Regional Briefings

Throughout March AINA held three regional briefings - focusing on funding, a major issue for all navigation authorities, whether large or small.

The briefings coincided with the launch of AINA's latest good practice guide on funding (members can view an on-line version of the guide in the members section of this website).

Two AINA members gave presentations at each briefing on their own experience of finding and securing external funding.

Mark Baker, Canal Manager of the Grand Western Canal explained the ins and outs of the Countryside Stewardship Scheme which funded environmental improvements such as sustaining the beauty and diversity of the landscape, improving and extending wildlife habitats, Conserving historic/archaeological features, etc.

Geraint Coles, Manager of the Chesterfield Canal Partnership (CCP) came to the briefing straight from his success at the BURA awards where the CCP was awarded the Partnership Award. Naturally, therefore, his presentation focused on how a partnership approach to funding had to be adopted to continue the development of the Chesterfield Canal.

Roger Gooch, a Commissioner with the Driffield Navigation, described the challenges facing a small, independant navigation authority, with little or no income generating powers.

Stephen Lees, Project Manager with British Waterways, provided us with the bigger picture in terms of the major funding required to restore and regenerate the Montgomery Canal.

A local authority perspective on funding was given by Ian Brown, Director of the Basingstoke Canal Authority. The Basingstoke Canal is owned jointly by Surrey and Hampshire County Councils, and is funded by the owners together with the six riparian district councils through which the canal runs. Ian explained the structure of the funding the canal received and how plans were being introduced to ensure the financial sustainability of the canal into the future.

Holger Schiller is the External Fundraiser with the Broads Authority, and his presentation naturally focused on the trials and tribulations of achieving any external funding. Holger described a typical funding strategy - from establishing where the funds were, the importance of building partnerships - with businesses and the local community, and the timescales and administration involved.

We would like to thank everyone who gave presentations, and those who joined in the debate. Copies of all the presentations are available to view/download as pdf files from the AINA members website.

Look out for more information on the GRANTfinder online funding database which AINA will shortly be providing for its members.

April 2007