Have YOU heard about the Association of Waterways Cruising Clubs

 

Having just received a really chatty and informative newsletter, I was a little disappointed to notice that "members of"  part of the heading did not include the AWCC.

That set me to wondering how many of the Oundle Cruising Club members were aware of the Association of Waterways Cruising Clubs and just what its aims were and the advantages of belonging.

Let me attempt to enlighten those in need of it and at the same time perhaps encourage them to spread their wings a little further than the River Nene.

It all started on the Grand Union Canal when a boat broke down and another boat stopped and assistance and advice on where to get further assistance.

Whilst talking it was discovered that they were both members of a boat club and realised that it would be a good idea to to sound out other clubs on forming an association whereby members in trouble would always be able to call someone in the local area for advice and / or assistance.

The idea caught on and thus was born the Association of Waterways Cruising Clubs.

At the present time there are over 100 boat clubs across the country that are members and Oundle Cruising Club is one of them.

 An annual fee is paid by OCC and this allows all members  to contact associated clubs in the area that they are cruising for assistance and advice, be it on a breakdown, moorings or perhaps where is a good place to shop or eat. You have no need to feel a stranger in a strange land, and other clubs welcome you to use their facilities. This is particularly helpful when cruising areas away from the Nene and Ouse

Information on the other member clubs is published and updated regularly in the Association's Handbook, and this and other goodies such as pennants and stickers are available through your club representatives, Jenny and Ralph Sullivan, who of course , can give more information about the AWCC.

If you want to see a list of member clubs and find out more about the AWCC why not visit the website on www.awcc.org.uk .

Remember, Oundle Cruising Club  is a member and that makes you, as aamember of OCC a member of the AWCC.

Happy boating,

Clive Rowlands.