for the bid is recognised as small and that may require a short term lease solution for boat storage space, especially as there is no closure date for the contractors working on the current bridge supports.

Frank Pullen

Chairman

Chairman's Blog – Sep 2012

I met with Adam on Sunday at 0930 as this seems to be the best time to get him!

Weather Station: Told him we have purchased hardware and are testing. He and Kenny are chasing a mast and the broadband, hopefully by the end of this week.

Dredging: The follow-up survey is to be done. If the bridge-builders accept responsibility it is unlikely, in Adam's opinion, to result in dredging. A cash offer may be made. He is aware of other negotiations on the river and he will keep trying to arrange a joint effort. I stressed the importance of dredging.

Thumper: Is still US but Kenny is hastening action to get the repairs done. Turners make promises and then break them in light of larger contracts.

Toilets: I stressed again the need to separate the public from the youth changing rooms by sorting out the facilities near Shed 4. The task will be raised again by Adam with some urgency.

Active Marina: We were asked for topics for an Active Marina day. We offered 6 and they will be considered for next season.

Membership: I stressed the need for a large membership and Adam will resolve to do his utmost to include the “opt out” box on applications this time around. He acknowledged the need.

Approach Road: Following all our complaints, and that especially that of Mr Ian Griffiths, the road surface has been repaired. Well done the Council.

New member: Adam welcomed the inclusion of Colin Henderson (Yacht Charter) on the Committee membership.

Departee: Adam has been fortunate in getting the post managing EICA. In the interim, before a new manager is appointed, Kenny and Pat will take on the role between them.

A call from the Commodore of PEYC advised the acceptance by Port Edgar to host the East Coast week sailing next August. It is envisaged that a number of activities will include rowing, Dragon boats, the sailing school etc. as well as the regatta and racing with a great deal of social events. BHA has been asked to participate so we will discuss and offer something we can all join.

Regards

Frank Pullen

Chairman BHA