Upon arrival at about 2.45 there were about four protesters and
rather more yellow coated BW staff, including a number of "heavies"
around a work boat and flat on the canal - engine running.
The eventual number of protesters was between 20 & 30 and the average
age was probably well over 50 if we ignore the toddler.
The protest was mainly a quiet affair, but I was rather concerned
that the more vocal seemed to be more concerned about the license
increase than the loss of grant. I do not think we will gain much
sympathy with that tack.
Also some from Oxford seemed to be protesting about the boatyard
there. I am not sure potentially splitting the message will do much
good either, but although this may well have been highly appropriate
for them we must watch it in the future.
Unfortunately there were no local press, so one hopes the Lawrence
Hogg chap will try to sell his videos to the TV people.
I saw people form Waterways World, Canal Boat and Motor Boat. All
took still pictures and some talked to protesters.
A chap with all the hallmarks of a civil servant and a hidden
delegate badge made a very fast "walk for it" early in the
proceedings. I think this was the DEFRA guy.
Eugene talked to some people and the Boss (Edwards?) came part way
out and talked to a few people. He then disappeared.
Rumour has it that the work boat was used to transport at least some
delegates out of the back door and to Wolverhampton. I can not
confirm this, but I can not think of another reason it was there.
BW are always telling us to report yobs (public order issues) to the
police so I want to know why and how they could afford to provide
their own security and alleged special transport - a bunch of
geriatrics are not going to start a riot unless grievously provoked -
especially when consideration should put protesters and BW on the
same side - just how well do you know your customers Eugene?
Unfortunately the "kind words" from the odd BW chap sounded a bit
hollow, so I think a few personal financial gestures from very senior
managers would not come amiss in public relations terms.
We need a far bigger turn out next time and enough people with phones
to cover the "back door" and hand out leaflets to the public.
I understand Sue form the Horse Boat Society is having a protest in
Manchester this weekend - sorry no details.
--
Tony Brooks
www.TB-Training.co.uk
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