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Ramsgate Marina 

Association

 

 

RAMSGATE MARINA ASSOCIATION


Meeting held at 10.30 on Sunday 13th October 2008 in the Royal Temple Yacht Club

Minutes

Present: Tim Peacock (Chairman), Brian Marchbank (Secretary), Barbara Shilling, John Howes Gerry Short.

1. The minutes of the Meeting held on Sunday 11th May 2008 were approved.

2. Committee
(a) Tony Kearney has resigned from the Committee.

3. Membership
(a) Total membership has increased to 103; (47 have paid the £5 subscription for two years). JH to contact all those who have not yet paid.
(b) JH reported that the bank account holds £742.44 plus interest.

4. Notice Boards
(a) BM agreed to meet with TP in the next two weeks to fix the notice boards in place.

5. Electricity
(a) BM has obtained the calculation of the proposed increase in the electricity charge and found it correct, subject to confirmation of the actual kWh charges by the (two) suppliers, which is awaited. However, the calculation of the additional cost of the annual charge is in dispute.
(b) The apparent 41% increase in the kWh charge for metered supplies is caused by the fact that the published current rate of 8.4 pence was too low and should have been 8.9 pence. The correct increase is 34%.
(c) The standing charge for 2009/10 is in dispute because the calculation includes depreciation which is not permitted by Ofgem.
(d) A claim for the repayment of VAT incorrectly charged at 17.5% instead of 5% since 2000 has been submitted.

6. Royal Harbour
(a) Marina charges for 2009/10 are to be increased in line with inflation.
(b) Further dredging in the entrance is to be carried out in the next couple of months. However, it appears that there is not yet a long term commitment to dredging.
(c) The Maritime Museum is to close and the building sold. A number of issues need to be addressed, including the Cervia and other vessels owned by the Museum.
(d) The Royal Harbour has no intention to give any concession on fees to long term berth holders or disabled people.

It was agreed that BM should write to the Chief executive of TDC to express the concern
of the RMA at ever increasing mooring fees and ever decreasing levels of service.

7. High Pressure Pump
(a) .The high pressure pump which is owned by the RMA is in poor condition. BS to arrange to have it inspected; if it is beyond reasonable repair it will be disposed off.
(b) If it can be repaired it must not be used until it had been electrically tested and tagged. In this case the storage arrangements must be improved.

8. Any Other Business
(a) BS raised the possibility of buying a submersible pump for use in emergencies.
It was agreed that emergencies are best dealt with by the RNLI or the Royal Harbour.

9. Date of Next Meeting
(c) The next Committee Meeting will be held at 10.30 on Sunday 25th January 2009
at the RTYC.



Meeting held at 11.00 on Sunday 11th May 2008 in the Royal Temple Yacht Club

Minutes 

 Present: Tim Peacock (Chairman), Brian Marchbank (Secretary), Barbara Shilling, John Howes Gerry Short and Tony Kearney. Apologies received from John Young. 

  1. The minutes of the Meeting held on Sunday 16th March 2008 were approved.

    2.   Membership

    (a)    Total membership has increased to around 100, after recent applications have been processed. 

  1. Notice Boards

(a)    It was agreed that TP would order 4 A2 sized waterproof lockable notice boards at a cost of £65 each, plus delivery.

(b)   It was agreed that TP would arrange to have the boards fixed in the positions agreed with the Royal Harbour. 

  1. Royal Harbour

(a)    TP & BM had met with Captain Evans on Thursday 8th May. It is clear that TDC must follow guidelines issued by the Government to manage the Port in a different way, with some separation from direct rule by the Council. Currently under discussion within TDC and the results likely to emerge in two to three months. Some changes to the way in which the Marina is managed may result with possible improvements.

(b)   The next meeting of the Harbour Users Group is on Tuesday 1st July. TP & BM to attend. 

  1. Action Points

(a)    The Action list had been discussed at length with Captain Evans and his comments are attached to each item in blue (see attached list). The slow progress was deplored.

(b)   The breakdown of the meter reading charge has been received and appears to include items, such as depreciation, which should be excluded. BM to respond in detail. 

  1. Any Other Business

(a)    Noted that there is an ongoing investigation into an electrolysis problem in the Outer West Marina. 

  1. Date of Next Meeting

(a)    The next Committee Meeting will be held at 10.30 on Sunday 12th October 2008 at the RTYC although interim ad-hoc meetings may be called during the sailing season.

 

RAMSGATE MARINA ASSOCIATION 

Annual General Meeting held at 11.00 on Sunday 20th April 2008 in the RNLI Boathouse 

Minutes

       Present: Tim Peacock (Chairman), John Howes (Treasurer), Brian Marchbank (Secretary), Barbara Shilling, John Young.

A list of members present is at the end of these minutes

 1.  Apologies had been received from Charles Bates, David Babsky, Dom Watson, Glen Studholme, Peter Blackmore and Tony McDonald. 

 2.   Minutes of the previous Meeting held on Sunday 15th April 2007 were approved; proposed  by Frank Thomily and seconded by John Young. 

3.    Chairman’s Report 

Tim Peacock outlined the activities of the Committee during the past year together with the Action Points currently being actioned. There have been four meetings with the Royal Harbour and three Committee Meetings. Some successes have been recorded but progress with the Royal Harbour remains slow.

4.   Treasurers Report

John Howes presented the Income and Expense Account to 20th April 2008. Income for the Year was £80.62 (£55 subscriptions plus £25.62 interest) against expenditure of £31.10. The balance in the bank is £885.66.

5.   Election of Committee Members

The current Committee Members were re-elected. G Short OBE was elected as the Committee Member to represent the interests of the Outer Western Marina and Tony Kearney as a Ramsgate resident.

6.  Membership

Total Membership stands at 91 plus those who joined at the Meeting. It was agreed that the subscription should remain at £5 for two years, payable this year.

7.   Royal Harbour

(a) A breakdown of the charge of £24.68 per quarter for the supply of metered electricity charges is (long) awaited. Noted that South Dock Marina charge for this service is £5.70.

(b) The waste oil tank is to be replaced. The current tank is dangerous.

(c)  A credit card operated fuel pump is to be installed.

(d) Work is slowly taking place to identify and improve the locations of the safety ladders.

(e) Dredging is currently taking place in the Outer Eastern Marina. Tenders are to be invited for a three year dredging programme to return the harbour to the charted depths.

(f)  If Ramsgate is successful in winning its bid to become the maintenance base for the proposed wind farm then the boat park will be relocated, probably nearer the road along the cliff. Members expressed their concerns about the congestion in the current location and the RMA will keep a close watch on the proposals as they emerge.

(g)  Some reorganisation of the Marina Management is rumoured. It was generally agreed that it would be in the best interests of the Marina if the operation of the Marina could be split off from Port Ramsgate.

8. Website Management

Frances Mulhall was thanked for the work she has done to the website in the last year.

9. Any Other Business

(a) Four notice boards are to be purchased from the RMA funds and fixed at the four entrances to the Marina.

(b) Better fendering on the fuel pontoon is required

(c) Regular marina patrols are not happening despite assurances from Captain Evans. Suggested that a key box recording system to confirm these patrols should be installed.

(d) Damage to yachts has been caused by protruding steelwork at the junctions of pontoons in the Outer Marina.

(e) The Royal Harbour is to be pressed to introduce a loyalty discount for mooring fees. Reductions in the rate for classic boats with long bowsprits is to be investigated.

(f) The toilets in the Inner Marina need replacing.

(g) A planned maintenance programme is urgently required.

(h) Regular maintenance and cleaning of the Boat Park is required

(i)  The Royal Harbour is to be pressed to improve the supply of Weather Reports.

10. Conclusion.

Members feel very strongly that they do not receive value for money from the Royal Harbour and that service levels have deteriorated. There was a general feeling that Councillor Latchford, who is responsible for the Harbour, should meet with the RMA Members to be given a better understanding of the issues. In addition, consideration should be given to the involvement of the local press to assist in achieving improvements.

Members present:

John & Frances Mulhall

Melvyn Graham

M & J Clements

Neville Petts

Brian Chapman

Frank & Rosemary Thornly

Sean Ames

Bob Dole

David & Rita Johnson

Elizabeth Anderson

J Roberts

Andy & Emma Greatrix

K Ball

N Burrel

Tony Kearney

P Peacock

Gloria & P Field

G Short OBE

C Ross

Derek Hirst

R Payne

M Gilbert

M White

T King

D Holmes

J Hanscomb


 

RAMSGATE MARINA ASSOCIATION 

Meeting held at 10.30 on Sunday 16th March 2008 in the Royal Temple Yacht Club 

Minutes 

      Present: Tim Peacock (Chairman), Brian Marchbank (Secretary), Barbara Shilling, John Howes  and John Young.  Apologies received from Lee Dryden. 

 

  1. The minutes of the Meeting held on Sunday 7th October 2007 were approved.

    2.   Membership

(a)    Total membership has increased to 74.

(b)   TP to find out from the RH if it is possible to send out application forms with the annual invoices. If so, new forms, listing achievements and discounts from local suppliers, to be printed.

(c)    BS has obtained the keys of the existing notice boards. Refurbishment to be arranged by TP via Clive.

(d)   LD to report on discount opportunities for members from local suppliers.

(e)    JH reported that the bank balance currently stands at £785.09 

  1. Annual General Meeting

(a)    It was agreed that the AGM would be held on Sunday 20th April at 11.00 in the Lifeboat House. TP to book the venue; BM to issue notices by post; JH & JY to provide coffee and biscuits after the meeting.

(b)   It was agreed that the RMA subscription of £5 for 2 years should be collected this year. 

  1. Royal Harbour

(a)    BM is still awaiting the detailed calculation of the quarterly charge of £27.03 for metered electricity supplies.

(b)   Some dredging had been carried out but the Contractors dredger has apparently broken down.

(c)    The next meeting of the Harbour Users Group is on Wednesday 19th March. TP & BM to attend. 

  1. Action Points

(a)    The Report Book in the Dock Office and Marina Office works well

(b)   Numerous promises of action were made by Councillor Roger Latchford at the last Harbour Users Group but have not been carried out.

(c)    BS requested that an apron be fitted to the car park barrier to assist guide dogs.

(d)   The provision of credit card operated fuel pumps awaits a decision by the Government as to whether red diesel will continue to be sold to fishermen. 

  1. Website

(a)    LD to report on local businesses who might wish to have their website links on the RMA website.

(b)   BM had investigated the possibility of having a “Forum” on the website to enable members to obtain help and advice from each other; however the Management of such a forum would be time consuming. 

  1. Any Other Business

(a)    BM raised the continuing problems with the security gate near the Dock Office. It was agreed that the RH should be asked to fit it with electric openers, which would also assist greatly opening it from the inside when laden.

(b)   It was agreed that BM should request details of the Royal Harbour Operating Budget for 2008/9 under the Freedom of Information Act. 

  1. Date of Next Meeting

(a)    The next Committee Meeting will be held at 10.00 on 20th April in the Lifeboat House.

 

RAMSGATE MARINA ASSOCIATION

 

Meeting held at 10.30 on Sunday 7th October 2007 in the Royal Temple Yacht Club

Minutes

       Present: Tim Peacock (Chairman), Brian Marchbank (Secretary), Barbara Shilling, Lee Dryden.

      Apologies received from John Howes and John Young

  1. The minutes of the Meeting held on Sunday 24th June 2007 were approved
     
  1. Membership

           (a)    Total membership remains at 73.

(b)   TP to arrange for membership forms to be reprinted.

(c)    TP & BS to encourage eligible RTYC members to join the RMA

(d)   Refurbishment of the existing notice boards to be considered. BS to obtain the keys.

The cost of new notice boards to be obtained by BM

(e)    LD undertook to research discount opportunities for members from local suppliers. 

  1. Electricity Charges

(a)    Dominic Evans has agreed in principle that every berth holder will have the option to have metered electricity from 1st April 2008. TP & BM to arrange a further meeting to receive an update from him as to how this will be done.

(b)   The Harbour Users Group Meeting has been twice cancelled and is now set for Monday 8th October. 

  1. RYA National Moorings and Marinas Panel

TP reported on the Meeting in Southampton which he had attended. The principle points of interest were: 

(a)    The cost of electricity should be a maximum of approximately £17 per quarter standing charge plus 8.5 pence per unit.

(b)   The Government recommends that Local Authorities who operate harbours should ring fence the income from such harbours, to be spend only on the harbour, otherwise any eligible grants might be lost. 

  1. Action Points

(a)    The re-siting and relocation of the safety ladders has still not been addressed. TP to raise at the Harbour User Group Meeting.

(b)   Loose standpipes have been fixed but only on Rennies Row

(c)    The Report Book in the Dock Office and Marina Office works well. 

  1. Website

(a)    Agreed that the background colour of the web pages should be changed to white or light blue

(b)   LD to identify local businesses who might wish to have their website links on the RMA website.

(c)    BM to investigate the possibility of having a “Forum” on the website to enable members to obtain help and advice from each other. 

  1. Any Other Business

(a)    Bill Mascall on Pieces of Eight (Rennies Row) now also has a key for the pressure washer

(b)   The oil disposal tank is difficult to find and potentially dangerous to use. TP to raise at the Harbour User Group Meeting. 

  1. Date of Next Meeting

(a)    The next Committee Meeting will be held at 10.30 on 20th January in the Royal Temple Yacht Club Hold Bar.