[CUCBC Contacts] TOWPATH BLOCKAGE: Clare Novices' Regatta

[Philip Garsed]

Dear all,

It has come to my attention that the towpath is partly blocked for tree 
cutting toward the downstream end of the Reach. I am told this will also 
the case for Thursday and Friday (but not Saturday) of Clare Novices' 
Regatta. During these days there is likely to be a truck parked on the 
towpath and branches being removed from the trees to the side of the 
towpath. You will *not* be able to pass along the towpath freely and may 
have to wait if work is going on overhead.

It is imperative that you respect any instructions from the contractors. 
Under no circumstances must a bank party simply charge through the work 
area during a race. You will almost certainly be expected to dismount 
and walk through this section. I understand that this is extremely 
annoying as you will want to watch your crews race, but it is not within 
my control. We suggest that one member of the bank party stays with the 
boat through marshalling at Plough Reach (this remains a requirement) 
and anyone else uses the meadow side of the river (although remember 
this can be muddy).

For the race itself, we will be operating a relay system of Junior 
Umpires. The Junior Umpires will be giving the same signals to the 
boats, but you should be aware that the JU for your race will change as 
you pass the blockage. The schedule of racing should not be affected.

I'm sorry for any inconvenience. I am afraid  I hadn't been informed of 
the work. Again, please be polite and cooperative with the contractors - 
they are working on behalf of the Conservators. Any abuse or dangerous 
conduct by bank parties around these works will be treated in the same 
way as dangerous or abusive conduct in the rest of the Regatta and may 
result in disqualification.

Thanks

Philip Garsed
Senior Umpire
Clare Novices' Regatta 2008