TSC Newsletter autumn 2003

Travelers’ School Charity Newsletter Autumn 2003

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A group of Argentinians travelled around the UK this summer with their own puppet show.

The show depicted the situation in their own country and some of the solutions they have developed; like community living.

Their children have very little access to educational facilities or resources. They expressed an interest in the computer project as they do not have mains electricity.

The mobile Office bought one of the TSC Lap-tops and donated it to their community, the TSC provided the software. The Argentinians want to set up an exchange scheme where by young people go to Argentina to experience the culture enabling them to communicate the facts on their return to the UK, similar visits would be planned for Argentinians to come and learn about communities and co-operatives in this country.

Computer Classroom Phase 3 has begun! Phase 3 involves distributing all the TSC computer equipment. Successful applicants will receive equipment, software and training.A big thank you to BBC Children in Need who have provided funding for12 training sessions between now and Spring 2005.

People responsible for the equipment will be required to;

be trained in the equipment’s use
Learn how to keep equipment in good order,
Teach using the equipment and educational software.
Provide ongoing reports to the TSC on the equipment’s use.
Have a full understanding on renewable energy systems as mobile power systems for IT.

The TSC will also provide backup and technical support
The training will cover.

How to a set up and maintain renewable energy systems.
How to work computers

Boater's Coalition News
The Boater's Coalition - a group of people campaigning for an end to the Trial Moorings Code, organised a meeting in Oxford on the 9th September

Present at the meeting were the following representatives;
Hannah Luff - Live-aboard boater, facilitator
Lucy Beckett - Traveller Education Service - Oxford, President of NATT(National Assosiationof Teachers for Travellers)
Pete North - Live aboard boater, Teacher of Travellers
John Pateman - Administrator - FFT(Friends, Families & Travellers)
Jo, Pete, Cath, Paul, Jaqueline and Dave - All Live-aboard boaters
Derek & Gill - seasonal boaters
Geoff Rogerson NABO(National Association Of Boat Owners) Council/BW(British Waterways) Liaison Officer
Celia Kennedy - NABO Council - Midlands Regional Secretary
Kaye Angus - Travellers' School Charity Trustee & Treasurer
Gordon Donaldson - Groundswell/Confederation of Cooperative Housing

It was interesting to hear how NABO tackled the issue with BW. They wrote to BW issuing a formal request that during the Trial Period BW should under no circumstances penalise any boater as a result of the trials of this code unless the said boater can be proven using measures existing prior to 1/4/03 to have contravened the Law of the Land, and that BW will, throughout the trial, explain to NABO how the results are to be gathered and processed and make NABO party to such results and the deductions arising from them. In addition to this they requested that BW consult fully with all National User Groups about any changes it proposes to make to the Code or it's implementation in the future.

According to Lucy Beckett the key issues are to establish that living aboard one's boat is a right in itself and for families there are considerations to be taken into account- primarily those of accessing Healthcare and Education.

She also reccomended that The Boater's Coalition, if not willing to join NABO, which some present were obviously hesitant of, should formally constitute the group and affirm it's aims, objectives and priorities in preparation for the BW deadline in a month's time. This deadline was in dispute, it seems that BW may have extended their consultation period.

NABO affirmed that whilst it can be spokesperson for live-aboards it does not condone staying in any one place for more than 14 days.

There are letters about the proposed code in the NABO News Magazine - Issue 4/03,

there are some people who feel that the water-ways are not built to carry the amount of craft that are now afloat and that legislation is the only answer. Others, however would argue that living on the canals keeps them safer, uses less water and gives local residents peace of mind when walking along the tow path late at night. At the meeting in Oxford it was suggested by Hannah that Canal Authorities might overhaul the way in which planning consent for moorings is decided and designate a proportion of waterways for residential purposes only. Another boater suggested that live aboards take responsibility for sections of the canals as during high season many problems are caused by so many leisure and tourist boats getting into trouble- locks left open, accidents etc and nobody around to sort problems out.

All things considered and with some impressive stories of BW Beaurocracy it seems that everyone wants to run the bakery and eat the cake! What the BW choose to do next seems to be crucial in the development of this legislation. Anyone who values their freedom on the waterways cannot afford to sit back and enjoy it as soon the Law looks to tighten further. Of those worst affected will be the children of boaters who live all year round on the waterways, again the innnocent ones, fight for justice - at least there's a chance someone will listen.

NATT President has pledged to campaign on behalf of those children whose lives will be affected, so if you want to let her know how it will affect you please get in touch with her as soon as possible. Without information about how many people are invoved there is no axe to grind, apparently, It is of course a risk one can only weigh up in terms of personal cicumstances, it might be worth letting them know you exist but having an undertaking in writing about the disclosure of that information?

In the meantime send your feedback to British Waterways, NABO and the Boater's Coaliton and defend the live-aboard way of life. Perhaps it would be a good idea to draw their attention to Articles 3,16,24,26,27 of the United Nations Convention on the rights of the Child and the Human Rights Act (check out these in your local library or look on the internet)

British Waterways Moorings Code Consultation, British Waterways Customer Service Centre, Willow Grange, Church Road,Watford WD17 4QA

Waterways Minister, Alun Micheal, House of Commons, London, SW1A OAA

for a sample postcard see; cutthecode2003@yahoo.co.uk

to show your support and exchange ideas go to; cutitout@riseup.net

NABO-BW Liaison, Geoffrey Rogerson, c/o St Margaret's Surgery, Bridge Street, Bradford-on Avon, Wilts. BA15 1BY

Cartoon Kate

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The Travellers’ School Charity’s aim is that Travellers and their children have access to
opportunities, freedom and choice, achieved through education.