Worsley Cruising Club General Information

The original Worsley Cruising Club was founded in 1958 as a Cruising Association of boaters who mainly moored in the Worsley area of the Bridgewater Canal. In 1973 Worsley Cruising Club Ltd was formed after registration as a Limited Company. As a Founder Member of the Federation of Bridgewater Cruising Clubs, the Club has made a substantial contribution to both the Bridgewater Canal and the Federation, especially by the involvement of its Board of Directors, Officers and Members in the organisation of rallies on the Federation's behalf. In addition, through its association with other waterways organisations, it contributes to the preservation and development of the national waterways system both as an amenity to the public and as part of the nation's heritage. WCC is currently affiliated to The Federation of Bridgewater Cruising Clubs, The Association of Waterways Cruising Clubs, The Inland Waterways Association, The Rochdale Canal Society, The Huddersfield Canal Society and The Royal Yacht Association.

The headquarters and Clubhouse of WCC is situated at The Partricroft Arm on the Bridgewater Canal. WCC also has additional moorings at Butts Basin in Leigh. The membership represents a wide cross-section of the community drawn from many areas in the North West. It is very much a Club of self-help, with members contributing skills, expertise and labour to ensure the further development and future sustainability of the Club.

WORSLEY CRUISING CLUB LTD

(a Company limited by guarantee and not having any share capital)

Registered Office: The Clubhouse, Cawdor Street, Patricroft, Eccles M30 0QF

Registered No: 1044190

Phone No: 0161 789 1629

President: Alan L Jones Esq.

www.worsleycc@btinternet.com

WCC Burgee

The Burgee of Worsley Cruising Club Limited, was designed by the late Founder member Roy Kenyan in collaboration with local Historian the late Frank Mullineux. It shows the Club's close links with Worsley, the home of the Country's inter-connected commercial waterway system. The centre piece of the Burgee is the Pheon which is basic to the Egerton Family Coat of Arms. Francis Egerton - Third Duke of Bridgewater - was the founding father of our canals. The red and white colours derive from the original Worsley Family and both colours and Pheon later appear in the Arms of the Town of Worsley, now sadly lapsed after Local Government re-organisation.

Safety & Etiquette When Cruising

The promotion of the good reputation of Worsley Cruising Club is considered highly important. When cruising, members are expected to behave in a safe and responsible manner to bring credit to the Club. All members are expected to familiarise themselves with basic cruising etiquette and safety requirements.

There is available is a copy of ‘The Boater’s Handbook’. This outlines all the boating basics – essential knowledge and techniques to make sure you enjoy yourself but stay safe when boating. The Boaters Handbook is designed for newcomers to boating, but also serves as a handy reminder for more

experienced boaters.

Also available is a copy of ‘The Boater’s DVD’. This follows 2 first time boating families as they explore the inland waterways of England. The DVD is especially suitable for first time boaters and new crew, but it also carries useful reminders for those more experienced at boating.

General Rules & Expectations

General behaviour: Thoughtfulness and tolerance are essential for the smooth running of the Club. Members are required to behave in a considerate manner towards others at all times and look out for each other’s safety. This applies while using the Club’s facilities or while out cruising. Promotion of the good reputation of WCC is considered highly important.

Enjoying the facilities: Facilities provided by WCC are for the use and enjoyment of all members. It is expected they will always be used safely and treated with respect. After use, they should be left safe, clean & tidy. Any issues, for example inappropriate usage, breakages etc. should be reported to a Director.

Participation: WCC is a ‘self help’ Club with all maintenance and development achieved through voluntary commitment of members time and expertise. Members are expected to support the Club with regular, active participation in the Clubs programme of work party, cruising and social

events.

Refuse: There are no facilities at either Patricroft or Butts Basin for the removal of refuse. You must take all your refuse for disposal off site.

Dogs: Dog owners are expected to keep their dogs under strict control at all times. All dog fouling must be cleaned up immediately.

Keys to access amenities: Adult members may obtain keys upon payment of a returnable deposit. Keys must not be copied or lent to any non-club member. Keys remain the property of Worsley Cruising Club Ltd and must be surrendered when membership terminates or upon demand by the Board of Directors. Any loss of keys should be reported immediately to a Director.

Security: Security is of the upmost importance. Members must ensure all facilities and gates are locked when not in use.

Car parking: There is a limited amount of car parking space available at both moorings. Cars should not be parked in front of the mooring gates. At Butts Basin vehicles must not be parked in Bangor Fold. When parking, always consider the local residents and the Club’s relationship with them. If you intend to leave your car in the car park while out cruising, please ensure it is parked with consideration and not obstructing any access ways or other vehicles. If it is necessary to leave your car in the car park in excess of 3 days, this must be arranged in advance with the Mooring Officer.

Changes in circumstance: Please ensure that the relevant Officers are kept up to date with any relevant information. For example, the Membership Officer will need to know any change of address or phone number; the Mooring Officer any changes to your boat, etc.

Dull But Important Bits!

In 1973 WCC was registered as a Limited Company, Limited by guarantee and not having a share capital. The purpose of this registration was to protect the members, in that, in the event of financial collapse of the Club, the liability of individual members would be limited to £5 each. (This is the £5 refundable ‘Levy’ paid on being accepted as a member of the Club – See membership leaflet).

As a limited Company, the running of WCC is legally bound by a set of rules called the Articles of Association. Members are advised to read through the Articles of Association to give a more in depth insight into how the Club has to operate. The Articles of Association are available in the members section of the Website, or upon request from any member of the Board of Directors.

The day to day running of the Club is regulated by instructions and rules as laid down by a Board of Directors, based upon the requirements of the Articles of Association. The Board of Directors is usually referred to as ‘The Committee’ and is made up of between 10 & 18 members who all have specific responsibilities. A list of current WCC Directors is displayed on the Clubhouse notice board, and Club Website.

No club can exist without some formal rules, which ensure that the rights, pleasures and conveniences of the majority are not spoilt by the inconsiderate behaviour of others. Information on the facilities offered by the Club is given in a series of information leaflets, together with the necessary rules that govern their use.

The Directors are responsible for the interpretation and enforcement of these rules. Disciplinary action may be taken against members who fail to observe such rules, including, when necessary, expulsion from membership.

From time to time, it is necessary for the Board of Directors to establish new, or amend existing rules. Any such changes are communicated to members through the Clubhouse notice board and The WCC Bulletin. The Clubhouse notice board and WCC Bulletin are official channels of communication and are deemed all that is necessary to advise members of any such changes.

Use of any WCC facility is at "own risk". Worsley Cruising Club Ltd. cannot be held in any way responsible for injury, accident, damage, theft or loss to either persons or property in any way whatsoever, however caused.

Each year (in October), a WCC Annual General Meeting (AGM) is held at the Clubhouse, (For further information, see AGM leaflet). At this meeting, the Board of Directors who will be responsible for the running of the Club for the next 12 months are appointed by Members’ vote. The AGM also gives members the opportunity to vote on major decisions which affect the running of the Club. Occasionally, if a significant issue arises on which members need to vote, an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) may be called.