Hi, Your comments are always most welcome
David Mercer could do with some training in EFFECTIVE communication skills. Aggressive and poorly informed in his opening 'salvo'is not a good starting point for dealing with anyone. I would think that GOBA should perhaps review the skills and qualities of who they allow to represent them; David Mercer is certainly NOT an appropriate candidate for this role.
Come on GOBA, find an officer that has the correct set of skills before letting them loose on the public.
NB. Caxton
Sue
Please hang on in there, at no time did you do any of the things accused of.
I read it in the way intentioned, you were only immobile owing to a breakdown and at no time implied that others should abuse the visiting/staying times.
I believe that the EA control the waters you are on, not GOBA and as for David Mercer, what an aggressive person he is.
As you are a member of GOBA, his first step should have been to help not berate.
Perhaps he needs to do a bit of research in the future before he lets go in a tirade such as this.
All the best wishes.
Perhaps Mr. M. is trying to suggest that you might arrange a tow into Ely marina? I don't think that's unreasonable, but I totally agree with the previous commentators - his approach is all wrong and quite indefensible. I hope that your bad luck with the gearbox ends soonest!
Sorry Sue, I've been reading the blog upside down. Remember - it's always darkest before the dawn 
Hi Sue and Vic
This is getting ridiculous, I'm glad we decided to give Goba a miss while we were there if this is how they behave, obvious he has a problem with narrowboats anyone.
Chin up and congrats for publishing.
Love Dot
Sue and Vic
Sorry to hear of your on-going problems. Be assured that all your regular readers are 100% supportive of you in the face of the ill-informed criticism you are currently receiving.
best regards
david b
Hi Sue
I am incensed by the GOBA handling of this. Not indeed least because it none of his/ their business as far as I can see. Why the hell is that correspondent taking it upon himself to Police another organisations mooring anyway. I think that's the hight of arrogance on his (hopefully not the whole of GOBA's)part.
The mooring owners are clearly understanding of the reasons you are there.
GOBA should really get their own house in order first with the over stay of a wreck at the Lazy Otter!!!
I for one will be writing to him via the GOBA forum as a fellow member.
If you are reading this David Mercer I think you lack a full understanding of the problem, read the FULL blog history and then you will see a little sympathy would be in order right after your apology.
If this is your personal opinion David Mercer then fine, I uphold your right to voice your unjust opinions. However as a fellow GOBA member I wish you hadn't implicate the organisation in your comments, especially without taking some sort of ballot of members about their feelings on the matter.
Kevin
Hang in there, Sue!
There's not much I can add to the above comments; we agree with them all. Except to applaud your courage in being prepared to publish both DM's and your emails for public scrutiny. I guess there may be a few GOBA members with AOB at the next AGM?
I hope you get sorted soon, and this doesn't put you off what I know is one of your favourite rivers.
Geoff and Mags
A small clique of nasty small minded, little englanders have got control of GOBA, and seek to rule this river as if it is their own personal fiefdom. Woe betide anyone that doesn't meet their criteria for acceptabiliy. They are the Daily Mail afloat and it's time they were brought to heal.
GOBA officers should beware of usurping the EA or the Council's powers. It is against the law. Also GOBA is subject to numerous statutory rules relating to its conduct [via charity and provident society law], give 'em enough rope... They're their own worst enemy and it's only a matter of time before they slip up. "Pride goeth befor a fall"
As a GOBA member I'm disgusted at the content and tone of Mercer's letter. He doesn't speak for me or the silent majority of GOBA members.
Hi Sue/Vic,
This David person (who is he anyway?) obviously has control freak issues and unfortunately very little intelligence to back it up. If he had bothered to look at the history of this issue, common sense would have prevailed. This is a simple case of seeing and hearing only what one wants to, which atm I believe would sum up GOBA (ref Lazy Otter dumping zone).
Easy to say this Sue, but this guy is a total waste of time and space, and little notice should be taken of him. Keep smiling and look for the glad!
Wendie
Sue/Vic
The following copied from Canal boat forum (what a stink David Mercer has kicked up there!) re theft of diesel. Might the Local Coppers know something?
"Fuel being stolen is a problem in Fens. I lost a tankfull just after christmas , I had left the boat on the town moorings on the Library side under the trees, when I was called back to the office. returned three hours later. Noticed the the top of the rudder was showing out of water (Top of the Rudder is only above water when less than a 1/4 tank is left), Dipped the tank, less than a inch. A all blue boat (40ft), No name or number was seen moored stern to stern (fender to fender). The owner is well known by local boaters as a trouble maker and is banned from local marinas. At the present time someones tank is being emptyed about every 5 to 6 weeks.
As to how it can happen?. Someone passing by may not see anything out of place if what looks like rope is infact a hose linking tank to tank.
At the last London show, there was product on show, which looked just like a hose which was placed 1st in one tank and the other end in the other. With out having to suck"
Lesley
Nb Caxton
Hang in there, Sue!
As a GOBA member I'm absolutley disgusted at both the content and menising tone of David Mercer's letter. He certainly doesn't speak for me, nor would I ever wish him to.
The way GOBA are acting at the moment is beyond belief,
Good luck to you and Vic, hope you get things fixed before too long.
Hello all, it's time GOBA had a new influx of ideas and active members. We have started a new discussion group at http://www.goba2020.blogspot.com and you are all invited. It's time for change - "Our GOBA - Everyones' River". Hang in there Sue, The Times They Are a Changing. Best wishes, Petronius and the GOBA2020 group.
Well I hope you won't be self-censoring your blog in future. Reading an honest account of life afloat is fascinating and a great education for those of us who hope to follow suit one day.
Buy a cheap bottle of fizz & pop the cork when finally get to clear your prop of the beaurocracy and steam away.
GOBA - is that: Gratuitously Offensive Beaurocratic Attitude (I've kept it printable)?
Hi Sue and Vic
Would you like me to send the dogs round? The gang of five is more than a match for this rude and ill-informed person - I'd hesitate to use the word 'gentleman'. Anyone who's had the pleasure of following your blog over the years knows that you both typify everything that is good and considerate about the ccing crowd, so do try not to dwell on it. You can see from all the support on the board that there's only one person in the wrong here and his initials are DM - what a knob!
All the best
Sarah & the greys
Also known as the Geriatric Ouse B------s' Association to some... ...
Dear S & Hubby, I hope by now you realise the river's full of friends you've yet to meet. I'll look out for you on my travels and say hi. Best Wishes.
"It is this sort of behaviour that engenders some of the adverse but often unjustified comments GOBA receives frequently about narrowboats in general."
And he is the type of boater who seems to enjoy adding fuel to the fire.
Ignore him, he obviously is a rather bored gentleman with nothing better to do than cause trouble. Have you written a letter of complaint to GOBA about him??
x Valonia
