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Post by Telemachus on Nov 29, 2019 12:34:00 GMT
So the minority complain ... ergo the majority aren't anti volunteers. We all have occasional disagreements or unhappy experiences, but I don't believe occasional exceptions would justify scrapping the volunteer system. Other views are welcome Rog I am not intrinsically anti-volunteer and have never said so. I don’t believe that my “unhappy experiences” justify scrapping the volunteer system and I have never said so. I have said on many occasions that I understand that boaters who are incompetent, inexperienced, lazy, not interested in working locks, physically infirm, disabled, single handed etc, may like to have volunteers working locks for them, and I have absolutely no problem with that. Nor do I have a problem when volunteers set locks ahead for us / close up behind or even generally help out, and certainly not when they do other duties such as painting, weeding, picking up litter etc (although I share Jenlyn’s concern that volunteers are replacing paid staff). All I have a problem with is volunteers forcing themselves on us, trying to take charge, issuing orders, shouting, micro-managing, tut-tutting and criticising when things are not done in exactly the way they would have done it (even though in many cases they have never actually taken a boat through a lock) and physically preventing normal operation of the lock. And a problem with the fact that CRT have no satisfactory process for monitoring the conduct of the volunteers, nor an adequate channel of communication to allow boaters to provide feedback on the behaviour of volunteers.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 29, 2019 13:46:52 GMT
I know and accept all that and have some sympathy with your views ... which is why I posted as much above. I only got on the 'merry go round' this time as it appeared leyther was being 'discouraged' from posting, which seemed to be an ill considered approach. To be honest we rarely are offered help at locks ... Jane and I must appear more active and able bodied than other boaters, but when assistance has been given, we've rarely had cause for complaint. The greater concern is the mismanagement of C&RT, one sympton of which @bedruthan describes perfectly. Rog
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Post by Deleted on Nov 29, 2019 13:47:19 GMT
I see the Wigan Flight Crew gained an award recently.
North West Team award: Wigan Lock Keepers (Paul Haughton, Joanne Bowers, Graham Carlson, John Evans, Andrew Finch, John Gallimore, Steve Price, Peter Baxter, John Roebuck) The Wigan Flight Lock Keepers have been active for over five years. Together they not only facilitate passage for boaters, but are an essential team maintaining water and functionality of the flight and therefore the canal that proceeds it. They all go above and beyond the call of duty. The sense of comradery between them and with employees is excellent, and they work fluidly with colleagues in a mutually beneficial way. They are a positive and essential asset to the Trust.
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Post by Telemachus on Nov 29, 2019 13:54:26 GMT
They missed a bit ... shouting inappropriate orders to boaters, deliberately not assisting a lady in order to make a point, shoving a 78 year old man out of the way to make another point.
Anyway, old news, I have already filled one bucket with vomit, I don’t need to do it again. And I bet they voted for themselves.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 29, 2019 14:04:44 GMT
Comradery is quite a funny word
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Post by Telemachus on Nov 29, 2019 14:09:07 GMT
Comradery is quite a funny word Yes I think they meant camaraderie. But their spelling is about as good as their award selection process. Or maybe they are commies.
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Post by Jim on Nov 29, 2019 14:17:51 GMT
Comradery is quite a funny word Yes, camerarderie is better.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 29, 2019 14:47:44 GMT
Quick Google search says that "comradery" is in fact a valid alternative to "camaraderie".
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Post by Jim on Nov 29, 2019 15:01:14 GMT
Quick Google search says that "comradery" is in fact a valid alternative to "camaraderie". Damned Yankee spelling.
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Post by naughtyfox on Nov 29, 2019 15:16:40 GMT
Comradery is quite a funny word RICK: For one man to love another, Vyvyan, is not poofy. It's actually very beautiful. It's only when they start touching each others bottoms that it gets poofy.
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Post by Trina on Nov 29, 2019 16:18:14 GMT
The volunteer program is actually becoming an issue. Although CRT have categorically stated previously that volunteers would not replace paye, the fact is they are beginning to do just that. The bank staff often have volunteers working with them, covering days off and sickness days etc. This is fine until it comes to light that bank staff are slowly being replaced by stealth. Those leaving are not being replaced. I don't personally have an issue with volunteers, but reliability, consistency and knowledge come into play here. Almost all work is now contracted out, and I can see a time where CRT will have no paye bank staff, (quite possibly within the next 3-5 years). The state of the towpaths in the south east are a good example of neglect that has become apparent since the local bank staff have been reorganised. There is no doubt in my view whatsoever that the loss of lengthsmen is having a detrimental impact on the system. One of the reasons for lack of recent offside vegetation management is the work now relies heavily on volunteers. Great, but on a cold wet miserable day, how many will actually bother to turn up? Most of this particular work is carried out during the winter months, and it is becoming increasingly apparent that the job is just not getting done. CRT office staff outnumber bank paye staff by more than 4-1, and yet crt office staff can be frequently seen on Twitter stating "that's me finished for the day" at 10 or 11am. I think I've already said that's exactly why Paul has given up volunteering.He always said that he was there to assist CRT workers & not do someone's job for free.He now reckons paid workers aren't being replaced if they can get a volly to do it for zilch.However,the full time staff don't always help themselves.A good example was the gang walking over litter outside the CRT office at Cambrian Wharf & getting P to clear it up.Paul now only helps out with the Heritage boat group of vollies.
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Post by patty on Nov 29, 2019 16:48:09 GMT
I got 2 more pages to read.....
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Post by Deleted on Nov 29, 2019 16:52:03 GMT
A volunteer lock keeper broke my hand left index finger.
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Post by patty on Nov 29, 2019 16:52:27 GMT
I got 2 more pages to read..... now at the end of the thread and.... yep still going
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Post by Deleted on Nov 29, 2019 16:53:11 GMT
A volunteer lock keeper broke my hand left index finger. Silly place to leave your brain cell.
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