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Annual
Report of Brightlingsea Harbour Commissioners
22nd September 2008
This has been another busy year for the Commissioners
which has seen the satisfactory resolution of
the problems which have been a preoccupation
over the last two seasons.
As reported last year the provision of a new
office was a major project. A great deal of time
was spent on its design and it was only at the
last moment that a steep rise in costs led to
the project being cancelled. Some alterations
have now been made to the present office to improve
the facilities available to staff and this has
made life more agreeable in the short term.
Hampstead Homes completed their Marina and the
Commissioners have entered into an agreement
to manage the berthing in the Marina and all
the associated administration and around half
of the berths are occupied.
Early in the season SITA, the lease holders
of the Wharf, indicated that the export of scrap
metal from Brightlingsea would cease in August/September,
something which was good news for berth holders
who had suffered from noise and dust pollution.
However there must be some concern as to the
future of the Wharf if no alternative cargoes
can be found.
At the same time part of the Wharf has been
separately leased and made available to DONG
for the siting of temporary offices and for a
fuelling berth and craneage point, supported
by a pontoon on the downstream part of the Wharf.
With the construction of the Wind Farm commencing
in early September, the level of vessel movement
in the Harbour and the River will steadily increase.
As the build-up will be during the autumn and
winter there will be an opportunity to organise
the passage of vessels, both large and small,
in the most convenient way for all other users.
Under the 2001 Harbour Revision Order three
commissioners are appointed or reappointed every
two years and this AGM sees the reappointment
of Richard Giles and Barry Turner and the appointment
of Robin Page.
Adrian Espin who has been a commissioner since
the new appointment process commenced did not
apply for the further 4 year term. The Commissioners
are very grateful for the contribution made by
Adrian Espin over his 6 years as a commissioner
and marked this appreciation by a presentation
to him at the last meeting he attended in September.
It is planned that there will be some changes
in the management of the Commissioners following
on from the retirement of the Chief Executive
during the coming year. These are at an early
stage and are subject to ongoing discussion.
Financial
For
the period ending 31.3.08, the turnover of £346,662 shows an increase on the previous
year but the overall result shows a deficit after
taxation of £6,226. This disappointing
outcome results from a number of special items
including Legal Fees, Security, Dracula engines
and the costs associated with the office project.
Were it not for these items a surplus for the
year would have been achieved (legal fees and
security alone amounted to £23,500).
At the half way stage in the current financial
year the figures suggest a return to a healthy
surplus for the year. The accounts to 31.3.08
can be inspected in the Harbour Office by appointment.
Residents Moorings
There continues to be a waiting list for pontoon
moorings although some larger boats have taken
a berth in the Marina. There is now a shortage
of moorings for small boats, with all drying
maintained moorings occupied.
Visitors
Despite
another year of poor, windy weather visitor
numbers have held up close to last year’s
record levels and this is a continuing tribute
to the friendly and efficient service offered
by staff which continues to be recognised and
appreciated in countless comments and many letters.
John
Brett’s contribution to the Harbour
is also well known and greatly valued and the
CYC facilities complete the Harbour package.
Ferry
This service remains very popular, having carried
circa 16,000 passengers with approximately equal
numbers to East Mersea and St Osyth Stone. Maintenance
of the engines, which have heavy use, is proving
quite expensive but there is a commitment to
a continuing future for the Ferry. Peter Fisher
continues as an enthusiastic IC Ferry supported
by an excellent team.
Boat Park/Hard/Jetty
The rising water problem in the Boat Park has
been dealt with successfully and the area has
been resurfaced.
The legal matters between Brightlingsea Town
Council and some commercial users have been resolved
satisfactorily and the end of year meeting between
BTC and BHC was very useful.
Some work has been undertaken on the Hard but
the opportunity to replace the scrubbing post
has yet to occur.
Navigational Aids
The new tide gauge on the gated entrance to
the Creek has proved very helpful. The new port
hand buoy marking the entrance to the Marina
is in place and a tide gauge has been placed
on the entrance to the Marina.
Pilotage
The
Pilotage arrangements for Brightlingsea Wharf
and Fingringhoe Quay have continued to operate
very smoothly under Capt Graham as coordinator
and during the summer the Pilots undertook the
necessary training for Pilotage Exemption Certificates
to be issued to the two skippers of the new vessel ‘Polla
Rose’ which has begun a regular trade between
Fingringhoe Quay and Silvertown on the Thames.
River Patrol
As agents for Colchester Borough Council the
River Patrol crew in Dracula continue to make
a major contribution to the observance of speed
limits in the River Colne. The Marine Police
are supportive of this local effort to achieve
a safe environment on the water and have made
their presence felt at various time throughout
the season. There is an intention to take some
prosecutions once evidence is made available
by the police.
Advisory Bodies
Both Advisory Bodies have met twice during the
year for advice and comment on BHC activity.
Website
It is now live, as evidenced by this report
being already available on the site and to date
appears to have received 11,000 hits!
Sail Training Event
The event was once again held in association
with The Pioneer Trust, with sponsorship from
the Commissioners, for a period of two weeks
and included pupils from Colne Community School
as well several of the local junior schools.
The enthusiasm of the participants was outstanding
and made the whole event very rewarding.
Staff
In a service based activity such as exists in
the Harbour, the quality of staff is all important.
Mention has already been made of the level of
appreciation expressed by visitors and this is
also expressed by mooring holders and other Harbour
users. Even more it is shared by the commissioners
who are very aware of the quality of their staff
and are very appreciative of their commitment
to making the Harbour such a popular and welcoming
place.
Particular mention should be made of Ian Cole/Richie
Jacobs/Chris Scott, now joined by Gary Humm,
as the permanent members of staff who have to
take both good and bad weather in their stride.
Also of Alex Askew/Neil Baldry/Owen Evans/Peter
Harry in a supporting role generally and Neville
Coupland/Pauline Coupland on the River Patrol
and Pauline Coupland/Rebecca Crawley/Felicity
Moy/Tony Williams on the Ferry and Tony Bragg/Graham
Von Haartman on the Hard.
In the office Myrna Goody and Caroline Shotton
have formed a very strong team and are successfully
managing the increased workload. Until June they
had the part time assistance of Mary Pilgrim
who has now retired. Mary had been with the Commissioners
for 21 years and for much of that time had been
the only person in that office. During that period
she was the smiling face of the administration
and was very well regarded and popular with everyone
she met.
As is the case every year since he joined the
Commissioners eight years ago I wish to thank
Bernie Hetherington for his outstanding contribution
to the operation of the Harbour.
In his role as Chairman Roger Robertson has
been increasingly involved and his support has
been greatly appreciated and the other commissioners
have all contributed to the work and enjoyment
of the management of BHC.
John Partridge
12.9.08
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